Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These vibrant Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe are soft and chewy, bursting with the delightful flavor of strawberries. Perfect for spring and summer celebrations, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, thanks to their sparkling sugar coating. Whether it’s a birthday party, a bake sale, or a casual gathering with friends, these cookies are sure to impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The infusion of strawberries gives these cookies a unique sweetness that stands out.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Visually Stunning: The sparkling sugar topping adds a festive touch that makes them perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for both casual snacks and special events, these cookies fit right in everywhere.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe that kids can help with, making it great for family bonding time in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy dough.
• Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake more cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

To make the delicious Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar, you will need the following ingredients:

• 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
• ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
• 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 the remaining 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 before rolling in the prepared Sparkling Strawberry Sugar to coat evenly.

Step 10: Bake

Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced at least 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the tops are just beginning to set.

Step 11: Cool

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Store

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

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

These delightful Strawberry Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant color and sweet flavor make them an appealing treat for gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve the cookies alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing twist.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches filled with strawberry or vanilla ice cream. It’s a fun dessert that everyone will love!

Tea or Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The sweetness of the cookies complements the warmth of your beverage perfectly.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece at any party or gathering.

Gift-Wrapped Cookies

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

Perfecting these cookies is key to achieving that soft and chewy texture everyone adores. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

• Chill the Dough: Always chill your cookie dough for at least 2 hours. This step helps maintain their shape while baking and enhances flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and extracts. Quality ingredients greatly impact the final flavor of your cookies.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove the cookies from the oven when they’re just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

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

Strawberry Sugar Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Consider these delightful options to serve alongside your cookies:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a glass for a delicious and nutritious side dish.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to contrast with the sugary flavor of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Serve melted chocolate with skewers of fruit or marshmallows for dipping – it’s an interactive treat!
5. Popsicles: Homemade fruit popsicles offer a cool, fruity complement that’s perfect for warm weather.
6. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea enhance the cookie experience, especially during spring and summer gatherings.
7. Nut Mix: A blend of nuts can provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Failing to chill the cookie dough can lead to overly flat cookies. Always chill for at least 2 hours to maintain shape and enhance flavor.
• Overmixing the Ingredients: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft and chewy results.
• Using Incorrect Measurements: Baking is a science; incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully for accuracy.
• Skipping the Sparkling Sugar Coating: The sparkling sugar adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step if you want that festive touch!
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. Baking at too high or too low a temperature can affect the texture and doneness of your cookies.
• Storing Cookies Incorrectly: Improper storage leads to stale cookies. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Yes, but fresh strawberries will add moisture. You may need to adjust flour amounts slightly.

How can I customize my strawberry sugar cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or other extracts like almond for unique flavors.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

Chill the dough longer or add a bit more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly set tops and edges that are just turning golden brown; they will continue cooking outside the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are not only delicious but also visually stunning! They’re perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat anytime. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Try making these delightful cookies today!