
This soft strawberry cookie brings bright fruit flavor wrapped in a sparkly pink sugar crunch perfect for birthdays baby showers or any afternoon that needs something sweet
These were a hit the first time I made them for a spring brunch and now they are my go to when I need a colorful tray treat
Ingredients
- all purpose flour: provides structure to keep cookies soft but sturdy sift for best texture
- baking powder: helps the cookies puff gently
- baking soda: ensures even browning
- salt: balances sweetness and brightens flavor
- unsalted butter: for rich taste and tender crumb use high quality butter for best results
- granulated sugar: keeps cookies sweet and crisp edges
- large egg: binds ingredients and adds moisture
- vanilla extract: enhances the strawberry flavor
- strawberry puree: brings real fruit taste use ripe fresh berries for best results
- granulated sugar: for the sparkling sugar coating
- freeze dried strawberries: add concentrated berry flavor to the coating without moisture
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- in a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda and salt until no lumps remain set aside
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- use an electric mixer to cream softened butter with granulated sugar on medium high speed for two to three minutes until pale and fluffy this builds air for a soft texture
- Incorporate Egg and Flavorings:
- add the egg and mix until fully blended then add vanilla extract and strawberry puree mixing until evenly pink and smooth
- Combine with Dry Ingredients:
- add the flour mixture in two to three batches mixing gently each time stop as soon as flour is combined to keep cookies tender
- Make Sparkling Sugar:
- crush freeze dried strawberries and mix with granulated sugar using a rolling pin or spice grinder to ensure fine even pieces
- Shape and Coat:
- scoop dough into three centimeter balls and roll each in the strawberry sugar coating until completely covered
- Arrange and Flatten:
- place coated dough balls on prepared baking sheet leaving five centimeters between each lightly flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass
- Bake:
- bake for ten to twelve minutes until edges are lightly golden and tops show cracks while centers stay soft avoid overbaking
- Cool and Serve:
- let cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully

My favorite part is the strawberry sugar coating which keeps its color and crunch without making the cookies soggy I remember making these for my daughter’s birthday tea party and watching her light up when she saw the pink cookies on the table
Storage Tips
store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and the crisp sugar coating
Ingredient Substitutions
you can use frozen strawberries for the puree but thaw and drain well before blending to avoid excess moisture
Serving Suggestions
pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert plate

Cultural Context
strawberry cookies are a lovely addition to spring and summer gatherings reflecting seasonal fruit and a touch of celebration on any table
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and softness without becoming soggy.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Yes, thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing to avoid overly wet dough.
- → Why use freeze-dried strawberries for coating?
Freeze-dried strawberries add bright flavor and color without adding moisture that would dissolve the sugar coating.
- → How do I prevent overbaking these cookies?
Remove the cookies when edges are lightly golden and centers are still soft; they will continue to set while cooling.
- → What makes these cookies good for special occasions?
The natural pink color and sparkling sugar coating make them visually appealing while offering a fresh strawberry flavor perfect for gifting and gatherings.