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These strawberry sugar cookies bring me back to summer afternoons in my grandmother's kitchen. Each bite tastes like pure sunshine with their perfectly soft centers and slightly crisp edges. The natural strawberry flavor shines through in every cookie making them irresistible for summer parties Valentine's Day or sandwiched around creamy ice cream.
The Magic Behind These Cookies
I discovered that using freeze dried strawberry powder gives these cookies their incredible flavor without making the dough wet and sticky. Sometimes I add a tiny drop of red food coloring when I want them extra pretty but they're gorgeous on their own too.
All About Freeze Dried Strawberries
- What They Are: These little gems go through a special freezing process that locks in all their sweetness.
- The Texture: They turn wonderfully light and crispy like strawberry clouds.
- Amazing Flavor: The strawberry taste gets concentrated making them perfect for baking.
- Storage: They last forever in my pantry which is so convenient.
- Good For You: Still packed with all the goodness of fresh strawberries.
Making Your Own Strawberry Powder
- Quick Blending
- I pop my freeze dried strawberries into my blender and pulse them until they become this gorgeous pink powder. It takes just seconds.
- Keeping It Fresh
- I store mine in a little jar with a tight lid. It stays fresh for weeks.
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Creating That Special Sugar Sparkle
- The Mix
- I love mixing my strawberry powder with sparkling sugar. Two spoonfuls of powder to half a cup of sugar is perfect.
- Storage Tips
- Keep it sealed tight and it stays pretty and pink.
Fun Ways to Use Your Pink Sugar
This sugar makes everything special. I sprinkle it on my morning lemonade rim cocktail glasses with it and dust it over fresh baked treats. My daughter loves it on her hot chocolate and it makes the prettiest whipped cream topping.
Mix Up the Flavors
Some weekends I experiment with different fruits. Raspberries make the most gorgeous red cookies while blueberries create this lovely purple shade. My latest obsession is mixing mango and strawberry powder together.
My Baking Secrets
Fresh ingredients make all the difference in these cookies. I always chill my dough before baking and never overwork it. These little steps ensure perfectly soft dreamy cookies every time.
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Perfect Cookie Companions
Nothing beats these cookies with a cold glass of milk. When friends come over I serve them alongside strawberry ice cream or my afternoon tea. They disappear so quickly I usually make a double batch.
Summer Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take two cookies add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and you've got the most incredible summer treat. Pop them in the freezer for a few minutes to set and enjoy pure bliss.
Baking With Little Ones
My kitchen lights up when the kids help make the sparkly pink sugar. They love mixing the ingredients and it's such a sweet way to spend time together. Plus they're always extra excited to eat cookies they helped create.
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Why Fresh Won't Work
I tried roasting fresh strawberries once but they just made the cookies soggy. Freeze dried gives that pure strawberry flavor we're after while keeping the cookies perfectly chewy.
Keeping Them Fresh
These cookies stay soft for a week in an airtight container. I often freeze a batch they thaw beautifully whenever a craving hits or unexpected guests drop by.
Making Them Extra Special
Sometimes I drizzle white chocolate over them or sprinkle extra pink sugar on top. Crushed freeze dried strawberries make them look like they came from a fancy bakery.
Why Everyone Loves These
These cookies have become my signature recipe. The pretty pink color catches everyone's eye but it's that real strawberry flavor that keeps them coming back for more. They're simply irresistible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Where can I find freeze-dried strawberries?
Target and Trader Joe's carry freeze-dried fruits, or purchase online. Process into powder using a high-speed blender or spice grinder.
- → How can I achieve bakery-style looks?
Sprinkle additional sparkling sugar on cookies immediately after removing from oven. It will settle into crackly tops as cookies cool.
- → Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in airtight container. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- → Why use gel food coloring?
Gel or powdered food coloring is more concentrated than liquid, requiring less for the same color intensity.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Keep in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerated for 1 week, or frozen for 3 months.