Nothing beats the charm of classic cookies with a fruity twist, and this Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe perfectly captures that delightful spirit. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie crowned with a delicate pink frosting and a sprinkle of irresistible strawberry shortcake crumbs—it’s like summer and dessert joined forces in one bite. These cookies aren’t just pretty to look at; they offer a balance of creamy sweetness and a subtle strawberry crunch that’s destined to become your new favorite treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, trustworthy ingredients is the first step to making these Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe come to life. Each component plays a specific role, from bringing buttery richness to that dreamy frosting hue, ensuring every cookie is bursting with flavor and texture.
- 3/4 cup butter, softened: Provides that rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor essential for sugar cookies.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness while creating a slight crunch in the cookie exterior.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture for the perfect soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that shapes the cookie’s structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the cookies soft and light.
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar: The base for the smooth, sweet frosting that makes these cookies extra special.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Thins out the frosting to just the right consistency for drizzling.
- Pink food colouring: Adds a fun, strawberry-inspired blush to the frosting, making the cookies visually delightful.
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs: The crowning texture and flavor that truly transform these cookies into a strawberry shortcake inspired treat.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, which is just the perfect heat to bake these cookies evenly without drying them out. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this prevents sticking and helps with even baking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes creamy and takes on a light yellow hue. This creaming step is key as it incorporates air, giving the cookies their tender, fluffy texture that you want in every bite.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition to maintain the smooth consistency. Then mix in vanilla extract, which will add that comforting fragrance and flavor, an absolute must in this Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients In
Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder before gradually adding these to your wet ingredients. This ensures no lumps and that your cookies bake evenly with the perfect rise and texture.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Portion the dough into equal-sized balls, gently flatten them, and space them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. Let your cookies cool on a wire rack—this keeps them from getting soggy and helps maintain their delicate texture.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting and Decorate
Mix the milk into the confectioner’s sugar until you get a thin, drizzle-friendly frosting. Divide this into two bowls and tint one with pink food coloring to give your cookies that strawberry-inspired swirl. Drizzle the frosting generously over your cooled cookies and quickly sprinkle with the Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs before the icing sets, locking in some delightful crunch.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final flourish with extra strawberry shortcake crumbs makes your cookies visually irresistible and adds an extra burst of crunch and strawberry flavor. You could also add a small dollop of whipped cream or a fresh strawberry slice to up the wow factor for a party or special treat.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or a chilled glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light citrus yogurt—to complement the sweetness and balance flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present these cookies stacked on a tiered dessert stand or arranged around a fresh strawberry shortcake for an impressive dessert table centerpiece. You could even package them in cute boxes or mason jars for heartfelt gifts that make anyone’s day sweeter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their soft texture for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe whenever a sweet craving pops up.
Freezing
If you want to make them in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked freshness, warm the frozen or stored cookies in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. This little trick softens the frosting slightly and enhances their buttery aroma, just like they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key to achieving the best flavor and texture in this Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe, so margarine or oil might change the texture and taste. For a buttery, tender cookie, stick with real butter if you can.
How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
If your frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s drizzle-able but not runny. For a thicker frosting, add more confectioner’s sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of crumbs?
Fresh strawberries are delicious but will introduce moisture that can soften your cookies quickly. The crumb topping provides crunch and flavor without making cookies soggy, so we recommend sticking to the crumbs for best results.
What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough slightly before baking. Using baking powder as directed also helps the cookies maintain their shape without spreading too thin.
Are these cookies suitable for sensitive diets?
As written, this recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. For special dietary needs, consider gluten-free flour blends or egg substitutes, but note that the texture may vary from the original Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s bursting with flavor and a touch of nostalgic charm, the Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, fun, and yields delightful results that you’ll want to share with everyone. So, grab your apron and let these sweet, strawberry-kissed cookies brighten your day!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies combine classic sugar cookie goodness with a delightful strawberry twist. Soft and buttery cookies are topped with a sweet pink frosting and festive strawberry shortcake crumbs, making them perfect for any celebration or sweet treat craving.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting and Topping
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Pink food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light yellow in color, indicating it’s well combined and aerated. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture until fully combined, forming a soft dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Portion the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, mix the confectioner’s sugar with milk to form a thin, pourable frosting. Divide the frosting into two bowls, leaving one plain and tinting the other with pink food coloring for a festive look.
- Decorate Cookies: Drizzle the pink frosting over the cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle the Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs on top of the frosting. Let the frosting set and dry completely before serving to ensure the topping adheres well.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming results.
- You can substitute strawberry shortcake crumbs with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or graham cracker crumbs for a different texture.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the frosting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Frost the cookies only when completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.
