Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh strawberry and zesty lemon flavors. These cookies have the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a refreshing and delicious treat for spring, summer, or any time you crave a fruity dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Refreshing – A perfect combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon.
Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies are moist and melt in your mouth.
Easy to Make – No chilling required, just mix and bake!
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for picnics, parties, or a light dessert.
Naturally Flavored – Fresh strawberries and real lemon juice bring out the best flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Lemon zest
Fresh lemon juice
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (or fresh, diced strawberries)
Powdered sugar (for optional glaze)

Directions

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries (or fresh diced strawberries).
Scoop and Bake – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Glaze (Optional) – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a simple glaze and drizzle over the cookies.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies – Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Strawberry Lemonade Glaze – Mix powdered sugar with both lemon juice and strawberry puree.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Extra Tangy – Add more lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
Dairy-Free Version – Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing – Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating – Microwave for 5-10 seconds for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Yes! Just dice them small and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If using fresh strawberries, chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to reduce spread.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Use more powdered sugar and less lemon juice to create a thicker drizzle.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

Can I add more mix-ins?

Yes! Try adding white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.

What’s the best way to crush freeze-dried strawberries?

Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or blend in a food processor.

How do I get a stronger strawberry flavor?

Use both freeze-dried strawberries and fresh strawberries for extra fruitiness.

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Cake flour will give the cookies an even softer texture.

How do I keep my cookies from getting too hard?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are a delightful, fruity twist on classic cookies. With a perfect blend of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon, they are light, refreshing, and easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a summer picnic or just want a fun, flavorful treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy the taste of strawberry lemonade in a soft, chewy cookie!