Valentines Day Strawberry Sugar

Celebrate the season of love with these Valentines Day Strawberry Sugar Cookies. These tender, strawberry-infused treats are topped with a crisp, glossy royal icing, making them the ultimate sweet gesture for sharing with your Valentine. The natural pink hue and rich berry flavor come from finely ground freeze-dried strawberries, creating a cookie that is as delicious as it is beautiful.

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Creating these heart-shaped cookies is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. The dough is easy to work with once chilled, and the royal icing provides a blank canvas for your creative designs. Whether you prefer a simple flood of pink or intricate piping, these cookies are sure to be the star of any celebration.

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3

Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out heart shapes or desired Valentines shapes.

Step 8

Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 9

Bake 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 10

In a large bowl, beat egg whites (or meringue powder and water) with lemon juice until frothy.

Step 11

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating on low speed until smooth and glossy.

Step 12

Tint with gel food coloring as desired.

Step 13

Adjust consistency with a few drops of water (for flooding) or more powdered sugar (for piping outlines).

Step 14

Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Allow icing to set completely before storing.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, make sure your freeze-dried strawberries are ground into a very fine powder to prevent lumps in the dough. Chilling the dough for the full hour is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their defined heart shapes during the baking process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra boost of berry flavor, you can add half a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cookie dough. You can also experiment with different shades of pink and red gel food coloring in the royal icing to create a beautiful gradient of Valentines cookies.

Serviervorschläge

These cookies look stunning when decorated with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a touch of sparkle. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or package them in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature.

Organize cleaning supplies and kitchen essentials under the sink for quicker access during cooking and cleanup.

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Enjoy sharing these delightful strawberry-infused treats with your loved ones. With their crisp royal icing and tender crumb, these cookies are a memorable way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

→ How do freeze-dried strawberries affect the dough?

Freeze-dried strawberries add concentrated strawberry flavor without extra moisture, preserving dough texture.

→ What is the purpose of chilling the dough?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut shapes, and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.

→ Can I use meringue powder instead of egg whites for the icing?

Yes, meringue powder is a safe alternative that creates a stable, glossy royal icing similar to fresh egg whites.

→ How to achieve a smooth royal icing texture?

Beat egg whites or meringue powder with lemon juice, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar until glossy and smooth.

→ What tools are recommended for shaping and decorating?

Use heart-shaped cutters for shapes, rolling pins for dough thickness, and piping bags with tips for precise icing decoration.