Soft, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavor, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a fun twist on classic sugar cookies. Lightly crisp on the edges and tender in the center, these pink-hued cookies are packed with strawberry goodness and finished with a delicate sugar coating that makes them as pretty as they are delicious.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, bake sales, or anytime you want a cheerful homemade treat, these cookies come together easily and always disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Soft and chewy texture
- Bright strawberry flavor
- Beautiful natural pink color
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for holidays and parties
Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberry Sugar Cookies – Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups | Structure |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp | Light texture |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balance |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ¾ cup | Richness |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness |
| Egg | 1 large | Binding |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Flavor |
| Strawberry gelatin mix | 3 oz | Strawberry flavor & color |
| Extra sugar (for rolling) | ¼ cup | Coating |
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Add Strawberry Flavor
Mix in the strawberry gelatin until evenly incorporated. The dough will turn a soft pink color.
5. Combine Dough
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
6. Shape Cookies
Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
8. Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Don’t Overbake — Cookies Firm Up as They Cool
Although it may be tempting to bake until the cookies look fully set, resist the urge. Strawberry sugar cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after they come out of the oven. Therefore, remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. As a result, the cookies finish cooling into a perfectly soft and chewy texture instead of becoming dry or crunchy. - Use Room-Temperature Butter for the Best Texture
For the creamiest dough and most consistent results, always use butter that is fully softened but not melted. Room-temperature butter blends smoothly with sugar, creating a light and airy base. Consequently, your strawberry sugar cookies will bake evenly, spread properly, and maintain a tender crumb. - Roll Generously in Sugar for Sparkle and Flavor
Rolling the dough balls generously in sugar before baking does more than add visual appeal. In fact, the sugar creates a delicate, crisp outer layer while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Additionally, the sugar coating enhances the strawberry flavor and gives the cookies that classic bakery-style sparkle. - Chill the Dough if It Feels Too Soft
If your dough feels sticky or spreads too quickly when scooped, chilling it for about 20 minutes can make a big difference. Cooling the dough slightly firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. As a result, you’ll get thicker cookies with a better texture and a more uniform appearance.
Variations & Substitutions
Flavor Variations
- Add white chocolate chips
- Mix in freeze-dried strawberry crumbs
- Drizzle with vanilla or strawberry glaze
Shape Variations
- Press gently with a glass for flatter cookies
- Add heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day
Diet-Friendly Options
- Use gluten-free 1:1 flour
- Use dairy-free butter substitutes
What to Serve With Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Cold milk or strawberry milk
- Hot coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Dessert platters
Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Not necessary—best enjoyed at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead?
This recipe works best with gelatin for flavor and color consistency.
2. Are these cookies soft or crispy?
They’re soft and chewy with lightly crisp edges.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours.
4. Why are my cookies flat?
Butter may be too warm—chill dough briefly before baking.
5. Can I add frosting?
Yes, a light glaze works beautifully.
6. Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely—they’re a hit with kids.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it doubles easily.
8. What makes them pink?
The strawberry gelatin gives natural color.
9. Do these taste artificial?
No—the flavor is sweet and fruity, not overpowering.
10. Can I make them heart-shaped?
Yes, chill dough and roll it out for cut-out cookies.
Conclusion
Strawberry Sugar Cookies are soft, cheerful, and packed with sweet strawberry flavor. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.