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Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

Create pure magic with these Strawberry Sugar Cookies featuring a sparkling strawberry sugar coating. Bursting with real strawberry flavor and rolled in crystalline sparkling sugar, these tender, colorful cookies bring joy and elegance to any occasion with their beautiful appearance and irresistible taste.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
  • 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries ground to fine powder
  • 2-3 drops pink food coloring optional
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
  • 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberries ground, for coating
  • 1 tablespoon sparkling sugar or coarse decorating sugar
  • 2-3 drops pink food coloring optional for coating
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted, for optional glaze
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk for optional glaze
  • 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract for optional glaze

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Coffee grinder or food processor

Method
 

  1. Prepare sparkling strawberry sugar by combining granulated sugar, ground freeze-dried strawberries, and sparkling sugar in small bowl. Add food coloring if desired. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  3. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  4. In large mixing bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale.
  5. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add ground freeze-dried strawberries to butter mixture, beating briefly to distribute evenly. Add food coloring if using.
  7. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Don't overmix.
  8. Using cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  9. Roll each dough ball in prepared sparkling strawberry sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides.
  10. Place coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just set and centers still appear slightly soft. Maintain pink color on top.
  12. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack. Optionally glaze when completely cooled.

Notes

Grind freeze-dried strawberries in coffee grinder or food processor until fine powder forms. Don't overmix cookie dough to maintain tender texture. Store in airtight container up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.