Zesty Strawberry Lemonade Cookies Recipe: Summer in Every Bite

Summer’s sweet symphony bursts with tangy strawberry lemonade cookies that dance between fruity and zesty flavors.

These delightful treats capture the essence of sun-soaked afternoons and refreshing moments.

Bright strawberry chunks and vibrant lemon zest weave magic into every soft, chewy bite.

Delicate pink hues peek through the cookie’s surface, promising a delectable experience.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that blend seamlessly into a mouthwatering dessert.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies irresistibly charming.

You’ll want to savor each delightful morsel and share the summer joy with everyone around you.

Cookie Variations with Summer Flavors

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-safe cookie that maintains soft texture and zesty flavor.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a completely plant-based strawberry lemonade cookie experience.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the bright citrus and berry notes intact.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut butter for frosting, eliminate cream, and replace dairy butter with olive oil or coconut oil to create an allergen-friendly version of the original recipe.

Serving Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning cookie display with varied heights using cake stands, wooden boards, or tiered trays. Arrange cookies artfully with fresh strawberry garnishes.
• Sweet Summer Brunch Companion: Pair these cookies with light mimosas, fresh fruit salad, or creamy yogurt parfaits for a delightful morning gathering that celebrates citrusy-sweet flavors.
• Tea Time Elegance: Serve alongside chamomile or lavender tea, presenting cookies on delicate china plates with small silver tongs for an refined afternoon treat that feels sophisticated yet playful.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons, adding a handwritten recipe card for a personal homemade gift perfect for birthdays or summer celebrations.

Storing Cookies for Sweet Moments

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful swirled design.
• Wrap unfrosted cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving for best texture and flavor.
• Keep unfrosted cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve their soft texture.
• Store strawberry buttercream in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What makes the lemon flavor stand out in these cookies?

The fresh lemon zest and lemon juice are key to creating a bright, vibrant citrus taste that cuts through the sweetness of the cookie and frosting.

• Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?

Fresh strawberries work best for the most intense flavor and proper consistency. Frozen strawberries can be too watery and may affect the frosting’s texture.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading and maintains the cookies’ shape during baking. Make sure to flatten the dough balls slightly before putting them in the oven.

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies: Flavorful Perks

• Burst with Fruity Freshness: Combine the tangy zest of lemon with sweet, vibrant strawberries for a delightful cookie experience that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these cookies with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious treat without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress friends and family with these colorful, eye-catching cookies that are equally great for casual gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations.
• Versatile Seasonal Treat: Enjoy these cookies year-round, with the bright flavors of strawberry and lemon bringing a touch of sunshine to any occasion.

All Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cookie.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie and helps create a tender texture.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, buttery cookie.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the cookies soft and tender.

• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy aroma and intense lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy citrus notes and helps balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base.
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a creamy, spreadable frosting consistency.
• Butter: Forms the base of the buttercream frosting.

• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cornstarch: Contributes to the soft, tender texture of the cookies.

Baking Steps for Tangy Strawberry Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up Butter Base

Gently melt butter in a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle in sugar and zesty lemon shavings.

Pour in smooth vegetable oil, crack fresh eggs, squeeze bright lemon juice, and splash vanilla extract.

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes silky and well-blended.

Step 2: Create Cookie Mixture

Gradually fold dry ingredients into your wet mixture.

Blend thoroughly until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Pop the dough into the refrigerator and let it chill for half an hour, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to firm up.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Cookies

Retrieve chilled dough and scoop out small portions.

Roll each portion into perfect little spheres.

Gently press down on each ball, creating a slight flattened shape.

Slide the cookie sheet into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake for 12-13 minutes until edges turn golden.

Step 4: Craft Strawberry Frosting

Take fresh strawberries and pulverize them into a smooth puree.

In a separate bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy.

Blend the strawberry puree into the butter.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a hint of additional flavoring.

Mix until the frosting becomes smooth and vibrant.

Step 5: Decorate With Flair

Once cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the strawberry buttercream across each cookie.

Create elegant swirls with your frosting knife.

Sprinkle finely crushed strawberry pieces and delicate lemon zest on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Soft, Lemony Cookies

• Use fresh, unwaxed lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor and maximum aromatic oils in your cookies.
• Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure thick, soft cookies with perfect texture.
• Grind fresh strawberries finely to create a smooth, concentrated flavor in the buttercream without excess liquid.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated to avoid tough, dense cookies that lose their delicate crumb.
• Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and crushed strawberries on top of frosted cookies for a beautiful, restaurant-style presentation.

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies, blending tangy citrus with ripe berry sweetness. Refreshing and light, these treats will transport you to sunny afternoons of pure deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg plus 1 yolk, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar

Secondary Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (42g) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (10g) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 cups (33g) freeze-dried strawberries
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of salt
• Additional freeze-dried strawberries
• Additional lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare wet ingredients by gently melting butter and blending with granulated sugar and vibrant lemon zest until smooth and fragrant.
2. Incorporate liquid elements including vegetable oil, eggs, fresh lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract into the butter mixture, whisking until completely integrated.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a soft, cohesive dough.
4. Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and improve texture consistency.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
6. Portion chilled dough into uniform rounds, gently pressing each cookie to create slight thickness and smooth surface.
7. Bake cookies for 12-13 minutes until edges turn delicate golden brown, ensuring centers remain tender and soft.
8. While cookies cool completely, prepare strawberry frosting by finely grinding fresh strawberries into a vibrant puree.
9. Cream softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually blend strawberry puree, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
10. Once cookies have reached room temperature, generously swirl strawberry buttercream across surface using piping bag or offset spatula.
11. Garnish frosted cookies with finely chopped fresh strawberries and delicate lemon zest for elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap oil for applesauce to reduce fat content and create a lighter texture while maintaining moisture.
• Freeze dried strawberries work amazingly for intensifying flavor and adding vibrant color to frosting without excess liquid.
• Dairy-free option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream for a vegan-friendly version that keeps the creamy consistency.
• Gluten-sensitive bakers can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to ensure everyone enjoys these delightful cookies.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg