Are you dreaming of warm summer days filled with the sweet scent of strawberries? Then look no further! This Strawberry Sugar Cookie recipe is the perfect way to capture that sunny feeling in a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. These aren't your average sugar cookies; the addition of fresh strawberries brings a vibrant fruity twist, making them ideal for afternoon tea, summer barbecues, or simply a delightful treat any time of day. Get ready to bake up a batch of these easy recipes and healthy meals that are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. A stand mixer works wonders, but a hand mixer will do just fine.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy dough is okay.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
Bake the Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Sugar Cookies:
- Use fresh strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries can be used but may result in a slightly wetter dough.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Lemon Strawberry: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a zesty twist.
- White Chocolate Strawberry: Fold in ½ cup of chopped white chocolate along with the strawberries.
- Glazed Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 2-3g
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a simple yet delightful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. They're perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion treat. Enjoy the deliciousness and the ease of making these best recipes! They're a fantastic way to brighten up any day and showcase the vibrant flavors of summer.