Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

The Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. This recipe combines the beloved sugar cookie base with a sweet, creamy glaze and homemade shortcake crumbs. Perfect for gifting or enjoying during special occasions, these cookies bring a touch of joy to any gathering, making them an excellent choice for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of buttery sugar cookies with strawberry flavors creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can create these delightful cookies.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation – Frosted and sprinkled with shortcake crumbs, these cookies look as good as they taste, making them perfect for sharing.
• Versatile Treat – Enjoy them at parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes!
• Fun Decorating – Get creative with the pink frosting and toppings; kids will love helping out in the kitchen!

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wire cooling rack
• Ziploc bag (for frosting)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – These tools help achieve that light and creamy texture needed for the cookie dough.
• Baking sheet – A proper baking sheet ensures even cooking for perfectly baked cookies.
• Wire cooling rack – Cooling racks allow air circulation around the cookies, preventing sogginess.

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Ingredients

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 Topping

• 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 a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until it becomes creamy and light yellow in color. This should take about 4–5 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Beat this mixture into the wet ingredients until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Using heaping tablespoons of dough, roll them into balls and place them onto your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Flatten Dough Balls

Press down on each ball gently until flattened to just over 1/4 inch thick. A drinking glass can be used for this step.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. When done, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

Once completely cooled, stir milk into confectioner’s sugar until you achieve a thin, smooth frosting consistency.

Step 9: Color Frosting

Divide your frosting into two bowls—leave one white and tint the other with pink food coloring.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Place half of the cookies face up on one cooling rack with another baking sheet underneath to catch drips. Use either a fork or transfer frosting into a Ziploc bag to drizzle over cookies.

Step 11: Add Toppings

After frosting each cookie, sprinkle over some Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs while still wet.

Step 12: Let Them Set

Allow the frosting to dry completely before packaging your beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday snack, here’s how to make the most of these delicious cookies.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Pair your cookies with freshly sliced strawberries for a refreshing contrast. The sweetness of the fruit enhances the cookie’s flavor.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter along with other desserts. This makes for an eye-catching display at parties or gatherings.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve these cookies alongside a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture complements the cookie’s crunch perfectly.

In Milk

• Enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk. The classic combination is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package these cookies in festive wrapping for a thoughtful gift. They make excellent presents for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for precise measurements. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.

• Chill dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.

• Don’t overbake: Bake until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. This keeps them chewy and delicious.

• Allow cooling time: Let the cookies cool completely before frosting them. Warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and run off.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies can enhance their enjoyment and create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs beautifully with the cookie’s flavors.

2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast and complements the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie in warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that brings extra richness.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and crumbled cookies for a delightful breakfast or light dessert option.

5. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like mascarpone can balance the sweetness while adding a savory element to your serving options.

6. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea provides a cozy pairing, perfect for afternoon treats or dessert after dinner.

7. Pudding Cups: Rich pudding cups can add an extra layer of flavor and texture when served alongside these cookies.

8. Nut Mixes: Savory nut mixes offer crunch and saltiness that contrast nicely with the sweet sugar cookies, creating a balanced snackboard combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough – Not chilling the cookie dough can lead to overly flat cookies. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Boldly ignore ingredient temperatures – Using butter that’s too cold or melted can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure your butter is softened but not greasy.
• Boldly overmixing the dough – Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Boldly rushing cooling time – Removing cookies from the oven too early can lead to them breaking apart. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring.
• Boldly leaving out frosting details – The glaze adds flavor and appeal; don’t skip it! Follow the instructions carefully for a perfect drizzle.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5–7 minutes.
• Microwave – Warm individually for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies.

What makes Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies different?

These cookies combine a classic sugar cookie base with a strawberry shortcake theme, featuring a delightful glaze and shortcake crumbs.

Can I use fresh strawberries in the recipe?

While fresh strawberries are delicious, this recipe focuses on shortcake crumbs for texture. However, you can serve them with fresh strawberries on top!

How do I make gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for precise frosting application. Add sprinkles or additional crumbs for extra flair!

Can I customize these cookies?

Absolutely! Experiment with different flavors by adding lemon zest or using other types of fruit juice in the glaze.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies offer a fun twist on classic sugar cookies, perfect for various occasions. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations. Try this recipe today and delight your friends and family with these charming treats!