Strawberry Sugar Cookies for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to spread a little love than with some freshly baked Strawberry Sugar Cookies? These little beauties are soft, sweet, and bursting with juicy strawberry flavor. They’re just the right balance of chewy and sweet, with a hint of vanilla that makes them irresistible. Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for these! Whether you’re baking them for a special someone or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!), these cookies are perfect for sharing or indulging in all on your own. And hey, you might even want to make a batch just to enjoy while watching a rom-com.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sugar Cookies for Valentine’s Day

These cookies aren’t just about ingredients—they’re about creating sweet moments (pun intended)! Whether you’re making them for your Valentine, friends, or just because you’re in the mood for something tasty, here’s why they’re sure to become your new favorite:

• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are the ideal sweet treat to give as a Valentine’s Day gift, share with family, or surprise friends with. You’ll find yourself wanting to bake them for every special occasion!
• Soft and Chewy: Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The strawberry flavor adds a lovely twist to the traditional sugar cookie, while keeping that perfect chewy texture.
• Easy to Make: You don’t have to be a baking pro to make these cookies! The recipe is simple and doesn’t require any fancy tools or techniques—just a bit of love (and butter!).
• Customizable: If you want to get creative, feel free to add in sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s easy to give these cookies a personal touch!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves a good sugar cookie—and this strawberry version is no exception. They’re a guaranteed hit at parties, get-togethers, or as an after-dinner treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these berry-licious cookies:

All-Purpose Flour:

The foundation of your cookie dough. Flour provides the structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while baking but remain soft and tender.

Granulated Sugar:

This sweetens the dough and helps create that perfect sugary crust around each cookie. It’s the magic ingredient that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Baking Soda:

A little leavening agent that makes the cookies puff up just a bit while still maintaining that chewy center.

Salt:

A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!

Unsalted Butter:

Butter brings that rich, delicious flavor and helps give the cookies their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s the key to getting that perfect chewy cookie.

Eggs:

Eggs help bind the dough together, providing structure and moisture. They make the cookies soft and chewy.

Fresh or Freeze-Dried Strawberries:

Strawberries add a burst of fruity flavor and a natural sweetness that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. If you use fresh strawberries, be sure to chop them finely to avoid sogginess. Freeze-dried strawberries are a great alternative for a more concentrated flavor.

Vanilla Extract:

Vanilla brings warmth and depth to the dough, enhancing the flavor of the strawberries and the buttery richness of the cookies.

Milk:

A splash of milk helps bring the dough together and keeps it nice and soft.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to create these sweet, strawberry-flavored cookies:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the cookies bake evenly and get that beautiful golden edge.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes of mixing. It’s worth the time—this step adds to the cookie’s texture and flavor.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.

Add the Dry Ingredients:

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Just stir until it’s all combined. This helps keep the cookies tender!

Add the Strawberries:

Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries (or freeze-dried strawberries). Be sure to fold them in carefully so they’re evenly distributed through the dough.

Shape the Cookies:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want to add a little extra sweetness, you can gently roll each dough ball in sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want them soft in the center.

Cool and Serve:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, you’re ready to indulge in these sweet, strawberry-flavored treats!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 160

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies for Valentine’s Day

These cookies are absolutely delightful on their own, but here are a few fun ideas for serving them:

Serve with a Glass of Milk:

There’s something about the combination of a soft cookie and a cold glass of milk that makes everything feel extra cozy. Pair these strawberry sugar cookies with milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a perfect treat.

Gift Them in a Cute Box:

Pack these cookies in a sweet box with a ribbon, and they make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Trust me, your loved ones will be swooning over this thoughtful, homemade treat.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream:

Top a couple of these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an irresistible dessert sundae.

Decorate for Extra Flair:

Add some fun decorations, like colorful sprinkles or drizzle the cookies with white or dark chocolate for a little extra sweetness.

As a Party Treat:

These cookies are perfect for any Valentine’s Day party. Set them out on a platter, and watch everyone grab one (or two) for a delicious, festive treat.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies keep their shape while baking. It’s not necessary, but it helps prevent spreading.
• Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries: If you can’t find fresh strawberries that are in peak season, freeze-dried strawberries can provide a more concentrated flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A1: You can, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough. Fresh strawberries tend to work best for these cookies.

Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just scoop and bake as usual.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have extras, they also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A4: Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that works for baking to keep the texture right.

Q5: Can I add white chocolate chips to these cookies?
A5: Yes! White chocolate chips would be a delicious addition, especially with the strawberry flavor. Just fold them in along with the strawberries.

Q6: How can I make these cookies a little less sweet?
A6: You can reduce the amount of sugar by about ¼ cup, but keep in mind that this may affect the cookie’s texture and flavor balance slightly.

Q7: Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?
A7: Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries would work beautifully. Just be mindful of the moisture content in the fruit.

Q8: Can I add sprinkles to these cookies?
A8: Yes! Adding sprinkles would be a fun touch, especially for Valentine’s Day. Roll the cookie dough balls in sprinkles before baking for a colorful pop.

Q9: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A9: Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or an egg replacer. The texture may be a bit different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re making these for a party or special event, doubling the recipe is a great idea. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you’re baking multiple trays at once.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a sweet, berry-filled way to celebrate Valentine’s Day—or any day, really! They’re soft, chewy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect treat to share with loved ones or enjoy by yourself. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or just savoring them with a cup of tea, these cookies will bring a little sweetness into your day. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of love!

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