There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about strawberry sugar cookies. They remind me of those carefree summer days spent picking ripe, sun-kissed strawberries with my family. The smell of fresh strawberries in the air, the laughter shared as we competed to find the biggest or reddest berry, and the sticky fingers from sampling the fruits of our labor—these were the moments that made summer feel magical. And of course, there was always the delicious payoff at the end of the day, when my mother would turn those freshly picked berries into unforgettable strawberry sugar cookies, which became the star of every family gathering.

These cookies are not just a treat—they are a sweet memory, a link to the past, and a way to create new memories in the present. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or a special gathering, these strawberry sugar cookies bring warmth, joy, and the essence of summer into every bite.

Strawberry Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Summer Memory

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic & Heartwarming: These cookies bring back memories of summer, family, and tradition, offering a comforting sense of nostalgia with every bite.
Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of fresh, ripe strawberries and the sweetness of sugar creates a perfect balance of flavor.
Soft & Tender: The use of high-quality butter ensures the cookies are soft and have a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Versatile: Whether enjoyed alone, paired with whipped cream, or made into ice cream sandwiches, these cookies can be dressed up or served simply.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

2 1/4 cups (280g) All-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) Packed light brown sugar
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor)
1/2 cup Fresh strawberries, finely chopped or mashed

For the Topping:

Granulated sugar, for rolling the cookies

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries

If you’re using fresh strawberries, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and finely chop or mash them. If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
Set aside the mashed strawberries to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the mashed strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is prepared, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

4. Roll and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball.
Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press down on each cookie with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten them.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies should be soft in the center and slightly firm around the edges.

5. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, enjoy the delightful combination of strawberry sweetness and buttery goodness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture.
Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice over the cookies for a sweet, finishing touch.
Strawberry Shortcake Twist: Pair the cookies with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a fun take on strawberry shortcake.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cookie dough to brighten the flavor and complement the sweetness of the strawberries.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They will stay soft and fresh.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating: Warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture that could affect the texture of the dough.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if preferred, though this may slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.

Do I need to use vanilla bean paste?

Vanilla extract works perfectly fine, but if you want a stronger, more concentrated vanilla flavor, vanilla bean paste is a great choice.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, just bake the frozen dough for a couple of extra minutes.

How do I make sure the cookies are soft and chewy?

Avoid overbaking the cookies. They should still be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sugar Cookies bring the essence of summer into every bite, evoking memories of strawberry picking and family fun. The soft, chewy cookies with their hint of strawberry sweetness are perfect for sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoying on your own. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies are sure to delight and create new memories that will last just as long as the old ones. Happy baking!

Strawberry Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Summer Memory

Why You’ll Love This Recipe