Nothing says sweet nostalgia like a batch of homemade cookies that bring together the best flavors of strawberry shortcake in a fun and easy-to-make form. The Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly that delightful treat, combining soft buttery sugar cookies with a luscious pink glaze and a sprinkle of crunchy strawberry shortcake crumbs. These cookies not only taste incredible but also add a lovely pop of color and charm to any cookie platter, making them perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just indulging yourself. Prepare to fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, from the creamy butter that ensures softness to the strawberry crumbs that add a playful texture and flavor burst. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, perfect for whipping up a batch without any fuss.
- 3/4 cup butter, softened: Provides a rich and tender base for the cookies, ensuring they stay soft and flavorful.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps create a delightful golden color as the cookies bake.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and give structure to the cookies without making them heavy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, cozy aroma that complements the strawberry notes beautifully.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, creating just the right density and crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift, making them tender but not cakey.
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar: Essential for the luscious glaze that’s smooth and sweet.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Pink food coloring: Adds that iconic strawberry shortcake blush, making the cookies irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, fruity topping that makes every bite exciting.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare the baking sheet
To start, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple step makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture turns creamy and light yellow. This process incorporates air and sets the stage for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and finally stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Sifting prevents lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until the dough becomes smooth and perfectly formed. This balance is key to the ideal texture of the cookies.
Step 4: Shape and bake your cookies
Portion the dough into equal-sized balls to guarantee uniform baking. Gently flatten each ball just a bit and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them for exactly 10 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid over-browning. After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps them set and retain their delightful texture.
Step 5: Make the pink glaze
While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking milk into the confectioner’s sugar until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Divide the glaze into two bowls; add a few drops of pink food coloring to one for that signature strawberry shortcake hue, leaving the other plain for variety if you like. This glaze is where sweet meets charming in this recipe.
Step 6: Decorate and finish
Finally, drizzle the pink glaze generously over your cooled cookies. Before the glaze sets, sprinkle a generous amount of the Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs on top to add a delicious crunch and fun bursts of strawberry flavor. Let the glaze dry completely before serving to avoid any messy fingers.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe even more, consider garnishing these treats with a fresh strawberry slice or a small dollop of whipped cream for a true shortcake vibe. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add that delicate, bakery-style charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. For a dessert spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salads or a creamy cheesecake to balance textures and flavors. The versatility means you can easily make your cookie occasion extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap the cookies in colorful parchment paper tied with a ribbon for a perfect gift, or arrange them in a tiered dessert stand for a party centerpiece. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of strawberry jam or buttercream to add another indulgent dimension. Presentation can be as fun as the cookies themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and you probably will), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their softness and flavor for up to 4 days, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy over several days without losing any magic.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for later? The baked and cooled cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Don’t glaze before freezing — add the drizzle and crumbs fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
For a just-baked taste, warm your cookies in a low oven (around 300 degrees) for 5 minutes or microwave individually for about 10 seconds. This refreshes the softness and revives the flavors perfectly, making it feel like you just baked them.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe?
All-purpose flour works best here to create the right balance of texture and tenderness. Using whole wheat or gluten-free blends might change the soft crumb and could require recipe modifications.
What if I don’t have Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs?
You can substitute with crushed freeze-dried strawberries mixed with graham cracker crumbs or vanilla cookie crumbs to maintain that crunchy, fruity effect.
Is it necessary to use both milk and confectioner’s sugar in the glaze?
Yes, the milk thins out the confectioner’s sugar to create a smooth glaze that’s easy to drizzle and sets nicely. You can adjust milk quantity slightly to achieve your desired consistency.
How do I prevent the pink glaze from running off the cookies?
Make sure your cookies are completely cool before applying glaze. Also, keep the glaze thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle so it doesn’t pool excessively.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well, so double the ingredients and bake in batches. Just be mindful of bake times and don’t overcrowd the baking sheets for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe is one you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again when you want a sweet little escape in cookie form. It’s fun, visually charming, and packed with delicious textures and flavors that celebrate one of the most beloved dessert combos ever. Give it a try and watch these cookies become a fast favorite in your home too!
