Introduction to Strawberry Sugar Cookies
When it comes to baking, few treats can bring the joy and nostalgia of summer quite like strawberry sugar cookies. These delightful cookies strike the perfect balance between a soft, chewy center and crispy edges, making them a favorite during warm months or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Here are just a few reasons why these cookies should be on your baking radar:
- Fresh Flavor: The inclusion of real strawberries gives these cookies a burst of vibrant flavor that feels like a taste of summer, no matter the season.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even for special occasions, these cookies can satisfy a range of cravings. Whether you're sharing them at a picnic or enjoying a quiet night in, they're always a hit.
- Simple to Make: You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip up these delicious treats. With straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients, they’re ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Need to impress at your next gathering? These strawberry sugar cookies are bound to be a standout. For more amazing recipes and tips, check out resources like Taste of Home or Serious Eats. Happy baking!
Ingredients for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Creating the perfect batch of strawberry sugar cookies starts with a few key ingredients that bring out that delicious, summery flavor. Let’s break it down!
Main Ingredients for the Cookies
For the cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, bring it to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup granulated sugar, which adds sweetness and structure
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk to create a rich, tender texture
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour, properly fluffed, spooned, and leveled for the best results
- 2 teaspoon baking powder to help your cookies rise beautifully
- 1 teaspoon fine salt to balance the sweetness
- Optional red gel food coloring to enhance that lovely pink hue
Ingredients for the Strawberry Reduction
The heart of the flavor is the strawberry reduction. You’ll need:
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen and thawed for convenience)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar to sweeten up the mix
- 2 tablespoon water for moisture
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken the mixture into a jam-like consistency
Once you gather these ingredients, you’re on your way to baking some delightful strawberry sugar cookies that will undoubtedly impress your friends and family! For more inspiration, check out resources like The Kitchn or Serious Eats. Happy baking!
Preparing Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Making strawberry sugar cookies is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of summer, and the process is just as enjoyable as the results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these scrumptious treats.
Make the strawberry reduction
To kick off, you need to prepare the strawberry reduction. It’s a simple process:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sliced strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen) with ¼ cup granulated sugar.
- Use a fork or potato masher to break the strawberries down into a pulp.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low, stirring frequently, until it reaches a jam-like consistency. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Create a cornstarch slurry using 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a separate bowl. Pour this into the strawberry mixture, stirring until thickened.
- Once cooked, let this cool in the fridge while you prepare the rest of your cookies.
Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets
While the strawberry reduction cools, it's time to get the oven ready. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—these will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Cream together butter and sugar
In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat these together on medium-high for a couple of minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix in wet ingredients
Next, add in those flavorful wet components. Incorporate the 3 tablespoons of strawberry reduction, 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a tiny drop of red gel food coloring (if you desire extra color). Mix until everything is well combined.
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon fine salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until incorporated. Remember, overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Marble in the strawberry reduction
For added flavor and beauty, take the remaining strawberry reduction—approximately 2 tablespoons—and marble it gently into the cookie dough using a butter knife. This will give your cookies a lovely, swirled appearance.
Scoop, roll & coat the cookie dough
Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball, then roll them in ¼ cup of granulated sugar for extra sweetness and texture. Space the cookies about 3 inches apart on your baking sheets.
Bake the cookies
Finally, bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges set, but the centers remain slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If you opted to marble in the strawberry reduction, be gentle during this step to avoid breaking your chewy cookies.
Enjoy the warm, luscious flavors of these strawberry sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea! Your friends and family will appreciate the effort you've put into this delightful summer treat.
Variations on Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Adding White Chocolate Chips
For a delightful twist on your strawberry sugar cookies, consider adding white chocolate chips. As these chips melt slightly during baking, they'll create pockets of creamy sweetness that perfectly complement the fruity flavor of the strawberries. Simply fold in about 1 cup of chips when mixing in your dry ingredients. This adds a lovely texture and a rich flavor contrast that is sure to impress!
Using Other Fruit Reductions
Why stop at strawberries? You can experiment with other fruit reductions to personalize your cookies. Consider using raspberries for a tart burst or blueberries for a sweeter touch. Simply follow the same reduction process—this allows you to explore different flavor profiles. Not only does it keep your cookie game fresh, but it also allows you to enjoy a variety of seasonal fruits! For details on making fruit reductions, you might enjoy checking out Chef’s advice on fruit preserving techniques for some inspiration.
Baking notes for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Tips for perfect texture
To achieve the soft, chewy centers your strawberry sugar cookies deserve, be sure to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy—this infuses air into your dough. Also, resist the urge to overmix once you add the flour! Mix just until combined; this preserves that tender texture. Lastly, err on the side of underbaking slightly, as cookies continue to set while cooling.
Ingredient substitutions
If you're in a pinch or just looking to customize, don't fret! Instead of fresh strawberries, feel free to use frozen strawberries. You can swap the unsalted butter for vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free cookies. For a gluten-free option, try an all-purpose gluten-free blend in place of regular flour—just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Serving suggestions for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Pairing with milk or alternative beverages
These delightful strawberry sugar cookies genuinely shine when paired with a cold glass of milk. Whether you opt for classic dairy, almond, or oat milk, the creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the cookie's sweetness. Not a fan of milk? Consider a refreshing iced tea or a fruity lemonades that will complement the berry flavor perfectly.
Dessert plating ideas
Elevate your cookie presentation by arranging your strawberry sugar cookies on a beautiful platter. For a playful touch, add fresh strawberries or edible flowers around the cookies. Drizzle some of your homemade strawberry reduction on the plate for a burst of color and flavor. This simple detail will impress your guests and make for an Instagram-worthy dessert! Want a personal touch? Add handwritten tags detailing your secret ingredient: love!
Time Details for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
When it comes to whipping up a batch of delicious strawberry sugar cookies, here’s a quick rundown of the essential time commitments:
Preparation Time
It takes about 30 minutes to gather ingredients, make the strawberry reduction, and prepare the cookie dough. This step is crucial to getting that fresh strawberry flavor into your cookies!
Baking Time
Plan for approximately 11 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them, as you'll want the edges to be set while the centers remain delightfully soft.
Total Time
In just 41 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, sweet aroma of homemade cookies! Perfect for an afternoon treat or gathering with friends.
Feeling inspired? You might also like to check out this guide on baking tips for even more success in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Calories per cookie
Each delightful strawberry sugar cookie contains approximately 179 calories. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a dessert spread, these cookies indulge your sweet cravings without overdoing it.
Other nutritional facts
Alongside the calorie count, here are some key nutritional highlights per cookie:
- Total fat: 8g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
For more detailed nutritional insights, consider checking resources like the USDA FoodData Central or NutritionData. These platforms can help you make informed choices, especially if you're mindful about your dietary needs. Enjoy guilt-free baking!
FAQs about Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Absolutely! If you prefer smaller strawberry sugar cookies, simply use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop instead of the larger 3 tablespoon scoop. Adjust your baking time to about 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers remain soft. This adjustment will yield approximately 32 delightful bite-sized cookies, perfect for sharing!
How do I store strawberry sugar cookies?
To keep your strawberry sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to enjoy them later, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember, if you add strawberry reduction on top, it's best to wait until you’re ready to indulge to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
No worries! You can easily substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones. Just thaw them and proceed with the recipe as directed. This swap doesn’t compromise the flavor, ensuring your cookies remain bursting with that sweet, fruity goodness. For more berry inspiration, check out this strawberry benefits article.
Conclusion on Strawberry Sugar Cookies
In conclusion, strawberry sugar cookies are the perfect blend of sunny flavor and comforting texture. They’re easy to bake, making them an ideal treat for any season. Whether you share them with friends or savor them solo, they're bound to bring a smile. Bake up a batch today and enjoy!
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Large baking sheets
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
Strawberry Reduction
- 1 cup sliced strawberries, fresh or frozen and thawed 150g
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 50g
- 2 tablespoon water 30g
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch 8g
Strawberry Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 sticks, 226g
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
- 3 tablespoon strawberry reduction made above, 70g
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- red gel food coloring optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 5g
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour fluffed then spooned and leveled, 325g
- 2 teaspoon baking powder 8g
- 1 teaspoon fine salt 6g
Decoration
- ¼ cup strawberry reduction recipe above, 80g
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for coating the outside of the cookies, 50g
Instructions
Strawberry Reduction
- Place 1 cup of sliced strawberries and ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Use a masher or fork to break down the strawberries into a pulp.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat for a couple minutes while stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to make a cornstarch slurry. Pour into the strawberry mixture and continue to cook until it thickens like jam, about 5 min.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and place it in the fridge uncovered to cool.
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350 F / 175 C and line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 cup butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed until lighter in color.
- Mix in 3 tablespoon strawberry reduction, 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a small drop of red gel food coloring on medium speed until fully incorporated.
- Add 2 ½ cups flour, 2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon fine salt, mixing on low until just incorporated.
- Scoop 2 tablespoon of strawberry reduction to the top of the dough and marble it in.
- Roll scooped dough in ¼ cup granulated sugar and place on prepared baking sheets about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft. Cool for 15 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
- Spread strawberry reduction on top of cookies right before serving.
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