Strawberry Sugar Cookies are the nostalgic, buttery treats infused with vivid strawberry flavor and topped with sparkling sugar bright, soft, and perfect for any celebration.
Tired of plain sugar cookies that lack flavor and pizzazz? These cookies deliver a delightful strawberry essence, a crisp-sugary exterior, and a soft, chewy center without complicated steps.
Hi, I’m Jack recipe developer, food enthusiast, and the heart behind Cooks Foody. I created this recipe to bring the joy of colorful, flavorful baking into everyday life. Inspired by childhood summers and family baking days, these cookies are a simple way to make moments magical with every bite.
In this post, I’ll cover:
- Why this cookie recipe works like a charm
- The best ingredients and preparation tips
- Step-by-step baking instructions
- Pro tips, flavor variations, serving ideas, and FAQs
Why This Cookie Recipe Works Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients
- Infused with real strawberry flavor from freeze-dried powder
- Sparkling sugar adds both visual sparkle and sweet crunch
- Great for holidays, celebrations, or everyday bright baking
Choosing the Right Ingredients Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Best Ingredients for This Recipe
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder: intensifies flavor and color (no moisture) Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School
- Sparkling (sanding) sugar: adds crunchy, sparkly coating Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School
- High-quality butter and eggs for rich, tender texture
- Vanilla and optional food coloring to enhance aroma and hue
Buying Tips
- Use pure freeze-dried strawberry powder grinding your own gives the best flavor
- Choose fine sparkling sugar for even coating and shine
- Don’t skip cornstarch or cream of tartar they help with texture and consistency
Substitutions
- Swap freeze-dried strawberries for raspberry or blueberry powder for fruity variations Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School
- Use natural food colorings like beet powder if avoiding artificial options
Ingredients & Prep Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Prep Essentials
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Prepare sparkling strawberry sugar: mix sparkling sugar with freeze‑dried strawberry powder Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School
Flavor Beams
- Butter (softened), sugar, eggs, vanilla
- Flour, cornstarch, baking powder/soda, cream of tartar, salt
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder, optional red gel coloring Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School
Pantry Staples
- Butter or non-stick spray for pan prep
- Parchment or silicone mat for easy cleanup
- Mixing bowls and cookie scoop for consistent results
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Step-by-Step Baking Instructions Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Pre-Baking Prep Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Preheat oven and line baking sheets
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in eggs, vanilla, and strawberry powder (plus color if using)
Cooking Method Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Fold in dry ingredients gently until a soft dough forms
- Scoop dough into balls, gently roll in sparkling strawberry sugar Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School
- Place 2 inches apart on sheets and bake ~8–10 minutes until edges set
Doneness Check Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Edges should be set; centers slightly soft
- Cookies will firm as they cool
Resting Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Avoiding Flat or Dry Cookies Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Chill dough briefly if it spreads too much
- Use freeze-dried powder (not fresh strawberries) avoids moisture Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School
- Don’t over bake remove when just set
Tool Recommendations Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Cookie scoop for even dough balls
- Silpat or parchment for even baking
- Fine sieve for sprinkling sparkling sugar evenly
Storage & Reheating Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Store in airtight container at room temp up to 5 days
- Freeze baked cookies; thaw at room temperature for serving
Flavor Variations Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Variation | Description |
---|---|
Chocolate Dip | Dip half in melted white or dark chocolate for indulgence |
Lemon Zest Twist | Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for citrus brightness |
Natural Color | Skip gel coloring and rely on powder for pink hue |
Seasonal Twist | Use freeze-dried fruit powders like peach or cherry for creative flavor |
Serving Suggestions Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for dessert sandwiches
- Pair with milk, tea, or sparkling lemonade
- Display on pastel dessert platters or gift plates for parties or showers
FAQs Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Can I use fresh strawberries?
Fresh strawberries add too much moisture opt for freeze-dried powder for flavor without sogginess Snowflakes & Coffeecakes Cooking School.
Can I substitute sugar with sweetener?
Yes use granulated erythritol or monk fruit, but texture may change slightly.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Yes no alcohol and fully baked ingredients make it safe.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are sweet, soft, and sparkling with flavor simple to make but unforgettable. Perfect for brightening any occasion.
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies 5 Star Sparkling Celebration Treat
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, strawberry-infused sugar cookies rolled in sparkling sugar bright, buttery, and perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp salt
6 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder
Optional: red gel food coloring
½ cup sparkling (sanding) sugar
1 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder (for sparkling sugar)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light.
3. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and strawberry powder (and food coloring if using).
4. Whisk dry ingredients in separate bowl.
5. Fold dry into wet until just combined.
6. Make sparkling sugar: mix sanding sugar with strawberry powder.
7. Scoop dough balls, roll in sparkling sugar, place on sheet.
8. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges set.
9. Cool on sheets 2 min, transfer to rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best texture use freeze-dried powder avoids soggy dough.
Store in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze for later.
Dough can be chilled to prevent spreading.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Strawberry Sugar Cookies, sparkling sugar cookies, skip-the-water strawberry cookies