Strawberry Lemonade Cookie Recipe : Bright & Zesty Treat

There’s something irresistible about the tang of lemon mixed with the sweetness of strawberries—especially in cookie form. These Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are soft, chewy, bursting with summery flavor, and beautifully pink with a hint of sunshine. They’re the perfect dessert for barbecues, birthdays, picnics, or just a bright way to enjoy the season.

If you’re looking for easy summer cookies, cookies for summer parties, or simply something unique and fruity to bake in June, this recipe checks all the boxes. Made with a handful of pantry staples and a few fun flavor additions, they bring sunshine to any dessert table.

Save

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

These cookies aren’t just cute—they’re packed with flavor and texture. Here’s what makes them a must-try:

• Sweet-tart flavor combo from real lemon zest and strawberry flavoring
• Soft, chewy texture that stays perfect even days later
• Eye-catching pink color—with or without food coloring
• No chilling required, so they’re fast to whip up
• Ideal for kids and adults alike—perfect for school parties or summer get-togethers

If you love Strawberry Lemonade Desserts or are planning your next round of summer cookie ideas, you’ll want to add this one to your baking list.

What Are Strawberry Lemonade Cookies?

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are a fusion of fruity flavors inspired by the classic summer drink. They combine the zingy freshness of lemon with the juicy sweetness of strawberries—baked into a chewy, vibrant cookie.

They’re similar in base texture to lemonade cookies, but with a pink twist and additional strawberry flavor. Some bakers use strawberry cake mix, freeze-dried strawberries, or strawberry extract to bring in that summery touch. Paired with lemon zest and juice, the result is a refreshing, sweet-tart dessert that’s as fun as it is flavorful.

Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

You don’t need anything fancy to make these cookies, but each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture.

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons strawberry extract
• Optional: 2–3 drops pink or red food coloring

For Rolling (Optional):

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar for coating

These ingredients create a dough that holds its shape well in the oven, spreads just the right amount, and keeps its moisture for days.

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cookies (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract to the butter mixture. Beat again until smooth and well combined. If you want a pink hue, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no flour remains. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll dough into balls. If desired, roll each ball in granulated or powdered sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or allow to cool completely for maximum chewiness.

Save

Tips for Perfect Lemonade Cookies Every Time

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor
• Do not overbake—they should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven
• Room temperature ingredients blend better and create fluffier cookies
• If your dough is too sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes to make rolling easier
• Rolling in sugar gives a sweet crust and enhances presentation

Creative Variations and Mix-Ins

Want to personalize your strawberry lemonade cookie recipe? Try these easy upgrades:

• White chocolate chips for a creamy twist
• Freeze-dried strawberries for bursts of real fruit texture
• Lemon glaze drizzle made with powdered sugar and lemon juice
• Sandwich cookies with a lemon or strawberry cream filling
• Swap out extract: Use raspberry or orange extract for a new take

These variations also make excellent additions to a summer cookies recipe gift box or party platter.

Best Occasions for Serving These Summer Cookies

These cookies were made for sunshine and smiles. Here are some perfect places to serve them:

• Backyard BBQs and potlucks
• Birthday parties or baby showers
• Picnics in the park
• Bake sales or end-of-school parties
• Gifting in a mason jar with a ribbon

They’re especially popular in June desserts and seasonal baking spreads. The color alone makes them a standout.

Strawberry Lemonade Cookie Presentation Ideas

When it comes to showing off your cookies, presentation can make a big difference. Try these summer-ready ideas:

• Plate cookies on a white tray with lemon slices and fresh strawberries
• Use pastel cupcake liners for a cheerful touch
• Stack cookies in a clear jar with a tag and ribbon for gifting
• Serve on a dessert bar with other pink and orange cookies for a summer theme
• Sprinkle with edible glitter or sanding sugar for a sparkling finish

These cookies photograph beautifully and add a playful, colorful vibe to any setting.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

These cookies are great for making ahead or storing extras (if any last that long!).

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days
• Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking

Freezer:

• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
• Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen (add 1–2 extra minutes)

Tip:

If freezing for a party or event, consider adding the sugar coating after thawing and just before serving to keep them looking fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Summer Cookies

Even a simple cookie can go wrong without the right techniques. Avoid these common baking errors:

• Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies
• Skipping the zest reduces lemon impact—zest holds most of the flavor
• Too much food coloring can leave a bitter aftertaste
• Baking too long leads to dry, crumbly cookies
• Not measuring flour correctly (scoop and level!) can throw off the texture

Keep an eye on your cookies while baking, especially if using a dark pan which heats more quickly.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Zester or microplane for lemon zest
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack

Optional: Citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice, decorative sprinkles or sugar

Pairings: Drinks and Desserts to Enjoy With Lemonade Cookies

To complete your summer cookie recipe, pair these treats with refreshing drinks and light sides:

• Strawberry lemonade or citrus-infused water
• Iced tea with fresh mint
• Fruit salad with melons, berries, and grapes
• Strawberry milk for a kid-friendly treat
• Vanilla ice cream sandwiches made with two cookies and a scoop of ice cream

They also pair wonderfully with lemon bars, shortbread, or berry tarts on a summer dessert tray.

Save

Why These Are the Best Cookies for June and Summer

Few treats scream summer like the mix of strawberry and lemon. These cookies bring sunshine to your taste buds and make the perfect addition to any gathering. They’re light, fruity, sweet, and chewy—the perfect match for pool parties, beach picnics, or lazy Sunday afternoons.

Their pink hue and citrusy scent immediately brighten the mood. If you’re planning any events this season, these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies should be front and center.

Call to Action

Loved these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies as much as we do? Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends, pin it to your summer dessert board, and subscribe for more refreshing seasonal treats. Leave a comment with your favorite variation or how you served them—we love hearing from fellow cookie fans!

Print