Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are a delightful treat, perfect for any celebration. Their soft and chewy texture, paired with the vibrant flavor of strawberries, makes them a standout choice for spring and summer gatherings. The sparkling sugar coating adds a festive touch that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Strawberry Flavor: The use of freeze-dried strawberry powder infuses these cookies with a rich, fruity taste that is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without any hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to brighten up any event.
• Fun for Kids: Involving children in the cookie-making process can turn it into a fun family activity that everyone will enjoy.
• Beautiful Presentation: The sparkling sugar coating not only tastes great but also makes these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• High-speed blender or spice grinder

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps achieve perfectly creamed butter and sugar, making the dough light and fluffy.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring consistent cookie shapes and textures.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

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 (like Amoretti Artisan Natural Wild Strawberry or Cooks)
• ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring

For the Sparkling Sugar Coating

• 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 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 the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Store

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

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These vibrant Strawberry Sugar Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Their delightful flavor and sparkling sugar coating make them a treat everyone will love. Here are some fun serving suggestions that can elevate your cookie experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast that enhances the fruity flavor of the cookies.

On a Dessert Platter

• Create an eye-catching dessert platter with these cookies, adding other treats like mini cupcakes or chocolate-covered pretzels for a colorful display.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags and tie with colorful ribbons to give as delightful party favors at celebrations.

With Whipped Topping

• Pair your cookies with a dollop of whipped topping or whipped cream for an added creamy texture that complements the chewy cookie.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose strawberry, vanilla, or even chocolate ice cream for a fun twist!

How to Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

For the best results with your Strawberry Sugar Cookies, keep these simple tips in mind. They will help you achieve perfectly soft and flavorful cookies every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring thicker cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps the ingredients mix better, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid packing flour into the measuring cup. Use a spoon to scoop flour into the cup for accuracy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated; an oven thermometer can help maintain ideal baking conditions.
• Cool Completely Before Storing: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup.

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

Strawberry Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their sweetness and flavor. Here are some great options to consider when serving these delightful treats:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfaits
   Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in cups for a deliciously healthy complement to your cookies.

3. Cheese Platter
   Serve soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for a savory contrast to sweet cookies.

4. Lemonade or Iced Tea
   Refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or iced tea provide a perfect drink pairing.

5. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruit and cookie pieces into rich melted chocolate for an indulgent experience.

6. Mini Cupcakes
   Small cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or strawberry create an appealing dessert assortment.

7. Granola Bars
   Homemade granola bars offer a chewy texture that pairs well with the softness of sugar cookies while providing extra nutrition.

8. Ice Cream Scoops
   Offer small scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream that guests can enjoy alongside their cookies for an extra treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar, there are several common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the Chill Time: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours to maintain shape and texture.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can alter the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.

• Using Warm Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and eggs should be at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy texture.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different; using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking temperatures.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan on low heat for a few minutes, flipping often to warm evenly.

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?

You can use fresh strawberries, but they will change the cookie’s texture. For best results, stick with freeze-dried strawberries as specified in the recipe.

How long do these cookies last?

Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What is sparkling sugar?

Sparkling sugar is larger than regular granulated sugar and adds a beautiful sparkle and crunch. You can find it in most baking aisles or online!

Can I customize the flavor of these cookies?

Absolutely! Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a different twist on flavor while keeping the strawberry essence.

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 are sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize flavors or add other toppings to make them your own!