Name: Strawberry Sugar Cookies: Soft, Buttery, & Bursting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons strawberry sugar (from above), plus more for rolling

If you’re on the hunt for a fun and flavorful twist on classic sugar cookies, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect bake. With a soft, buttery texture and a sparkling strawberry sugar coating, they deliver both beauty and taste in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday tray, tea party, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, these pink-tinted cookies will impress every time.

The highlight? Real strawberry flavor infused into both the dough and the dazzling sugar topping, giving these cookies a fruity freshness that stands out from traditional sugar cookies. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Pretty Pink Cookies

What makes these Strawberry Sugar Cookies truly special is their combination of simple ingredients and elegant presentation. They’re not only visually stunning—with a soft pink hue and sparkling sugar coating—but they’re also packed with rich, buttery flavor and a subtle, natural strawberry essence.

Here’s why bakers adore them:

Soft, tender crumb with a slight chew
Real strawberry flavor in every bite
Eye-catching sparkle from homemade strawberry sugar
Easy to make, even for beginner bakers
Perfect for gifting, parties, or Valentine’s Day

These cookies bring together the charm of traditional sugar cookies and the excitement of a fruity, summery treat.

What Makes These Strawberry Sugar Cookies So Unique?

The magic is in the strawberry sugar—a delightful mixture of freeze-dried strawberries and sugar that’s used both in the cookie dough and as a coating. This extra detail gives these cookies a natural pink color and authentic berry flavor without any artificial extracts or food coloring.

Combined with a classic sugar cookie dough base, the result is a yummy sugar cookie that’s anything but ordinary. They’re buttery, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a berry-flavored crunch on the outside and softness on the inside.

Ingredients That Make These Yummy Sugar Cookies Shine

These cookies easy to bake call for familiar ingredients with a fun twist. You’ll need:

Unsalted butter – Room temperature for the softest texture
Granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure
Eggs – To bind the dough and add richness
Vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors
All-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough
Baking powder and salt – For rise and balance
Freeze-dried strawberries – Crushed and mixed with sugar for both flavor and color
Optional: Lemon zest or almond extract – Adds depth to the flavor profile

With these ingredients, you get a classic sugar cookie elevated with a fresh berry kick and a signature pink sparkle.

Full Ingredient List with Accurate Measurements

This recipe makes approximately 2 dozen cookies:

For the Strawberry Sugar:

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup freeze-dried strawberries

For the Cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons strawberry sugar (from above), plus more for rolling

Feel free to double the strawberry sugar and store leftovers in a jar—it’s a great topping for toast, muffins, or yogurt.

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Large mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Food processor or spice grinder (to make strawberry sugar)
Cookie scoop (optional but helpful for even sizes)
Cooling rack

These basic tools will help ensure your cookies bake evenly and look bakery-worthy.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Sugar
In a food processor, combine freeze-dried strawberries and sugar. Pulse until the mixture becomes a fine, evenly colored powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared strawberry sugar.

Step 5: Combine and Chill
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make the dough easier to handle.

Step 6: Scoop and Roll
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls and roll each one in the remaining strawberry sugar.

Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place cookies 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Tips for Perfect Texture, Flavor, and Sparkling Sugar Topping

Use freeze-dried strawberries, not fresh or frozen—they give the best texture and concentrated flavor
Soften butter fully before mixing for a smooth, airy dough
Don’t overbake—they should still look slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven
Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookies thick and chewy
Press extra strawberry sugar on top just before baking for a more vibrant finish

These small touches make a big difference in both the look and taste.

What Is Strawberry Sugar and How to Make It at Home

Strawberry sugar is a flavored sugar made by pulsing freeze-dried strawberries with granulated sugar until fine. It adds a bold berry taste and a beautiful blush color to your baked goods.

To make:

Blend ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries with 1 cup sugar
Store in an airtight jar
Use in cookies, pancakes, drinks, and more

It’s one of those “cooking school” tips that elevates everyday recipes!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Sugar Cookies

Using warm dough – It leads to flat, over-spread cookies
Not measuring flour correctly – Always spoon and level to avoid dry cookies
Skipping parchment paper – It prevents sticking and ensures even baking
Overbaking – Sugar cookies should be soft with just-set edges
Using fresh strawberries – Adds too much moisture and will ruin the texture

Stick to the recipe and your cookies will be perfect every time.

How to Store and Keep Cookies Soft and Fresh

To store:

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or dough

These cookies are ideal for make-ahead baking or preparing in bulk for cookie exchanges.

Yes! Here’s how:

To freeze dough:

Roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet
Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months
Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time

To freeze baked cookies:

Let cool completely
Layer with parchment in an airtight container
Thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy

They’re perfect for prepping ahead for holidays or parties.

Fun Variations: Frosted Strawberry Cookies, Lemon-Strawberry Twist, and More

Want to customize your cookies? Try these variations:

Add lemon zest for a bright, zesty flavor
Top with strawberry glaze or white chocolate drizzle
Mix in mini white chocolate chips for sweetness and texture
Use heart-shaped cutters for a Valentine’s Day twist
Make sandwich cookies by filling two cookies with vanilla or cream cheese frosting

Get creative with your baking sweets—the options are endless.

These cookies are perfect for:

Holiday cookie exchanges
Afternoon tea or brunch
Birthday parties and baby showers
Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day
Teacher or neighbor gifts—wrap in a clear bag with a ribbon!

Their color and sparkle make them a standout on any cookie tray.

Are Strawberry Sugar Cookies Good for Kids’ Baking Projects?

Absolutely! This is a fun recipe for little hands to help with:

Rolling dough balls
Blending the strawberry sugar
Decorating with glaze or sprinkles

It’s an ideal recipe for family baking days or introducing kids to cooking school basics.

Make It Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free: Substitution Tips

Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
Dairy-Free – Use plant-based butter
Vegan – Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)

These buttery cookies can be made inclusive for any diet without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Can I use strawberry extract instead of freeze-dried fruit?
You can, but it won’t give the same natural flavor or color. Stick with freeze-dried if possible.

What kind of sugar works best for coating?
Granulated sugar gives the best sparkle and crunch.

Do I have to chill the dough?
It’s highly recommended for thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for bigger batches or cookie exchanges.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Use a cookie scoop and roll the dough gently into balls before baking.

Final Thoughts: Why These Buttery Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Baking Repertoire

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies bring together all the best things about baking: buttery texture, natural fruit flavor, and gorgeous presentation. They’re soft, sparkly, and filled with joy—perfect for celebrations, gifting, or just a cozy afternoon with coffee.

Whether you’re a baking beginner or a cookie connoisseur, this is a recipe worth saving and sharing.

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