Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These vibrant Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe are a delightful treat for any occasion. Bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries and topped with a sparkling sugar coating, they are perfect for spring and summer celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a picnic, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will impress with their soft and chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry extracts and freeze-dried strawberry powder creates an irresistible berry flavor.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies are simple enough for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Stunning Presentation: The sparkling sugar topping adds a beautiful shine that makes these cookies eye-catching.
• Perfectly Soft and Chewy: Achieving the ideal texture is easy with the right chilling time for the dough.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Sugar Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen for success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in forming uniform cookie balls for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

These vibrant Strawberry Sugar Cookies are soft and chewy, infused with the delicious flavor of strawberries and topped with a sparkling strawberry sugar coating. Perfect for spring and summer celebrations, these cookies are sure to impress!

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (36g) freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure strawberry extract
• ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring

For the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:

• ½ cup white or red sparkling sugar (sanding sugar)
• 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder

Blend or process freeze-dried strawberries in a high-speed blender or spice grinder until they become a fine powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

Stir together 1 tablespoon of strawberry powder with ½ cup of sparkling sugar. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

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

Step 4: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in the vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and red gel food coloring until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and 6 tablespoons of strawberry powder.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain soft, tender cookies.

Step 8: Chill Dough

Chill the cookie dough for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to make it easier to handle and enhance flavor.

Step 9: Form Cookie Balls

Once chilled, scoop the dough into 30 medium-sized cookie balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in your hands, then roll it in the prepared Sparkling Strawberry Sugar to coat evenly.

Step 10: Bake

Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced at least 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the tops are just beginning to set.

Step 11: Cool

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Store

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These delightful Strawberry Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant color and sweet flavor make them a hit at gatherings, parties, or simply as a treat for yourself.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve the cookies alongside slices of fresh strawberries for a refreshing touch that enhances their fruity flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for dipping, creating a creamy contrast that complements the cookies beautifully.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Pair two cookies with a layer of strawberry or vanilla frosting in between for delicious dessert sandwiches that are sure to impress.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert experience.

On A Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for an eye-catching display.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Sugar Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and pure extracts to maximize flavor in your cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales or measuring cups accurately to ensure consistent cookie size and texture.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove cookies when just set for soft, chewy results.
• Store Properly: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness over time.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

When serving these delightful cookies, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that enhance their sweetness.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
3. Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert pairs well with strawberry flavors and adds elegance to your serving table.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and strawberries creates a light, refreshing dish that complements the cookies.
5. Lemonade: A glass of homemade lemonade offers a zesty drink option that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Warm chocolate sauce makes an indulgent dip that elevates your cookie experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours to ensure perfect texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may lead to cookies that are burnt on the outside but raw inside. Always preheat your oven properly to 350°F (175°C).
• Using Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberry powder will affect the texture and flavor. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for optimal results.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Improper measurements can ruin your cookies’ consistency. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

No, fresh strawberries will alter the texture and moisture of the cookies. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for best results.

How can I customize my Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

You can add different extracts like almond or lemon, or incorporate chocolate chips for extra flavor!

What is sparkling sugar, and where can I find it?

Sparkling sugar is larger than regular granulated sugar and adds a decorative touch. It’s usually found in baking aisles or online.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that are set but still soft in the center; they will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. With their vibrant color and unique flavor, they bring joy to spring and summer celebrations. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe by adding your favorite flavors or mix-ins!