Name: Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 320 grams all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 227 grams unsalted butter (room temperature); 350 grams granulated sugar; 1 egg (room temperature); 1 egg yolk (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring; 24 grams freeze dried strawberries; ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies); pink food coloring

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic treat, the Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute delight that brings a burst of fruity flavor and a charming rosy hue to your cookie jar. These cookies combine the tender crumb of a traditional sugar cookie with the natural sweetness and delicate tang of freeze dried strawberries. They not only taste wonderful but also make for a stunning treat to share with friends, family, or even just yourself when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to baking projects for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two sections side by side. On the left, there is a clear glass bowl with bright pink dough mixture being stirred with a wooden spoon, the dough looks soft and crumbly in texture. On the right, there are small round balls of pink dough, evenly spaced out on a white marbled surface, each ball coated lightly with sugar giving a rough texture. The overall scene is brightly lit with a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that are easy to find but essential in achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. Each element plays a unique role—from the butter creating a tender base to the freeze dried strawberries adding that vibrant, natural pink tint and irresistible strawberry essence.

All purpose flour (320 grams): The foundation that gives structure and chew to the cookies.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise to a nice, fluffy but sturdy texture.
Fine salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (227 grams): Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Granulated sugar (350 grams): Sweetness that also helps create a light, airy cookie.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds the ingredients and gives moisture to the dough.
Egg yolk (1, room temperature): Adds extra richness and helps with the tender crumb.
Vanilla flavoring (2 teaspoons): Provides a warm, comforting backdrop that pairs beautifully with strawberry.
Freeze dried strawberries (24 grams): Blended into powder, these give a natural strawberry flavor and pink color.
Granulated sugar for rolling (½ cup): Gives a sweet, crunchy coating that adds a lovely texture contrast.
Pink food coloring: Used sparingly, it enhances the rosy appearance without overpowering the natural strawberry color.

How to Make Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Strawberry Powder

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, blend your freeze dried strawberries in a blender or food processor until they become a fine powder. This powder is the secret behind adding that vibrant strawberry flavor and gentle pink tint that makes these cookies unmistakable.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt. This ensures your leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, setting the stage for perfectly risen cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter for about a minute until soft and creamy. Then add in the granulated sugar and continue beating on medium-high for about 3 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial for trapping air, which translates into that wonderfully delicate texture in your final cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla flavoring until fully combined. The eggs add moisture and richness, while the vanilla enhances the flavor complexity and warmth that beautifully complements the strawberry.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Strawberry Powder

Add your whisked dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat lightly on low just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender. Next, fold in the strawberry powder and a few drops of pink food coloring using a rubber spatula, mixing until the dough evenly turns a lovely pink shade. Add food coloring gradually to achieve your preferred hue without overwhelming the natural strawberry essence.

Step 6: Shape and Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls and roll them in the extra granulated sugar. This adds a sweet sparkle and a little crunch on the surface. Chill the dough balls in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or for even better flavor and texture, overnight. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that tender crumb during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Arrange 4 to 6 dough balls per baking sheet depending on size, keeping enough space for spreading. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes—the edges should be set and the top slightly puffed. Don’t worry if the middle looks a bit soft; the cookies will continue to bake as they cool, developing those signature cracks and a perfectly soft center.

How to Serve Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a stack of seven light pink cookies with a cracked texture and sugar coating on the top surface, placed on white crumpled paper over a white marbled background. One dried strawberry slice is lying on the paper near the cookies, with another slice partially visible under the cookie stack, adding a pop of red color. Small delicate pale pink flowers with thin stems are placed around the lower right corner, adding a soft decorative touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are gorgeous on their own, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a quick drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of finely chopped freeze dried strawberries for an extra special touch. These little embellishments make the cookies pop visually and add texture layers to each bite.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a chilled glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting and indulgent treat. The strawberry and buttery flavors pair beautifully with creamy or fruity accompaniments that balance their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifts or parties, arrange the Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe on delicate doilies stacked on pretty platters or tiered cookie stands. Wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a pastel ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich the cookies with strawberry or vanilla cream filling to turn them into delightful cookie sandwiches that impress every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies maintain their wonderful texture best this way, staying soft yet slightly crisp around the edges.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing them solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in airtight containers but separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or until softly warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze dried?

Fresh strawberries have too much moisture and will change the dough’s texture, making it too wet. Freeze dried strawberries give you a concentrated flavor without adding moisture, which is crucial for getting the right texture and color in the Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Is the pink food coloring necessary?

It’s not strictly necessary, but it does enhance the pretty pink shade. The freeze dried strawberry powder adds some color, but a few drops of food coloring brighten the dough to that iconic candy-pink hue sweet cookies are known for.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

Substituting vegan butter and using an egg replacer might work, but keep in mind the texture and flavor could vary. The classic Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is best achieved with traditional ingredients for that tender, rich consistency.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps solidify the fats, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a deeper strawberry taste and a better overall cookie texture.

How can I tell when the cookies are done?

Look for slightly puffed tops with set edges. The centers may still look a bit soft but will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, which can dry out these tender cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you love classic sugar cookies but want to add a fresh, fruity twist that’s as pretty as it is delicious, I can’t recommend the Pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe enough. It’s fun, straightforward, and makes a batch of cookies that will brighten any day or celebration. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can feel so special!