Oh, how I adore the sweet, fragrant scent of strawberries wafting through the kitchen! It takes me back to those sunny afternoons spent picking juicy strawberries with my grandmother in her backyard when I was a little girl. She would always have the best ideas for transforming those luscious berries into delightful treats. One of my favorites? Soft Strawberry Sugar Cookies! These vegan and allergy-friendly delights beautifully combine my love for strawberries with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie base. Trust me, once you bake a batch of these cookies, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know – or keep them all to yourself, no judgment here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure bliss for your taste buds with that sweet strawberry flavor.
- Vegan and allergy-friendly – perfect for everyone!
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy enough for a weeknight treat or special occasion.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up these delightful cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free blend works too!)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat – your pick!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Note: Fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness and hydration to these cookies, while the coconut oil brings a lovely, rich flavor. Make sure to choose ripe strawberries for the sweetest results!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking, shall we? Don your favorite apron, and let’s make some strawberry magic happen!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil and granulated sugar until smooth. This is one of those beautiful areas where simplicity shines! Add in the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Watch out – overmixing can lead to tough cookies! We want soft and chewy, remember?
- Fold in those luscious chopped strawberries with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. It’s what’s going to make these cookies oh-so-special!
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Trust me; your home will smell like a strawberry paradise!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re tempting, but patience is key!
And there you have it! Beautiful, soft strawberry sugar cookies that are a treat for all. I can almost taste them melting in my mouth!
Pro Tips & Variations
These cookies are a fantastic base to play around with! Here are some fun ideas:
- Add a splash of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Mix in some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Swap the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist on the classic.
For those who might be nut-free, simply use oat milk instead of any nut-based milk, and you’re good to go!
Serving Suggestions
These soft strawberry sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but let’s take it up a notch! Serve them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert sensation. Or, how about a lovely picnic in the park? These cookies are so light and fluffy, they would make an excellent companion to a sunny day filled with laughter and good company. Picture it: a soft blanket laid out in the grass, a plate stacked with these strawberry treats, and some friends to share your celebration of sweetness!
Storage Tips
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Want to keep them longer? Freeze them! Simply wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before adding them to the dough. You’ll want to chop them into smaller pieces to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading excessively, it may be due to the coconut oil being too warm or not enough flour in the mix. Make sure your oil is melted but not hot, and measure your flour accurately for the best texture.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out just as delicious!
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can swap coconut oil for vegan butter or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. Just know the taste may vary slightly depending on your choice.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for a slight golden edge on the cookies. If the tops look slightly moist and soft, that’s just perfect! They will firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
I hope you try this lovely recipe for Soft Strawberry Sugar Cookies, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Whether you’re making them for a celebration, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because you have strawberries on hand, these cookies are sure to bring joy. Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts or any delicious variations you tried. Happy baking, my friend!
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