The Best Frosted Strawberry Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Irresistibly Flavorful

Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Frosted Strawberry Cookies! Made with real, fresh strawberries, they deliver a bright, authentic fruity flavor that everyone adores. These are not just any cookies; they are soft, pillowy sugar cookies generously topped with a rich, luscious strawberry buttercream frosting that you simply *must* try. Perfect for parties, special events, or a delightful treat all to yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you’re a fan of soft and sweet treats, don’t forget to explore our comprehensive collection of SOFT AND SWEET SUGAR COOKIES here!

One of the many charms of these delightful strawberry cookies is their incredible versatility. They can be enjoyed as a light, sweet snack with your afternoon tea, or elevated to a show-stopping dessert for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive party, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking for a delicious indulgence to brighten your day, these frosted sugar cookies are an outstanding choice that will leave a lasting impression.

The Secret Behind the Flavor: Pureed Strawberry Reduction

What truly sets these Frosted Strawberry Cookies apart is a not-so-secret but incredibly impactful ingredient: a pureed strawberry reduction. This concentrated form of strawberry not only infuses the cookies with an intense burst of natural flavor but also imparts a beautiful, inviting pink hue to both the cookie dough and the buttercream frosting. The process involves gently boiling fresh strawberries to evaporate excess water, resulting in a rich, concentrated strawberry puree. This method ensures that every bite is packed with authentic fruit taste, far superior to artificial flavorings.

Beyond this cookie recipe, pureed strawberry reduction is a remarkably versatile ingredient for any baker. Its sweet and tangy profile complements a wide array of desserts, making it a fantastic addition to cakes, cupcakes, tarts, and even homemade ice cream. Keeping some on hand is a great way to elevate your baking creations with a natural fruit essence.

Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Cookie Recipe

There are countless reasons why these frosted strawberry cookies will become a new favorite in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appearance and exquisite taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple. It calls for common pantry ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it accessible for both experienced bakers and kitchen novices. You’ll be whipping up a batch in no time!
• Bursting with Authentic Flavor: The star of this recipe is, of course, the fresh strawberry flavor. Thanks to the homemade strawberry puree, each cookie is infused with a sweet and tangy essence that tastes genuinely like summer. The rich buttercream frosting adds another layer of delightful sweetness, perfectly balancing the fruitiness of the cookie.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: These cookies are truly adaptable. Serve them as an elegant dessert at a sophisticated dinner party, a fun treat at a casual get-together with friends, a sweet indulgence for a brunch spread, or simply enjoy them as a satisfying snack whenever a craving strikes. Their vibrant color and delectable taste make them suitable for any celebration.

Frosted Strawberry Cookie Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these memorable cookies:

For the Strawberry Cookie Dough:

• Fresh Strawberries: You’ll need approximately 12-15 fresh, ripe strawberries. Wash, core, and slice them to prepare for pureeing. These will form the flavorful base of your cookie and frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Half a cup (½ cup) of softened butter is crucial for a rich, tender cookie. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: One cup (1 cup) of sugar provides the perfect balance of sweetness and contributes to the delightful chewy texture of the cookies.
• Large Egg: A single large egg acts as a binder, helping to hold all the ingredients together and adding moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon (1 tsp) of high-quality vanilla extract enhances all the sweet and fruity flavors in the dough, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• Sour Cream: A third of a cup (⅓ cup) of sour cream is the secret to achieving those wonderfully pillowy-soft cookies, adding moisture and a slight tang.
• Reduced Strawberry Puree: You’ll use a quarter cup (¼ cup) of your homemade reduced strawberry puree in the cookie dough itself, ensuring a consistent strawberry flavor throughout.
• Salt: Half a teaspoon (½ tsp) of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and bring out the depth of all the other flavors.
• Baking Soda: To help the cookies rise beautifully and achieve their soft, airy texture, you’ll need half a teaspoon (½ tsp) of baking soda.
• All-Purpose Flour: Two and a quarter cups (2 ¼ cups) of all-purpose flour provide the necessary structure for the cookie dough, creating a stable yet tender base.

For the Luscious Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: Another half cup (½ cup) of softened butter forms the rich, creamy foundation of this delectable frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon (1 tsp) of vanilla extract is added to the frosting, complementing the strawberry flavor and adding complexity.
• Powdered Sugar: Four cups (4 cups) of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) are the bulk of this sweet frosting, providing its smooth, pipeable consistency.
• Remaining Reduced Strawberry Puree: The remaining half cup (½ cup) of your concentrated strawberry puree is vital for both the beautiful pink color and the intense strawberry flavor of the buttercream.

How to Make Perfect Strawberry Frosted Cookies

Follow these detailed steps to create your batch of irresistible frosted strawberry cookies:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Reduction (Essential for Flavor!)

1. Start by thoroughly washing, coring, and slicing your 12-15 fresh strawberries.
2. Puree the sliced strawberries using an immersion blender or a food processor until smooth.
3. Pour the strawberry puree into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The goal is to reduce the mixture by about half; for example, if you start with 1 ½ cups of puree, you should end up with approximately ¾ cup of concentrated reduction. This step intensifies the strawberry flavor and color.
5. Once reduced, transfer the puree to a separate container and cool it completely in the refrigerator or freezer. This can be done up to a week in advance, saving you time on baking day.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C).
7. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set them aside.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough

8. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer works best for this.
9. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and ¼ cup of the cooled, reduced strawberry puree until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
10. In a separate small bowl, gently whisk together the dry ingredients: salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour.
11. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

12. Scoop out 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie. A medium cookie scoop ensures uniform size and faster prep. Place the dough balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
14. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is essential before frosting.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

15. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until creamy.
16. Add the remaining ½ cup of reduced strawberry puree and 1 cup of powdered sugar to the butter. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth.
17. Gradually add the vanilla extract and the remaining powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until you achieve your desired smooth, thick, and spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit of milk or cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Frost and Serve!

18. Transfer the strawberry buttercream frosting to a piping bag fitted with a closed star tip (a Wilton 2D tip works wonderfully for rosettes).
19. Begin piping the frosting in a tight circle in the middle of each cooled cookie. Continue piping in a circular motion, gradually expanding outwards until you reach the edge of the cookie.
20. While the frosting will eventually set, it’s best to avoid stacking cookies frosted with rosettes immediately to prevent squishing them.
21. Serve your beautiful Frosted Strawberry Cookies immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!

How Long Do Frosted Sugar Cookies Stay Fresh?

For the best taste and texture, frosted strawberry cookies are ideally enjoyed within 3 to 4 days of baking. Beyond this period, their freshness, particularly the softness of the cookie and the vibrancy of the frosting, may begin to diminish. To maximize their shelf life and preserve their deliciousness, always store them in an airtight container. This simple step protects them from drying out and keeps them delightful for longer.

Optimal Storage Methods for Frosted Strawberry Cookies

Proper storage is key to maintaining the exquisite quality of your frosted strawberry cookies. Here’s how to do it right:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as warmth can cause the delicate strawberry buttercream to melt and make the cookies soggy.
• Prevent Sticking: When placing cookies in the container, it’s highly recommended to separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper. This crucial step prevents the frosting from sticking to other cookies or the lid, ensuring each cookie remains perfectly intact and beautiful.
• Refrigeration (for hot climates or extended freshness): If you live in a particularly hot or humid environment, or if you wish to extend their freshness slightly beyond 4 days, storing the cookies in the refrigerator is an option. However, be aware that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture of sugar cookies, making them a bit firmer. If refrigerating, ensure they are still in an airtight container to protect them from absorbing other food odors. Allow them to come closer to room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
• Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For longer preservation, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place unfrosted cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. For frosted cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet until the frosting is firm (about 1-2 hours), then transfer them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and add frosting to unfrosted cookies after thawing.

Exciting Variations and Dietary Adaptations

While our Frosted Strawberry Cookies are undeniably delicious as they are, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Alternative Fruit Flavors:

If you love the concept but want to explore other fruity delights, consider these options:

• Raspberry Rendezvous: Substitute the strawberry puree with a rich raspberry reduction for a tart and sweet experience. The vibrant color will be just as appealing!
• Blueberry Bliss: A blueberry reduction can introduce a unique, earthy sweetness. These cookies would be perfect for a summer picnic.
• Peach Perfection: For a taste of late summer, try a peach puree reduction. The delicate flavor pairs wonderfully with a creamy frosting.
• Adding Fresh Fruit Chunks: For an extra burst of texture and flavor, gently fold finely diced fresh fruit (like strawberries, raspberries, or even small chunks of peaches) into the cookie dough just before baking. This adds a delightful chewiness and even more fresh fruit essence.

Dietary Adaptations:

Accommodate various dietary requirements with these simple swaps:

• Gluten-Free Version: Easily make these cookies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of a high-quality, cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour for best results.
• Vegan Delight: To make this recipe completely plant-based, replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil (ensure it’s solid and chilled if using for the frosting). For the egg, create a “flax egg” by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or vegan sour cream.
• Lower Sugar Options: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, there are several approaches:
  • Use a sugar-free jam for the puree reduction (though homemade reduction is generally preferred for taste).
  • Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cookie dough by up to ¼ cup without significantly impacting the texture.
  • Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to replace a portion of the granulated sugar, keeping in mind that liquid sweeteners may alter the dough’s consistency slightly.
  • For the frosting, use a sugar substitute designed for baking in place of powdered sugar, or simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar to your preference, noting that this may result in a less firm frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cookies

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these delightful cookies:

How do you create the perfect frosting for strawberry cookies?

The key to perfect strawberry frosting lies in using fresh strawberries. Start by making a concentrated pureed strawberry reduction, as detailed in our recipe. This reduction is then lovingly whipped together with softened butter, a generous amount of powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. The goal is to achieve a smooth, creamy, and vibrant frosting that is both easy to pipe and bursts with natural strawberry flavor. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to reach your desired level of sweetness and consistency.

What makes Crumbl frosted strawberry cookies unique?

Crumbl frosted strawberry cookies are known for their distinct qualities, which include a wonderfully soft and chewy base cookie, often thick and generously sized. A key feature is their signature frosting, which typically incorporates fresh strawberries (or strawberry flavorings) to achieve a bright, authentic taste and a beautiful pink color. They are often served warm and topped with a substantial layer of creamy frosting, making each cookie a luxurious and indulgent treat.

Explore More Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipes!

If you loved these Frosted Strawberry Cookies, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delightful frosted sugar cookie creations from our collection:

• Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies
• Classic Soft Sugar Cookies
• Whimsical Watermelon Sugar Cookies
• Festive Swirled Patriotic Cookie Bars
• Tangy Buttermilk Sugar Cookies
• Bright Frosted Orange Juice Cookies
• Rich Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
• Decadent Caramel Banana Cookies

Baking is often a family affair in our home, bringing a lot of joy and sometimes a little bit of playful chaos! These cookies are perfect for creating those cherished family memories.