I still remember the first time I made Strawberry Sugar Cookies from scratch. It was a sunny spring afternoon, and the kitchen smelled like fresh strawberries and sugar—the kind of smell that immediately feels like a warm hug. A friend had handed me a recipe she swore by, and I was a bit skeptical. Could a cookie really taste like a fresh strawberry in every bite? Turns out, yes! These strawberry sugar cookies quickly became a staple in my kitchen, a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a few for yourself.
Strawberry Sugar Cookies aren’t just any cookie; they have this magical way of blending fruity sweetness with soft, comforting texture. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a last-minute dessert, I find myself reaching for this recipe often. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just fresh strawberry cookie dough, some simple baking staples, and a pinch of patience. Every bite feels like a little celebration of spring or summer, but honestly, I bake them all year round.
Making strawberry flavored sugar cookies at home has brought so many good moments: my kids giggling as they press dough into heart shapes, friends reaching for seconds before dinner’s even over, and the inevitable “can I have the recipe?” requests. If you’re a home cook looking for a recipe that’s easy, reliable, and bursting with real strawberry flavor, this one’s for you. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything to make your strawberry sugar cookies as effortless and delicious as mine.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what goes into my tried-and-true Strawberry Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (You can swap half for whole wheat if you want a heartier cookie.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Room temperature is key; it helps your strawberry sugar cookies come out deliciously soft.)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (I sometimes use a little brown sugar to add depth to my strawberry flavored sugar cookies.)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (You’ll find this in the regular baking aisle—no fancy substitutions needed.)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Here’s the trick: I add a bit extra vanilla because it enhances the strawberry flavor in the cookie dough.)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely pureed (This is the star ingredient for that fresh strawberry cookie dough taste.)
- Optional: Pink or red sanding sugar for topping (Gives those sweet strawberry dessert cookies a cute, sparkly finish.)
If you don’t have fresh strawberries on hand, I’ve experimented with freeze-dried strawberry powder, which works surprisingly well in this homemade strawberry sugar treats recipe. It’s a great pantry-friendly option that still gives that lovely fruity note.
When shopping, keep an eye out for ripe, fragrant strawberries—they make all the difference. Buying them in season can also make your strawberry sugar cookies more affordable and flavorful. Once your fresh strawberry cookie dough is mixed, you can store any extra dough tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to a month.
One last kitchen tip: using softened butter and pureed strawberries means your dough will be moist but manageable. It’s easier to shape into perfect cookies that stay soft strawberry sugar cookies every time. Trust me, this recipe uses ingredients you probably already have—because good cooking shouldn’t require a special trip to the store.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Here’s the straightforward way I make Strawberry Sugar Cookies that come out soft and bursting with strawberry flavor every single time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is where I used to rush and end up with flat cookies; patience here really matters for your strawberry sugar cookies’ texture.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and pureed strawberries to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined. Your kitchen will start to smell like fresh strawberries at this point—definitely a sign you’re on the right track!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your strawberry sugar cookies nice and soft.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. If you want a bit of sparkle, sprinkle some pink sanding sugar on top before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Don’t wait too long; underbaking by a minute or two keeps the strawberry flavored sugar cookies tender.
- Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They’ll firm up but stay soft strawberry sugar cookies on the inside.
- While your cookies are baking, you can clean up your workspace or prepare a simple iced tea or lemonade for serving. Multitasking in the kitchen is a must for busy home cooks!
This whole process takes about 35-40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a weekend baking project. If your strawberry sugar cookies spread more than expected, next time chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking. That trick always helps keep their shape better.
Over the years, I’ve found the key to perfect strawberry sugar cookies is fresh pureed strawberries in the dough—not just strawberry extract. It really brings out that sweet strawberry dessert cookies vibe without being overpowering.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
My favorite way to serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies is warm from the oven with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea. The softness and delicate strawberry flavor in every bite make these cookies a go-to during casual weekend gatherings or holiday cookie swaps.
These strawberry sugar cookies shine when paired with a light fruit salad or a simple dollop of whipped cream. Believe it or not, they also hold their own alongside richer desserts like chocolate fudge. The fruity notes nicely balance richer flavors.
If you’re planning a spring brunch or summer picnic, pack these homemade strawberry sugar treats with lemonade for a crowd-pleasing combo. They’re great for celebrations like Valentine’s Day too, especially if you shape the dough into hearts or add pink sanding sugar on top.
Leftovers reheat beautifully—just pop them in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. You can also crumble these soft strawberry sugar cookies on top of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.
Family and friends often tell me how these cookies taste as fresh and fun as strawberry picking in the sunshine. For more dessert ideas that play nicely with Strawberry Sugar Cookies, you might want to check out Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies or Chocolate Cut Out Heart Cookies.
Your Questions Answered
One of the questions I get most is: “Can I make this Strawberry Sugar Cookies ahead of time?”
Absolutely! You can prepare the fresh strawberry cookie dough and refrigerate it for 2-3 days before baking. You can also freeze dough balls individually for up to a month. Just thaw before baking.
“What’s the best substitute for fresh strawberries?”
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, freeze-dried strawberry powder is a great swap. It preserves the flavor and keeps your dough from getting too wet. Some bakers also use strawberry jam with less sugar to avoid soggy cookie dough.
“How do I make more or fewer Strawberry Sugar Cookies?”
To double the batch, simply double all ingredients; mix thoroughly, and bake in batches. For a smaller batch, halve the ingredients. This recipe scales well either way.
“Can I use this dough to make soft strawberry sugar cookies bars instead?”
Yes! Press the strawberry flavored sugar cookies dough into a lined baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
“Why are my cookies not soft?”
If your cookies turn out crisp, you might be overbaking them. Take them out when the edges set but centers still look soft, then cool on the pan. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too warm.
“Can I add frosting on top?”
For sure! A simple cream cheese or vanilla glaze pairs nicely with the fresh strawberry cookie dough base—perfect for a party.
“How do I store leftovers?”
Keep strawberry sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps retain moisture.
I’ve also seen readers make variations by adding white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist. If you want inspiration, check out recipes like Fresh Strawberry Cookies Recipe or Strawberry Sugar Cookies | Kristine in Between.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Sugar Cookies have a permanent place in my recipe collection, mostly because they hit the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. The best part? Anyone—beginner or seasoned home cook—can nail this recipe with confidence.
My Best Strawberry Sugar Cookies Tips:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries pureed for genuine flavor.
- Don’t overbake; soft centers make all the difference.
- Chill dough briefly if cookies spread too much.
I’ve tested variations with freeze-dried strawberry powder, white chocolate chips, and even lemon zest. The version with fresh pureed strawberries remains the top request from my family and friends. Everyone loves how these homemade strawberry sugar treats taste just like a sweet bite of summer.
If you’re craving a reliable, delicious, and easy-to-make cookie for any occasion, this strawberry sugar cookies recipe will be your new favorite. Try it out, tweak it to fit your taste, and enjoy every bite—it’s a recipe worth sharing. For more fun cookie ideas, you can also check out Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Strawberry Sugar Cookies: Delicious, Easy Recipe from Scratch article that inspired part of my method.
Happy baking, fellow cooks! These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are waiting to become your crowd-pleaser too.
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Delight in these soft and chewy strawberry sugar cookies bursting with real strawberry flavor, perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup pureed fresh strawberries
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For extra strawberry flavor, add finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries to the dough before baking.