Save There's something magical about baking for Valentine's Day. As the sweet aroma of strawberry cookies fills your kitchen, these heart-shaped treats become messengers of love. Made with real freeze-dried strawberries and topped with glossy royal icing, these cookies balance fruity sweetness with buttery richness - a perfect way to say 'I love you' without words.
Save Watching someone's face light up when they bite into these strawberry cookies is pure joy. The delicate crunch of the royal icing gives way to a tender, buttery cookie with subtle notes of strawberry and almond. The beautiful pink hue comes naturally from the ground freeze-dried berries, creating a treat that's as visually stunning as it is delicious.
- For the Strawberry Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ¼ cup (30 g) freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
- 1–2 tbsp milk, as needed
- For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 large egg whites (or 4 tbsp meringue powder + ¼ cup water, for safety)
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pink or red gel food coloring (optional)
- Prepare the dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined.
- Finish the cookie dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. If the dough seems dry, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together but is not sticky. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Bake the cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out heart shapes or desired Valentine's shapes. Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the royal icing
- In a large bowl, beat egg whites (or meringue powder and water) with lemon juice until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating on low speed until smooth and glossy. Tint with gel food coloring as desired. Adjust consistency with a few drops of water (for flooding) or more powdered sugar (for piping outlines).
- Decorate and finish
- Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Allow icing to set completely before storing.
The key to perfect strawberry sugar cookies is handling the dough with care. After mixing, if you find the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Conversely, if it seems too dry, a tablespoon of milk will help bring it together. Always chill your dough for at least an hour - this prevents spreading during baking and helps maintain those crisp heart shapes.
For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cookie dough. You can also experiment with different extracts like rose water for a floral note perfect for Valentine's Day. If freeze-dried raspberries are more readily available, they make an excellent substitute for the strawberries with a slightly more intense berry flavor.
Present these cookies on a white platter for maximum visual impact. They pair beautifully with champagne for adults or strawberry milk for children. For a romantic dessert, sandwich two cookies with a layer of strawberry buttercream or serve alongside fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate. Package in a decorative box tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade Valentine's gift.
Save As Valentine's Day approaches, these strawberry sugar cookies become more than just a sweet treat - they're an expression of care and affection. The time spent rolling out dough, carefully cutting heart shapes, and delicately piping icing creates something truly special. Whether shared with a romantic partner, given to friends, or enjoyed with family, these cookies carry the universal language of love in every strawberry-infused bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do freeze-dried strawberries affect the cookie flavor?
Freeze-dried strawberries infuse a concentrated strawberry taste without adding moisture, enhancing flavor while keeping dough texture balanced.
- → What tips ensure glossy royal icing?
Beat egg whites or meringue powder thoroughly with lemon juice, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency for smoothness and shine.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least an hour helps develop texture and flavor and makes rolling easier.
- → What is the best way to decorate the cookies?
Use piping bags with the royal icing to create outlines and fill areas. Allow icing to set fully before stacking or storing.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies maintain freshness for up to five days.