Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These vibrant Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe are a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring and summer. With their soft, chewy texture and an irresistible strawberry flavor, these cookies are perfect for any celebration or simply as an afternoon snack. The unique sparkling sugar coating adds a visually stunning touch that will impress everyone who tastes them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The infusion of strawberries creates a sweet, fruity taste that everyone loves.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to be tender, making each bite a joy.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, these cookies fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
• Stunning Presentation: The sparkling sugar coating makes them look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a fluffy cookie dough.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 Topping

• 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. 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. This helps enhance flavor and makes it easier to handle.

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 in the prepared Sparkling Strawberry Sugar to coat evenly.

Step 10: Bake

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

Step 11: Cool

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

Step 12: Store

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are perfect for any occasion. Their delightful flavor and texture make them a hit at parties, picnics, or simply as an afternoon treat.

With Fresh Fruits

• Serve the cookies alongside a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and refreshing platter.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Create delicious dessert sandwiches by spreading a layer of whipped cream or dairy-free frosting between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.

With Tea or Lemonade

• Pair these cookies with a cup of your favorite tea or a glass of homemade lemonade to enhance their fruity flavor and provide a perfect balance.

At Celebrations

• Use them as festive treats at birthday parties, baby showers, or spring gatherings. Their vibrant color adds to the celebration atmosphere.

Gift Them

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts on special occasions like holidays or birthdays.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

To achieve the best results when making these cookies, follow these essential tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker and softer cookies.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to ensure consistent results.
• Do Not Overmix: Gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality extracts and freeze-dried strawberries for more robust flavors in your cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them from the oven when they are just beginning to set will keep them soft.
• Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to avoid breaking apart.

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

Complement your delicious strawberry sugar cookies with these delightful side dishes. They pair wonderfully and enhance your dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness, making it a light companion to rich cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that elevates the cookie’s sweet flavor.
3. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese add a savory element that pairs nicely with sweet treats.
4. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate can be used as a dip for those who want an extra decadent touch alongside their cookies.
5. Nut Mix: A light mix of nuts provides crunchiness and healthy fats that pair well with the softness of the cookies.
6. Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert combo that’s hard to resist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to making the perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Blend just until combined for soft and chewy results.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough can result in flat cookies. Always chill for at least 2 hours to help maintain shape and enhance flavor.
• Inaccurate Measurements: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise ingredient amounts.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurate.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on trays may cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries won’t provide the same concentrated flavor or texture. It’s best to stick with freeze-dried strawberries for this recipe.

How do I make vegan strawberry sugar cookies?

You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan version.

What is sparkling sugar?

Sparkling sugar is larger than regular granulated sugar, giving your cookies a beautiful shimmer and crunch. It can be found in most baking aisles.

Can I customize the flavor of these cookies?

Absolutely! You can use different fruit extracts or adjust the amount of strawberry powder based on your preference.

How should I store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These vibrant Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are not only delightful but also versatile. Perfect for any spring or summer celebration, they offer a sweet treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings!