Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are the perfect combination of tart and sweet in a soft, chewy bite. Inspired by your favorite refreshing summer drink, these cookies bring the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon into one irresistible dessert. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, party, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies deliver sunshine in every bite.
Made with simple ingredients and real fruit flavor, these cookies are a bright alternative to traditional chocolate or sugar cookies. They’re easy to prepare and fun to decorate, making them a great recipe for kids and beginners alike.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Refreshing flavor: Lemon zest and fresh strawberries create a balanced tart-sweet flavor.
- Soft and chewy texture: Creamy butter and a perfect bake time keep them tender inside.
- Easy to make: No complicated steps, perfect for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for summer: Great for parties, BBQs, or packing in lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or lemon glaze
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Gently fold in the strawberries. Avoid over-mixing.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze once cooled.
Tips & Variations
- Use freeze-dried strawberries for more intense flavor and no added moisture.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough. Otherwise, the cookies may become soggy.
How do I store Strawberry Lemonade Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Can I add a glaze to these cookies?
Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice adds extra flavor and sweetness.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t required, but refrigerating the dough for 20–30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies – A Zesty & Sweet Summer Treat
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy Strawberry Lemonade Cookies made with fresh lemon zest and real strawberries. A sweet and tangy summer favorite!
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
Optional: powdered sugar or lemon glaze
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
4. Whisk together dry ingredients and mix into the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in chopped strawberries.
6. Scoop dough onto baking sheet.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Cool and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle glaze.
Notes
Use freeze-dried strawberries for a firmer texture.
Add white chocolate chips for extra richness.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg