Name: Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490964H50M32S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons strawberry extract or 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder; Optional: pink food coloring; For the sparkling strawberry sugar:; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons crushed freeze-dried strawberries; Optional: 1 tablespoon pink sanding sugar

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These Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are sweet, soft, and full of fruity flavor. The dough is flavored with real strawberry and topped with a crunchy, colorful sparkling sugar that adds a little extra magic to every bite. Whether I’m baking for a celebration or just want something pretty and pink, these cookies always stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re soft in the middle with lightly crisp edges, and that sparkling strawberry sugar on top makes them feel so special. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and packed with natural berry flavor. Plus, they’re great for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, spring parties—or any day I want a fruity twist on a classic sugar cookie. Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberry powder
Optional: pink food coloring

For the sparkling strawberry sugar:

Granulated sugar
Freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into powder)
Optional: pink sanding sugar (for extra sparkle)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, I cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the egg, vanilla, and strawberry extract or strawberry powder. If I want a pink hue, I mix in a few drops of food coloring.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
I roll the dough into balls, then coat each one in the sparkling strawberry sugar.
To make the sparkling sugar, I mix granulated sugar with crushed freeze-dried strawberries and a little sanding sugar for shine.
I place the cookies on the baking sheet and gently press them down with the bottom of a glass.
I bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are lightly crackled.
I let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 cookies. It takes 15 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to bake per batch, so I usually have them ready in around 30–35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy twist. I’ve also used lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor layer. When I want to go all out, I sandwich two cookies with strawberry jam or buttercream for a strawberry cookie sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy, and the sugar topping holds up well. If I want to freeze them, I do it before baking—rolling the dough balls and freezing them flat. I bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

FAQs

What are freeze-dried strawberries and where do I find them?

They’re strawberries that have been dried until crisp and shelf-stable. I usually find them in the snack or dried fruit section at the grocery store.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead?

Fresh strawberries add too much moisture to the dough. I stick with freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry extract for flavor and texture.

How do I make the cookies pink?

I use a small amount of pink or red food coloring gel to tint the dough. It doesn’t affect the taste and gives a fun, bright look.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it in dough balls for up to 2 months.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Definitely. They look beautiful in a treat box or bag, especially with the sparkling sugar on top. I’ve made them for holidays and they’re always a hit.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are soft, sweet, and full of berry flavor with a pretty sparkle on top. They’re easy to make, eye-catching, and perfect for sharing. Whether I’m baking them for a special occasion or just want a fruity cookie fix, these cookies always make the moment feel a little more magical.