Ingredients
For the Strawberry Sugar Cookies:
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
1½ 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
For the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:
½ cup white or red sparkling (sanding) sugar
1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder
Instructions
Prepare Strawberry Powder: Blend freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Set aside.
Make Strawberry Sugar: Mix 1 tablespoon strawberry powder with sparkling sugar. Store airtight.
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar for 3 minutes until fluffy.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, strawberry extract, and food coloring.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and strawberry powder.
Combine: Add dry mix to wet ingredients gradually. Mix on low until just combined.
Chill Dough: Chill dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Form and Coat Cookies: Scoop dough into 30 balls. Roll in hands, then coat with sparkling strawberry sugar.
Bake: Arrange on baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes until tops are set.
Cool: Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
Use softened butter for the best texture.
Don’t overmix after adding flour to ensure softness.
Freeze-dried strawberries are widely available at retailers or online.
Gel food coloring offers vibrant color without altering consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
