The Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. Bursting with flavor and topped with a sweet glaze, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their unique combination of buttery goodness and strawberry shortcake crumbs makes them a standout dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of classic sugar cookie with strawberry shortcake creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or as a heartfelt gift for loved ones.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The pink drizzle and shortcake crumbs make these cookies visually appealing.
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake in advance and store for later enjoyment or gifting.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire cooling rack
- Ziploc bag (for frosting)
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and creamy texture by thoroughly mixing butter and sugar.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cookies to bake evenly without sticking.
- Wire cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies to cool them properly without becoming soggy.
Ingredients
The uncomplicated and delicious sugar cookie gets a fresh, new flavour profile, and an upgrade in this Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies recipe. A classic sugar cookie base is topped with a simple glaze and sprinkled with homemade shortcake crumbs. These would make a great giftable dessert idea for Valentine’s Day!
For the Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- pink food coloring
For Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is creamy and light yellow in color—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, beating until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough, rolling them into balls. Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a drinking glass until they are just over 1/4 inch thick.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, allow them to cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
Once cooled completely, prepare your frosting by stirring milk into confectioner’s sugar until you achieve a thin, smooth consistency.
Step 8: Color Your Frosting
Divide your frosting into two bowls. Tint one bowl with pink food coloring while leaving the other bowl white.
Step 9: Drizzle Frosting Over Cookies
Position half of your cookies face up on a wire cooling rack over another baking sheet to catch drips. Using either a fork or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off, drizzle both colors of frosting over each cookie in zigzag motions.
Step 10: Add Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs
After frosting each cookie, generously sprinkle with Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs.
Step 11: Allow to Set
Let the frosting dry completely before packaging or serving these delightful treats!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies
Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies can elevate any moment.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Serve the cookies alongside sliced fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor. It makes for a beautiful presentation!
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with other sweets like brownies or mini cupcakes. This way, guests can enjoy a variety of treats.
Gift-Wrapped for Special Occasions
- Package these cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons for gifts on holidays like Valentine’s Day or birthdays. It adds a personal touch!
Paired with Ice Cream
- Enjoy these cookies as an ice cream sandwich! Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a creamy delight.
With Whipped Cream
- Top the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and additional strawberry shortcake crumbs. This transforms them into an elegant dessert.
Alongside Tea or Coffee
- Pair your Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies
Achieving the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time.
- Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
- Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center.
- Allow cooling properly: Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to ensure the icing doesn’t melt.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies
These Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great side dish ideas.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavors of the cookies.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate creates an indulgent option for dipping your cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that balances sweetness.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer rich creaminess that complements the cookie’s lightness.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: A cold beverage like lemonade or iced tea refreshes and balances out sugary desserts.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Rich pecan bars add nutty flavors that contrast beautifully with strawberry shortcake flavors.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats bring out the strawberry notes in your sugar cookies even more!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to prevent them.
- Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can lead to a dense cookie. Always soften your butter for a light, fluffy mixture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Adding too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Ignoring cooling time: Moving cookies too soon from the baking sheet can cause them to break. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Rushing the frosting process: Frosting warm cookies can melt the glaze. Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm or humid.
Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies?
You can substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cookie base.
How do I make my frosting more colorful?
You can add more pink food coloring gradually until you achieve your desired shade. Just remember not to overdo it!
What are Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies best paired with?
These cookies pair wonderfully with milk, tea, or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks or dessert.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days at room temperature and about 3 months in the freezer.
Can I customize the cookie shape?
Absolutely! Use various cookie cutters to create fun shapes that suit any occasion or holiday celebration.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. They make a perfect treat for gifting on special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Feel free to customize with different toppings or flavors—experimenting is part of the fun! Try this recipe today and enjoy these sweet delights!
Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies, a creative twist on the classic sugar cookie. These cookies are soft and buttery, enhanced with strawberry shortcake crumbs and topped with a sweet pink glaze that makes them visually stunning. Perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to holidays—these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of a rich, tender cookie base paired with fruity strawberry flavor creates an irresistible treat that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a must-try!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Pink food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Shape dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden around edges; cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting by mixing milk into confectioner's sugar; tint part with pink food coloring.
- Drizzle frosting over cooled cookies and sprinkle with Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the cookie dough or using other berries in place of strawberries. To prevent spreading, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.