If you’re a fan of classic cookies with a citrusy twist, you’ll adore these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies! Bursting with fresh fruit flavor and a hint of tangy lemon, these cookies are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious cookies, from selecting the right ingredients to baking tips and creative variations.
Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in achieving a crispy edge.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides moisture and a chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Assists in spreading and gives a soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree: Provides the signature strawberry flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds a burst of fresh lemon aroma.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Enhances the tanginess and adds moisture.
The Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Gives the glaze a bright, tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
For Garnish:
- Extra lemon zest: For an added burst of lemon flavor.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Adds a beautiful touch and extra fruity flavor.
Instructions for Making Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy removal of the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies tender.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.
- Mix in Strawberry Puree: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the strawberry puree, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly mixed. The strawberry puree not only flavors the cookies but also adds a vibrant color.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it makes the dough easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Shaping and Baking
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging into each other.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should remain slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.
Making the Lemon Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over them using a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise application.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra lemon zest and garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a visually appealing and tasty finish.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries to make the puree. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can affect the dough’s consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps in achieving a uniform shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to avoid developing the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies.
- Check for Doneness: The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Berry Mix: For a berry burst, consider adding a mix of fresh or dried berries to the dough. Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped dried cherries would complement the strawberry flavor wonderfully.
- White Chocolate Chips: Fold in white chocolate chips for a decadent touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon.
- Lemon Extract: Boost the lemon flavor by adding a few drops of lemon extract to the dough. This can intensify the citrus notes for a more pronounced lemony taste.
- Strawberry Pieces: For extra strawberry flavor and texture, fold in small chunks of fresh strawberries or strawberry chips.
Creative Ways to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
- As a Sandwich: Spread a layer of lemon or strawberry frosting between two cookies to make a delicious cookie sandwich.
- With Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- In a Cookie Jar: Place the cookies in a decorative jar with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift.
- With Tea or Lemonade: Pair these cookies with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing treat on a warm day.
Common Questions About Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
How do I make strawberry puree for these cookies?
To make strawberry puree, blend fresh or thawed frozen strawberries until smooth. For a smoother consistency, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds. This puree will be mixed into the dough to infuse the cookies with strawberry flavor.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. After scooping the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the balls until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer. To maintain freshness, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute in place of granulated and brown sugars. However, this may affect the texture and taste of the cookies. Ensure the substitute you use is suitable for baking.
What’s the difference between lemonade and Lemon Up cookies?
Lemonade cookies and Lemon Up cookies are both lemon-flavored treats, but they differ in their recipes and texture. Lemonade cookies, like our Strawberry Lemonade Cookies, often have a tangy lemon flavor mixed with other ingredients like fruit purees. Lemon Up cookies, a type of Girl Scout cookie, have a more straightforward lemon flavor and a crunchy texture with a hint of vanilla.
How to jazz up sugar cookies?
To jazz up sugar cookies, consider adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts (like almond or coconut) or add a touch of citrus zest for extra zing. For a fun twist, try rolling the dough in sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.
What are Girl Scout Lemonade cookies?
Girl Scout Lemonade cookies are a specific type of Girl Scout cookie with a lemon flavor. They are known for their crunchy texture and tangy lemon glaze. These cookies are often enjoyed for their refreshing citrus taste and are a favorite among fans of lemon-flavored treats.
For More Recipes
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out our Halloween Cookie Recipes. If you’re looking for more refreshing desserts, our Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is a must-try!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content for one Strawberry Lemonade Cookie (values may vary based on exact ingredients and serving size):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
These Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the sweet taste of strawberries with the tangy zing of lemon. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress family and friends. With their vibrant color and refreshing flavor, these cookies can brighten up any day and make for a memorable dessert.
Happy baking!