Name: Pink Sugar Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Bursting with Strawberry Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 2 sticks (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups (24g) freeze-dried strawberries, ground to powder; ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling); Pink food coloring (optional)

Looking for a show-stopping yet simple cookie recipe? These pink sugar cookies are exactly what you need. Naturally flavored with freeze-dried strawberries and tinted with soft pink food coloring, these cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just to brighten your day. With only 10 minutes of prep and a rich, chewy texture, these cookies combine elegance with ease—making them a sweet treat you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Pink Sugar Cookies

These pink sugar cookies aren’t just pretty—they’re packed with real strawberry flavor and boast a perfect texture that’s both soft and slightly crisp on the edges. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or afternoon snack, these cookies check all the boxes:

Quick and Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep time
Naturally Flavored: Real freeze-dried strawberries bring authentic berry notes
Customizable Color: Use food dye for a vibrant pink or keep them naturally speckled
No Special Equipment Needed: Just a mixer, blender, and baking sheet

Perfect for pink-themed parties, Galentine’s Day, or simply treating yourself, these strawberry sugar cookies are a soft, sparkly delight.

What You’ll Need for Pink Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the cookie’s structure and balances the moisture
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and soft chew—use European-style for best flavor
• Baking Powder: Provides lift and that signature crackled top
• Fine Salt: Enhances sweetness and deepens flavor
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and creates a crispy, sparkly surface when rolled
• Egg + Egg Yolk: The yolk adds extra moisture and richness
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the strawberry flavor
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Ground into a powder, they deliver vibrant, natural strawberry taste
• Pink Food Coloring (optional): Boosts visual appeal with a soft pink hue

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Adjustments

Looking to adapt your pink sugar cookies for different diets or preferences? Here are a few substitutions:

Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and replace egg + yolk with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg)
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend
No Food Coloring? Skip it! The freeze-dried strawberries give a natural blush hue
Alternative Flavors: Try freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries for a twist

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pink Sugar Cookies

Prep the Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Pulse freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat butter for 1 minute until creamy. Add sugar and beat for 3 more minutes until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until fully combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture on low speed. When almost fully combined, add the strawberry powder and pink food coloring. Fold until evenly mixed.
Form Cookie Balls: Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each in extra granulated sugar and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Chill the Dough: Chill the dough balls in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Bake: Bake 4–6 cookies at a time for 11–12 minutes. The cookies will puff up and have set edges. Let them cool on the baking tray to finish setting and form cracks.

Tips for Perfect Pink Sugar Cookies

Weigh Ingredients: Use a kitchen scale for best accuracy, especially for flour and sugar
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are room temp for smooth mixing
Avoid Silicone Mats: Use parchment-lined metal baking sheets to control spread
Chill the Dough: This keeps the cookies from overspreading and enhances texture
Adjust Color Gradually: Add pink food coloring drop by drop until the desired shade is reached

Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas

• Frosted Version: Top cooled cookies with vanilla buttercream for a bakery-style finish
• Heart-Shaped Cookies: Press dough into heart-shaped molds for Valentine’s Day
• Gluten-Free Twist: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly treat
• Berry Mix-Up: Swap freeze-dried strawberries with raspberries or mango for new flavors
• Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze cookie dough balls up to 2 months—just add 1-2 mins to baking time

These pink sugar cookies also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert sandwich.

The Strawberry Power Behind the Pink

What sets these cookies apart is the use of real freeze-dried strawberries. Unlike artificial extracts or flavored chips, freeze-dried berries deliver concentrated flavor and a natural pop of color. Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, they not only taste amazing but add a subtle nutritional edge.

Whether you’re baking for a romantic evening or whipping up something sweet on a weekend, pink sugar cookies are a visually stunning and flavor-packed addition to your baking repertoire.

Finishing Touch: Enjoy Every Bite of These Pink Sugar Cookies

There’s something magical about a batch of freshly baked pink sugar cookies. From the vibrant color to the burst of strawberry flavor and soft, chewy texture—they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. This easy recipe delivers bakery-style results without the stress, and with just a handful of pantry ingredients.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special someone, or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these pink sugar cookies are a guaranteed hit. Keep this recipe on hand—because once you make them, you’ll crave them again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Sugar Cookies

Can I make pink sugar cookies without food coloring?
Yes! The freeze-dried strawberry powder provides a natural pink hue. Without added coloring, your cookies will have a subtle blush tone with pink flecks—still beautiful and full of flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading. It also intensifies the flavor and improves the overall texture—giving you that soft center and crackly top.

Can I use frozen or fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
No. Freeze-dried strawberries are essential because they contain no moisture and can be powdered easily. Fresh or frozen berries will introduce too much liquid and negatively affect the dough’s consistency.

How do I store leftover pink sugar cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with an extra 1–2 minutes of baking time.

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