These Strawberry Swirl Cookies are a true delight, featuring an ultra-chewy vanilla sugar cookie dough beautifully swirled with vibrant, strawberry-infused cookie dough. Soft, chewy, and bursting with fruity flavor, these cookies are ready in under an hour, making them a perfect last-minute treat or a fun baking project.
They are inspired by classic sugar cookies but with a fresh, fruity twist that will captivate any strawberry lover. The result is a naturally pink, visually stunning cookie with an incredible texture and a gorgeous, vibrant swirl.
β€οΈ Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Chewy Texture: Perfectly soft and chewy, a delightful contrast to crispy cookies.
- Natural Strawberry Flavor: Infused with real strawberry, offering an authentic fruity taste without artificial extracts.
- Visually Stunning: The beautiful pink and white swirl makes them as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for when a cookie craving strikes.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with children, and a treat they'll adore.
π A Brief History of Sugar Cookies
The sugar cookie, a simple yet beloved classic, traces its origins back to the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. German Protestant settlers, known as the Moravians, developed the cookie, originally called the Nazareth Sugar Cookie. Its simplicityβusing sugar, flour, butter, and eggsβmade it an accessible, popular treat. Over time, sugar cookies became a canvas for creativity, decorated for holidays and special occasions. Adding fruit, like in these strawberry swirl cookies, is a modern twist that adds a fresh dimension to this timeless favorite.
π Tools Youβll Need
- Mixing bowls (large & medium) π₯£
- Hand or stand mixer with paddle attachment ποΈ
- Whisk & silicone spatula π΄
- Measuring cups & spoons π
- Baking sheets & parchment paper π
- Small 1-tablespoon cookie scoop π₯
- Wire cooling rack π¬οΈ
π₯ Key Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming and rich flavor π§
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with structure π
- Large egg: Binds the dough and keeps it tender π₯
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor π¦
- All-purpose flour: The base for chewy cookies πΎ
- Baking powder: For a soft, slightly puffy texture β¬οΈ
- Freeze-dried strawberries: For natural strawberry flavor and color π
- Milk: To help blend freeze-dried strawberries into a paste π₯
- Pink food coloring (optional): To intensify color π
πͺ How to Make Delightful Strawberry Swirl Cookies
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy π§π
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined π₯π¦
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl π₯£β¨
- Form Dough: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet on low speed until just combined πΎπ
- Divide Dough: Split dough in half; leave one half plain πͺ
- Prepare Strawberry Dough: Crush freeze-dried strawberries, mix with milk to form a paste, then fold into second half. Add pink food coloring if desired ππ
- Shape Swirled Cookies: Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of each dough, roll into 5-inch logs, taper ends, press logs together, roll into spiral balls ππͺ
- Roll in Sugar: Coat each cookie ball with extra granulated sugar β¨
- Chill (Optional): Chill on parchment-lined sheet 15-30 mins βοΈβ±οΈ
- Preheat Oven: 350Β°F (175Β°C) π‘οΈπ₯
- Bake: 9-11 mins, edges lightly golden, centers soft β±οΈπ―
- Cool: Let cookies cool 5 mins on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack π¬οΈπͺ
π‘ Tips for Success
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can toughen cookies.
- Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Adds color & flavor without extra moisture.
- Chill Dough: Makes it easier to shape and keeps swirl defined.
- Don't Overbake: Centers should look slightly soft for chewy texture.
- Taper Logs: Helps create a more defined spiral.
π Cookie Troubleshooting Guide
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Dough too warm; chill longer.
- Not Chewy Enough: Overbaked or too much flour; bake until centers slightly underdone.
- Color Not Vibrant: Not enough strawberry powder or coloring; crush strawberries finely and add gel coloring.
π©βπ³ Pro Chef Tips
- Use vanilla bean paste for richer flavor.
- Try other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
- Add white chocolate chips to vanilla dough for extra sweetness.
- Store baked cookies in airtight container to keep chewy.
β Perfect Pairings: What to Drink with Your Cookies
- Cold milk π₯
- Iced tea or lemonade π
- Hot white chocolate or herbal tea β
- Sparkling rosΓ© or fruit-infused water π₯
π¦ How to Store
- Room Temp: Airtight container, 3-5 days.
- Freezer: Baked cookies up to 3 months; unbaked dough also up to 3 months.
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