Strawberry Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

November 08, 2024

These strawberry snickerdoodle cookies bring a fun twist to the classic with a burst of fruity flavor. Soft, chewy, and perfectly coated in cinnamon-sugar, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion or when you're craving something sweet and unique.

Close-up of freshly made Strawberry Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe garnished and ready to serve

If there’s a cookie that embodies both cozy nostalgia and fresh, fruity excitement, it’s the strawberry snickerdoodle. These cookies are a match made in dessert heaven, combining the soft chew of classic snickerdoodles with bursts of strawberry goodness in every bite. With their perfect balance of sweet and tangy, a tender center, and that iconic cinnamon-sugar coating, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for family gatherings, parties, or just a treat-yourself moment.

Imagine opening the oven to warm, pillowy cookies with a strawberry scent that fills the kitchen. The subtle spice from cinnamon adds warmth, making these cookies ideal for all seasons, from a cozy winter treat to a summery picnic snack. Trust me, this strawberry snickerdoodle cookie recipe will make you the favorite baker among friends and family.

What Are Strawberry Snickerdoodles?

Strawberry snickerdoodles take the traditional snickerdoodle recipe we know and love and add a fruity twist that feels both nostalgic and new. Snickerdoodles have been around since the 1800s, originating in New England, where the slightly tangy, chewy cookies quickly became a classic. Traditionally, they rely on cream of tartar to give a signature flavor and texture, with a cinnamon-sugar crust adding warmth and sweetness.

In this strawberry version, we introduce strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberries into the dough, lending a natural pink hue and bright strawberry flavor. This twist keeps the cookie’s traditional chew and crackly exterior, while the fruitiness makes it feel modern and fun. For anyone looking to bring a fresh edge to a classic cookie, these strawberry snickerdoodles are the answer. And if you're into unique flavor spins, try this Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake for another dessert with a fruity, surprising twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these cookies, you’ll need simple ingredients, many of which are pantry staples. Here’s the lineup:

Butter

Why: Unsalted butter forms the cookie base, giving it richness and a chewy texture. Butter is essential here for flavor, so use high-quality butter.
Tip: Soften your butter before mixing to ensure it incorporates well into the dough.

Sugars (Granulated and Brown)

Why: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar creates a depth of flavor, with a slight caramel-like undertone from the brown sugar. Granulated sugar helps with that crispy edge.
Tip: For an even more indulgent taste, try swapping in a bit of vanilla sugar.

Egg

Why: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture, making these cookies soft yet chewy.
Tip: Use a room-temperature egg to help it blend smoothly with the butter.

Strawberry Extract or Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Why: This is the heart of the recipe! Strawberry extract provides a concentrated strawberry flavor without affecting the cookie texture, while freeze-dried strawberries add real fruit flavor and color naturally.
Tip: For an even brighter flavor, consider using both freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry extract. Crush the freeze-dried berries into a fine powder so it disperses well in the dough.

Vanilla Extract

Why: Vanilla complements the strawberry and rounds out the cookie's flavor, making it taste richer and fuller.
Tip: Pure vanilla extract is worth the investment; it enhances the sweetness and adds an aroma you can’t get from imitation vanilla.

All-Purpose Flour

Why: Standard all-purpose flour provides the right structure for these cookies, creating that soft but chewy bite.
Tip: Measure your flour accurately to avoid overly dense cookies. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it.

Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar

Why: These two are key to achieving the classic snickerdoodle tang and soft texture. Baking soda helps the cookies spread, while cream of tartar adds that hint of tanginess.
Tip: Fresh cream of tartar will ensure you get the perfect texture, so check the date if you haven’t used it in a while.

Cinnamon and Sugar for Coating

Why: A snickerdoodle isn’t a snickerdoodle without that classic cinnamon-sugar coating. The cinnamon adds warmth, and the sugar gives a light, crackly exterior.
Tip: Adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio if you prefer a lighter or stronger cinnamon flavor.

For other creative recipes that use pantry staples like these, check out this Bug Juice Camp Drink Recipe or this fun Crookie Recipe for even more inspiration!

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a conversation starter. The combination of cinnamon and strawberry is unique, surprising, and super satisfying. They’re also easy to make, even for beginner bakers, yet they look and taste impressive.

And if you’re baking for a gathering, these cookies are a perfect fit! They’re colorful, lightly spiced, and pack well, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any family event. The unique flavor twist will get people talking, and they pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Snickerdoodle Cookies

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of baking these cookies. With a little prep and some baking tips, you’ll have these strawberry snickerdoodles coming out perfectly every time.

1. Prep Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A consistent oven temperature is key to ensuring your cookies bake evenly, giving you that soft center with slightly crispy edges. Gather all your ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Tip: If you’re making other dishes to serve alongside your cookies, consider checking out this Big Benny Bao Bun for a savory option, or these Air Fryer Crunchy Cream Potatoes for a side that’s just as crowd-pleasing.

2. Mix Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets in the butter, resulting in cookies that are soft and chewy.

Note: This part might take around 2-3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer. Don’t rush it—fluffier butter-sugar mixtures lead to softer cookies.

3. Add Egg and Flavorings

Add in 1 egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (or your crushed freeze-dried strawberries). Mix just until combined. You don’t want to overmix at this stage; just make sure everything is incorporated evenly.

Personal Tip: If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, I love using both strawberry extract and finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This combination adds extra color and flavor without making the dough too wet.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This ensures even distribution of the baking agents, so your cookies will rise and spread evenly.

Cooking Tip: Don’t skip the cream of tartar! It’s essential for that signature snickerdoodle tang and texture. And if you’re a fan of unique flavors, try something like this Blue Jam Garlic Aioli with savory dishes to balance the sweetness of these cookies.

5. Gradually Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to dense cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

6. Shape and Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and granulated sugar. Scoop out a spoonful of dough, roll it into a ball, and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Pro Tip: If you want a more intense cinnamon kick, you can sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top right before baking. And for more cookie inspiration, check out this Chips Ahoy’s Cookie Recipe for a chocolatey twist on a classic.

7. Bake and Enjoy

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool but remain soft and chewy inside.

While they cool, you might want to explore some savory ideas to balance out your baking day, like this Lombatello Steak or a hearty Lamb Ragu for dinner.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Snickerdoodle Cookies

These cookies are already pretty easy to make, but here are a few tips to help you get them perfect every single time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Check the expiration dates on your baking soda and cream of tartar. Fresh ingredients mean better rise and texture.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries Are Your Friend: For the best color and flavor, crush freeze-dried strawberries into a powder before adding them. You’ll get an even strawberry taste in each bite without any extra moisture.
Roll Evenly: When shaping the dough balls, keep them uniform in size so they bake evenly. A cookie scoop can help with this.
Experiment with Cinnamon: The cinnamon-sugar coating is classic, but feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste. A bit more will add a warm spice to balance the sweet strawberry flavor.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Gatherings

Strawberry snickerdoodles are bright, fun, and a little unexpected—a great addition to any dessert table. They’re especially ideal for gatherings because they’re soft yet sturdy, meaning they travel well and stay fresh for days. They’re easy to make in batches, too, so you can have enough for a crowd.

They’re also perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day, thanks to their pink hue and sweet berry flavor. Or, bring them to a summer picnic, pairing them with something light like Mei and Kyong’s Egg Fried Rice for a balanced, seasonal spread.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few pairing ideas:

With Milk or Coffee: The classic choice, especially for a cozy afternoon snack.
With Ice Cream: Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The warm cookie with cold ice cream is a delicious contrast.
With Savory Dishes: For a fun balance of flavors, try serving them alongside a savory meal like this Bun Rieu or California Corbina. The fruity sweetness of the cookies works surprisingly well with savory, bold flavors.

Variations You Can Try

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas to take these cookies to the next level:

Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for a pretty presentation and a touch of chocolate flavor.
Add White Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamier taste that pairs well with the strawberry.
Make Them Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flaxseed egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage Tips

These strawberry snickerdoodles stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, they also freeze beautifully. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once they’re frozen. When you’re ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up.