Are you looking to add a burst of flavor to your cookie repertoire? Look no further than these delightful Strawberry Sugar Cookies! Combining the sweetness of traditional sugar cookies with the tangy zing of fresh strawberries, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step process to bake these mouthwatering treats. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Strawberry Sugar Cookies, you’ll need:
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground (about 1/2 cup ground)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Now, let’s dive into the baking process:
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the perfect base for your cookies, ensuring they turn out soft and chewy.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. These ingredients add richness and depth of flavor to your cookies, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. The addition of ground strawberries not only lends a beautiful pink hue to your cookies but also infuses them with a subtle fruity flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
- Cool and glaze: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 30-32 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies
Experiment with Variations:
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can try substituting different fruits for the strawberries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create unique flavor combinations. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the glaze for an extra citrusy kick.
Storage Tips:
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookies for longer-term storage. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Gift-Worthy Treats:
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies make wonderful gifts for friends and family. Package them up in a cute tin or decorative box and spread some sweetness to your loved ones on special occasions or just because.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie recipe. With their vibrant color and burst of fruity flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. So why wait? Get baking and indulge in these irresistible cookies today!
FAQs
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
- Absolutely! However, keep in mind that using fresh strawberries may alter the texture of the cookies slightly and make them more prone to spreading during baking.
- Can I omit the glaze?
- Of course! While the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor, these cookies are delicious even without it. Feel free to skip the glaze if you prefer a simpler treat.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can! Simply shape the dough into balls as instructed and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- While you can certainly experiment with whole wheat flour, keep in mind that it will yield a denser cookie with a slightly nuttier flavor. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to achieve the desired consistency of the dough.
- How long will the glaze take to set?
- The glaze typically sets within 15-20 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process.
