Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Name: Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Highlighted under: Celebration Kitchen

I absolutely love making these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookies! Each bite bursts with a flavorful blend of fresh strawberries and the sweetness of sugar cookies that perfectly complement the vibrant season. My family and friends are always impressed by their soft, chewy texture and delightful flavor. The best part? They are simple to make and can add a festive touch to any spring gathering or occasion. These cookies have truly become a favorite in our household, symbolizing the joy of spring with every delicious bite.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:09:36.289Z

When I first experimented with strawberry-flavored cookies, I never expected such a delightful result. After a few trial runs with different fruit purees, fresh strawberries won me over with their vibrant taste and juicy sweetness. To make sure the cookies retain their chewy texture, I always chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which helps them hold their shape perfectly.

Sharing these cookies with loved ones is one of my favorite springtime rituals. They're perfect for everything from garden parties to casual get-togethers. I appreciate how they not only look inviting with their pink flecks but also offer a delicious introduction to the joys of spring. Don't forget to garnish them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Bright and fruity flavor from fresh strawberries
Soft, chewy texture that everyone will adore
Perfect for springtime gatherings and celebrations

The Role of Fresh Strawberries

In this recipe, fresh strawberries are the star ingredient that brings a burst of flavor and moisture to the sugar cookies. Using ripe, sweet strawberries ensures that your cookies have an authentic fruit taste without the need for artificial flavors. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and slightly firm. Avoid any with blemishes as they can lead to mushy cookies or affect the overall flavor profile.

To maximize the strawberry flavor in your cookies, be sure to dice them evenly into small pieces. This not only helps with distribution throughout the dough but also ensures that they bake evenly. If you find the strawberries are particularly juicy, consider patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel before folding them into the dough. This helps prevent the cookies from becoming overly wet and maintains their lovely chewy texture.

Chilling the Dough: Why It Matters

Chilling the cookie dough is a crucial step that should not be skipped. When the dough rests in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, it allows the fats in the butter to firm up, resulting in cookies that hold their shape and do not spread excessively during baking. This is particularly important for cookies that include fresh fruit, as the moisture from strawberries can lead to flattening.

If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 15 minutes in the freezer, but be cautious not to let it get too firm. A well-chilled dough will also enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together, leading to cookies that are not only beautiful but flavorful. I like to prepare my dough ahead of time, letting it chill overnight for the best results.

Storing and Serving Your Cookies

Once baked, these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookies can be stored for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

For an extra special touch when serving, consider frosting the cookies with a light lemon glaze or dusting them with powdered sugar. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and enhances the springtime theme of your baked goods. These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat at any gathering.

Ingredients

For Sugar Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Make sure to wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly before dicing them.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this to the creamed mixture. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy the cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in a little lemon zest with the dough. It complements the strawberries beautifully!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your cookies are too flat after baking, it may be due to the dough being too warm when placed in the oven. Always ensure the dough has been adequately chilled before baking. Additionally, double-check that you measured your flour correctly; using too little can also cause spreading. A good tip is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.

On the other hand, if your cookies turn out too thick, try gently pressing them down with the back of a spoon before baking. This can help achieve the ideal chewy texture. Also, be mindful of your baking time. If they’re in the oven for too long, the cookies can dry out. Bake them until just golden around the edges for a perfect soft center.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version of these cookies, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This typically contains a mixture of rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum, which helps replicate the texture of wheat flour. Just be sure that your baking powder is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

For a dairy-free option, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. This can give your cookies a slightly different flavor but will keep them moist and delicious. Additionally, you could use a flax egg instead of a traditional egg if you're looking for an egg-free version—mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens before adding it to the mix.

Variations to Try

These cookies can easily be customized to suit your taste. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a nutty flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully. You might also fold in other berries like blueberries or raspberries to create a mixed berry sugar cookie that’s bursting with flavor.

For a twist on presentation, consider rolling the cookie dough into small balls, then rolling them in shredded coconut before baking. This not only adds texture but also provides a lovely, tropical touch to your strawberry cookies. Don't be afraid to experiment with decorations too—drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies can create a stunning finish that tastes as good as it looks.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before dicing to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh.

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type?

You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?

You can substitute with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.