These Strawberry Sugar Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, with a burst of sweet, fruity flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft, chewy, and full of strawberry goodness, these cookies feature a crackled sugar coating that adds both texture and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving a treat, these cookies will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. With a hint of strawberry extract and optional pink food coloring, they have a vibrant, fun appearance that makes them as appealing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds.

These cookies are easy to make and ideal for sharing with friends and family. The strawberry jam filling in the center adds an extra layer of flavor and a touch of surprise in every bite. Best of all, the ingredients are simple, and the recipe is flexible enough for you to adjust the flavors to suit your preference. Whether you stick with strawberry jam or try another fruit preserve, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Burst of Fruity Flavor

The strawberry extract and jam filling give these cookies an irresistible fruity flavor that will remind you of summer, no matter the season.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies have the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, with a slightly crispy edge from the sugar coating. It’s the ideal cookie texture.

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3. Customizable

You can easily swap out the strawberry jam for other fruit preserves, or choose to omit the food coloring for a more natural look, allowing you to customize them to your taste.

4. Dairy-Free Option

By using plant-based butter, these cookies can easily be made dairy-free, making them a great option for people with dietary restrictions.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, preparing a batch for a bake sale, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a sweet, festive choice that will impress guests and loved ones.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for dairy-free version)
Granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Strawberry extract
Pink food coloring (optional)

For the Filling:

Strawberry jam (or raspberry or apricot jam for a twist)

Variations

Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter in place of unsalted butter to make these cookies dairy-free without compromising on taste.
Fruit Preserve Alternatives: While strawberry jam is the classic choice, raspberry or apricot jam can be used for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
Food Coloring: For a vibrant, pink hue, add a few drops of pink food coloring to your dough. If you prefer a more natural look, you can skip this step.
Sugar Coating: Roll the cookies in sparkling sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle, or try using colored sugar for a fun, festive look.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract, mixing well. If using, add the pink food coloring and stir until the dough takes on the desired hue.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape when baked.

Step 3: Form the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Create a Dimple for the Jam

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation. This will hold the jam filling.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Do not overbake; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.

Step 6: Add the Jam Filling

Once the cookies have cooled slightly, spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into the center of each cookie’s indentation.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. It’s an essential step for achieving those perfect crinkles.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For even-sized cookies, a cookie scoop can make rolling the dough into uniform balls a breeze.
Add Jam After Baking: To prevent the jam from burning, always add it after the cookies have finished baking and cooled slightly.
Test for Doneness: The cookies should be slightly firm around the edges and soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Sugar Crinkle Cookies are best served fresh out of the oven, while the jam filling is still soft. They make a fantastic dessert for parties, gatherings, or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, consider arranging them on a decorative platter or adding a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The jam filling will soften slightly over time, but the cookies will still taste delicious.

Freezing

To freeze these cookies, bake and cool them completely. Then, store them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, raspberry or apricot jam can be used as a filling for a different flavor profile.

2. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter to make these cookies dairy-free.

3. How long should I chill the dough?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

4. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, food coloring is optional. The cookies will still be delicious without it.

5. How thick should the dough be?

The dough should be soft but not too sticky. It should hold its shape when rolled into balls.

6. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

7. Can I skip the jam filling?

If you prefer plain crinkle cookies, simply bake the cookies without the jam center. You’ll still get the signature crinkle effect and sweetness.

8. What if my cookies spread too much during baking?

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough longer before baking, and be sure the dough is firm before placing it on the baking sheet.

9. Can I make these cookies without the crinkle effect?

Yes, if you don’t want the crinkle effect, simply roll the dough into smooth balls and skip pressing them with your thumb.

10. How can I make the crinkles more pronounced?

For a more pronounced crinkle, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar and gently press them down with a spoon before baking.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Sugar Crinkle Cookies are a fun and delicious way to indulge your sweet tooth. With their soft, chewy texture, strawberry jam filling, and crackled sugar coating, they’re sure to become a hit in your home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet treat, these cookies deliver in both flavor and presentation. Try experimenting with different fruit preserves or adding a bit of food coloring to customize them to your liking. Enjoy!

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