Description

These Strawberry Lemonade Cookies combine the sweet freshness of strawberries with the bright, tangy zing of lemon, creating a perfect summer treat that evokes memories of sunny days and picnics. Soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, these cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, incorporating lemonade concentrate and fresh fruit for a unique flavor that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup lemonade concentrate, thawed

Dry Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Additions

Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Optional

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract to enhance the aroma.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Add Flavor: Fold in lemon zest, chopped fresh strawberries, and thawed lemonade concentrate, mixing gently to preserve the fruit’s texture and incorporate vibrant flavors evenly throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is important to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking and improve texture.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the sheets, spacing them apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the aroma fills your kitchen.
Cool and Dust: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar to add an extra layer of sweetness and decorative touch.

Notes

Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries may add extra moisture leading to softer cookies.
Do not skip chilling the dough, as it helps cookies hold their shape and results in a better texture.
Adjust the amount of lemonade concentrate to taste for a stronger lemon flavor.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry lemonade cookies, summer cookies, fruity cookies, lemon zest cookies, fresh strawberry dessert