Name: Strawberry Lemonade Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup (1 stick/113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (or ¾ cup fresh diced strawberries, patted dry); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Summer’s warmth calls for these delightful strawberry lemonade cookies that burst with sunny flavors.

Sweet berries dance alongside zesty citrus notes in every delectable bite.

Soft and chewy, these treats capture the essence of refreshing summer afternoons.

Delicate pink crumbles mingle with bright lemon undertones, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

Baking these cookies feels like bottling sunshine in a single, irresistible morsel.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, they promise pure joy in every crumb.

You’ll want to make a double batch before the first tray cools completely.

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy consistency that promises delightful texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture:

Egg
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract

Beat thoroughly until all components are seamlessly integrated.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt

Whisk these ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Mix until the batter just comes together.

Step 6: Add Fruity Crunch

Gently fold in:

Crushed freeze-dried strawberries

Distribute the strawberries evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape And Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Soft and Tangy Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Boost Strawberry Flavor: Grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder for more intense fruity notes and vibrant color throughout the cookies.
Prevent Spreading: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookies' shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Zest Technique: Use a microplane grater to get fine, delicate lemon zest that distributes evenly and provides maximum citrus flavor without bitter pith.
Moisture Control: Pat fresh strawberries completely dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making the dough too wet and affecting cookie texture.
Decorative Finish: Sprinkle additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top of cookies immediately after baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Store Strawberry Lemonade Cookies the Way

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag with parchment paper separating each layer. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes. Check frequently to prevent overcooking and maintain soft texture.
If cookies become slightly dry, add a slice of bread in the container overnight to restore moisture and softness.

Pairings for Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Choose crisp, light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the cookie's bright citrus notes and enhance its refreshing flavor profile.
Craft a homemade strawberry spritzer with fresh strawberry puree, sparkling water, and a hint of mint to mirror the cookie's fruity essence and provide a cool, complementary drink.
Scoop smooth vanilla gelato alongside these cookies to balance the tangy lemon and sweet strawberry flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience with contrasting textures.
Brew a delicate lavender Earl Grey tea that echoes the cookie's floral undertones and provides a sophisticated, aromatic pairing that elevates the overall taste sensation.

Fun Spins on Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, ensuring all other ingredients are dairy-free friendly.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?

Fresh strawberries will add more moisture to the dough, potentially making the cookies spread too much. Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended for the best texture and concentrated strawberry flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

What gives these cookies their bright flavor?

The combination of fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and freeze-dried strawberries creates a vibrant, tangy-sweet taste that makes these cookies unique and refreshing.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This helps develop deeper flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Why Strawberry Lemonade Cookies Are So Refreshing

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies delight with simple, foolproof preparation that anyone can master.
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies deliver instant gratification without complex techniques.
Combines tangy lemon and sweet strawberry in one irresistible bite, making them perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert moments.
Requires minimal ingredients and basic mixing skills, welcoming even novice bakers to create something deliciously impressive without stress.

What Goes in Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie base.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Flavor Enhancers:

Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the cookie.
Lemon Juice: Adds tangy flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

Moisture and Binding Ingredients:

Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, light texture.
Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cookie.

Fruit Element:

Freeze-Dried Strawberries, Fresh Strawberries: Adds natural strawberry flavor and color to the cookies, creating a fruity twist.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Sweet Summer Delight: Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Cookies Recipe