Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar 🍓

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, topped with a shimmering strawberry sugar for a delightful, festive finish. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries, blended and strained)
• A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue)

For the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground

Instructions

1. Make the Strawberry Sugar

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with finely ground freeze-dried strawberries.

Stir well until combined and set aside.

2. Prep the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree, mixing until fully incorporated. Add food coloring, if desired.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

3. Shape and Coat the Cookies

Scoop dough into 1 ½-inch balls and roll each one in the sparkling strawberry sugar.

Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

4. Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked.

Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh or thawed frozen strawberries until smooth, then strain to remove seeds for a smooth puree.

Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These add a concentrated strawberry flavor to the sugar coating. Crush them into a fine powder using a food processor or by hand with a rolling pin.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

These cookies are the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers, combining a soft texture with a burst of fruity sweetness. Share them at your next gathering or enjoy them with a cup of tea! 🍓🍪