Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

Introduction

As the days grow warmer and the flowers begin to bloom, my thoughts naturally turn to sweet treats that embody the essence of spring. One of my absolute favorite recipes during this time is Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar. These cookies are not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any spring gathering or summer picnic. The combination of sweet, chewy cookies with the vibrant flavor of strawberries always gets rave reviews from my family and friends. The kids love helping to decorate these cookies, and there’s something magical about watching them transform into delightful, vibrant treats. Let me take you through this delicious recipe that is sure to bring joy to your table!

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
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (36g) freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure strawberry extract (like Amoretti Artisan Natural Wild Strawberry or Cooks)
• ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring

For the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:

• ½ cup white or red sparkling sugar (sanding sugar)
• 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder

Instructions

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.

1. Make the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:

• In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of the strawberry powder with ½ cup of sparkling sugar. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

1. 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.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and 6 tablespoons of strawberry powder.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cookies’ soft, tender texture.

1. Chill Dough:

• Chill the cookie dough for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to make it easier to handle and enhance the flavor.

1. Form Cookie Balls:

• Once chilled, scoop the dough into 30 medium-sized cookie balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in your hands and then in the prepared Sparkling Strawberry Sugar to coat evenly.

1. 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.
2. Cool:
   • Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
3. Store:
   • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 30 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 140 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter for a festive display.
• Pairing: Serve with a tall glass of cold milk or a refreshing strawberry lemonade.
• Gifting: Package cookies in clear bags tied with a ribbon for a lovely gift.
• Occasions: Perfect for spring gatherings, birthday parties, or as a sweet treat for picnics.
• Enjoying: Gather family and friends for a cookie decorating party, allowing everyone to customize their treats.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
2. Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and helps prevent spreading during baking.
3. Quality Extracts: Use high-quality strawberry extract for the best flavor in your cookies.
4. Adjust Color: If you want a more vibrant color, feel free to add a little more red gel food coloring.
5. Test Baking: Always bake a small batch first to test the timing and adjust based on your oven’s performance.

Recipe Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Mix in some white chocolate chips for a delicious contrast to the strawberry flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Mini Cookies: Make mini versions of these cookies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

Serving Suggestions

• Cookie Bar: Create a cookie bar with various toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, and chocolate sauce for an interactive dessert experience.
• Dessert Table: Include these cookies on a dessert table along with other spring-themed treats like lemon bars and fruit tarts.
• Snack Packs: Prepare snack packs for kids’ lunches or after-school treats by adding a couple of cookies in a bag.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: To freeze, place unbaked cookie balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
• Thawing: For frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

• Fresh strawberries can add moisture and affect the texture, so it’s best to stick with freeze-dried for this recipe.

1. What if I don’t have strawberry extract?

• If you can’t find strawberry extract, you can use an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract or omit it altogether.

1. Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?

• No, powdered sugar has different properties and won’t work as a direct substitute in cookie dough.

1. What kind of food coloring is best?

• Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides a vibrant color without adding too much liquid.

1. How can I make the cookies softer?

• Ensure not to overbake the cookies; they should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven.

1. Can I freeze the dough?

• Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

1. What’s the best way to store these cookies?

• Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done?

• The cookies are done when the tops are set and the edges are lightly golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

1. Can I double the recipe?

• Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies.

1. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
   • You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but it may slightly alter the texture.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring in every bite. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and visually stunning, making them a perfect addition to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family to help, and enjoy the baking process together. With each cookie you make, you’ll create not only delicious treats but also wonderful memories to cherish. Happy baking!

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