Description
These irresistibly soft strawberry sugar cookies are bursting with natural strawberry flavor, thanks to freeze-dried strawberry powder and extracts. Perfectly tender with a delicate shimmer of sparkling strawberry sugar coating, they make a delightful treat for special occasions or sweet moments any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large Eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 cups All-purpose flour (helps achieve that soft, chewy texture)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (adds tenderness)
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder (for rise)
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda (enhances spreading)
- 2 teaspoons Cream of tartar (stabilizes dough)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (balances sweetness)
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- 6 tablespoons Freeze-dried strawberry powder (infuses flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon Pure strawberry extract (intensifies flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red gel food coloring (optional)
Sparkling Sugar Coating
- 0.5 cup White or red sparkling sugar (for shimmer)
- 1 tablespoon Freeze-dried strawberry powder (extra strawberry goodness)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, ensuring the unsalted butter and eggs are at room temperature to help with better mixing and dough texture.
- Make Strawberry Powder: Blend freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender until they form a fine powder, ensuring a strong fresh strawberry flavor in the cookies.
- Create Sparkling Sugar: Combine the fine strawberry powder with white or red sparkling sugar to coat the cookies later, adding a beautiful shimmer and extra flavor.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Mix in Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract, pure strawberry extract, and red gel food coloring if using. Mix briefly until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and the prepared strawberry powder to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg mixture in the mixer on low speed. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step firms up the dough, which helps prevent cookie spreading and enhances flavor.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out 30 evenly sized balls of dough. Roll each ball in the sparkling strawberry sugar mixture to coat fully.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the tops are set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to handle.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, retaining their freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Allowing butter and eggs to reach room temperature is key for a smooth, creamy dough.
- Chilling the dough for 2 hours is essential to prevent excessive spreading and improve texture.
- Using freeze-dried strawberry powder gives an intense natural strawberry flavor without added moisture.
- The red gel food coloring is optional but enhances the pink color to make the cookies visually appealing.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should look set but still soft in the center for the best texture.
- Store cookies properly to keep them fresh and avoid losing their softness.
