These Lemon Strawberry Cookies are a bright and tasty treat! They are soft, chewy, and packed with juicy strawberries and zesty lemon flavor.
Don’t blame me if you can’t stop at just one! I love making these for picnics or just a sunny afternoon at home. They make perfect snacks with a refreshing twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. You could try coconut oil for a dairy-free option, just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Strawberries: Freeze-dried strawberries add intense flavor without moisture. If using fresh strawberries, make sure to drain them well; excess moisture can make cookies soggy. You can substitute with chopped raspberries or blueberries too!
Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the cookies. Don’t skip the zest; it adds great flavor! For a twist, you can use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus kick.
Food Coloring: While optional, food coloring adds a playful touch. If you’d rather avoid it, the cookies will still turn out delicious without it. Natural color can also be achieved with beet juice for pink!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right cookie texture can be tricky. Start by creaming the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy. This adds air and helps create a softer cookie. When mixing in the dry ingredients, avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially butter and egg, for even mixing.
- Watch the baking time closely – you want them to be just set and slightly soft in the centers.
How to Make Lemon Strawberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed (or ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries, well-drained and patted dry)
- Pink and yellow food coloring (optional, for color)
For The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to allow the cookies to cool and the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before serving. Altogether, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it adds air to the cookies, helping them stay soft and tender!
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat them together until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the dough.
5. Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is combined, but avoid overmixing as it can make the cookies tough.
6. Add Zesty Flavors
Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice into your dough. This will give your cookies that delightful citrus flavor!
7. Prepare to Color the Dough
Divide your dough into two equal halves. To one half, carefully fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries (or your chopped fresh strawberries). For some fun color, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring to this half. For the original dough, you can add a touch of yellow food coloring to enhance the lemon theme.
8. Form the Cookie Balls
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of each dough color and roll them into balls. If you want a marbled effect, gently press slightly flattened portions of each colored dough together before rolling them into a ball.
9. Bake the Cookies
Place the formed dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem underbaked!
10. Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the cookies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough lemon juice to achieve a thick yet drizzle-able consistency for your glaze.
11. Glaze and Garnish
Once the cookies have cooled on a wire rack, drizzle the lemon glaze over them with a spoon or drizzle bottle. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors.
12. Let the Glaze Set
Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes. This will give your cookies a lovely finish and make them even more delicious!
Enjoy your delightful lemon strawberry cookies that combine bright citrus notes with sweet berry flavors. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use a stick variety for better consistency. The cookies may have a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still turn out delicious!
What If I Can’t Find Freeze-Dried Strawberries?
If freeze-dried strawberries are not available, you can use fresh strawberries instead. Just remember to chop them finely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which can affect the cookie texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll stay good for about a week.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
