Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe

Is there anything better than the nostalgic taste of Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies? These bakery-style treats are ultra-soft, buttery, and topped with a dazzling glaze plus a generous sprinkle of strawberry shortcake crumbs. Every bite is pure joy—the perfect cookie for spring, summer, or anytime you want to surprise someone with something extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies is probably already in your kitchen! Each ingredient plays a key role—creating a buttery, fluffy cookie base with a dreamy glaze and that signature strawberry crumble on top.

• Butter (softened): Gives the cookies their rich flavor and that irresistible, soft texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly so it balances the tart strawberry crumbs and smooth glaze.
• Eggs: Bind the dough for structure and moisture to keep every cookie pillowy and soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, comforting flavor note you expect from a homemade sugar cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough—it keeps the cookies tender but sturdy enough to hold their shape.
• Salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors dancing in the dough.
• Baking Powder: Leavens the dough just right, so the cookies stay puffed and softly cakey.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: Whisked into a silky glaze for the cookies to catch all those pretty crumbs.
• Milk: Thins the glaze to drizzling perfection.
• Pink Food Coloring: Optional, but it makes the glaze pop with irresistible bakery-style flair.
• Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs: The signature topping for flavor, color, and crunch—don’t skip them!

Variations

The beauty of Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies is how incredibly easy they are to customize! Whether you want to make them gluten-free, swap out flavors, or change up the glaze, the options are endless and so much fun to explore.

• Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough or glaze for a zingy, citrusy boost.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Extra Strawberry: Mix in a handful of freeze-dried strawberry pieces for bold berry flavor in every bite.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt and drizzle a little white chocolate over the glazed cookies for an extra decadent touch.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheet & Preheat Oven

Start by setting yourself up for success—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and guarantees those cookies slide right off with crisp, golden bottoms.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until it’s pale, creamy, and looks fluffy—about 4-5 minutes. This step adds air to your dough for a light texture and is the secret to glossy, bakery-style cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then add the vanilla extract. This ensures the cookies bake up soft and aromatic with an even crumb every time.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients In

Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder directly into your wet mixture. Slowly beat everything together until just combined for a dough that’s easy to scoop and roll—but don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that delicate texture.

Step 5: Shape & Flatten Cookies

Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough, roll each into a ball, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten with the bottom of a drinking glass to just over 1/4 inch thick—it’s the classic bakery look!

Step 6: Bake & Cool

Bake for 10 minutes, then let the cookies cool on the tray for 2-3 minutes before transferring them gently to a wire rack to cool completely. That brief rest helps lock in softness while giving you sturdy cookies to frost.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

Stir milk into the confectioner’s sugar to make a smooth, pourable frosting. Divide between two bowls and color one pink—this is where the Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies get their signature, playful swirl!

Step 8: Glaze & Add Strawberry Crumbs

Arrange cookies on cooling racks set over baking sheets. Drizzle both colors of glaze in a zigzag motion (a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off is perfect), then sprinkle generously with the strawberry shortcake crumbs. Let sit until the glaze is set.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For extra flair, give each cookie a final dusting of powdered sugar or nestle a sliced fresh strawberry on top when serving. Edible flowers or a hint of lemon zest look stunning on a party platter for a pop of color and sophistication.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair magically with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chilled strawberry milk, or a bubbly lemonade. For an afternoon tea, serve with a pot of herbal tea and mini berry fruit salads on the side for a whimsical, bright spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies into a cookie tower, tucking them into cute cellophane bags with ribbon for party favors, or arranging them alongside fresh strawberries and a bowl of whipped cream for the ultimate cookie board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your strawberry shortcake sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—the glaze sets up nicely, and the crumb topping stays crisp if you keep them well-sealed and out of direct heat or sunlight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, skip the glaze and crumb topping at first; freeze just the baked, cooled cookies in layers separated with parchment in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temp, decorate as usual, and enjoy fresh-from-the-bakery flavor months later!

Reheating

Cookies don’t need reheating, but if you prefer that “just-baked” softness, microwave an unglazed cookie for 5-8 seconds. Once they’ve been glazed, skip the microwave and simply let them come to room temp for best taste and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe to brighten someone’s day or make a gathering truly memorable, I can’t recommend Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies enough. They deliver a gorgeous blend of color, crunch, and comforting flavor—so don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!

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