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Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Buttercream Frosting
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Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Buttercream Frosting are soft, chewy cookies bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries and lemon. Topped with creamy, flavorful buttercream frosting, these delightful treats are perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a fresh, fruity dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (or vegan margarine for vegan option)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or natural sweetener like erythritol/monk fruit for sugar-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (or vegan margarine for vegan option)
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1–2 teaspoons strawberry extract or 2 tablespoons pureed fresh strawberries
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option), to adjust consistency
  • Optional garnishes: fresh strawberry slices, lemon zest, chopped pistachios or toasted almonds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries carefully to avoid breaking them down.
  2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavor.
  3. Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
  4. Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Mix in lemon juice and strawberry extract or pureed strawberries to add flavor and a delicate pink hue. Adjust the consistency by adding heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable but not runny.
  5. Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the buttercream frosting generously over each cookie. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or chopped nuts if desired for extra texture and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and moisture; frozen can be used if thawed well and drained.
  • Fold in strawberries and flour mixture gently to maintain a tender cookie texture.
  • Chilling dough prevents cookies from spreading too thin and intensifies flavors.
  • Adjust frosting consistency as needed so it spreads easily without being too runny.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out of frosting.
  • Buttercream frosting can be made up to 3 days ahead; keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before use.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • For sugar-free option, replace granulated and powdered sugar with natural sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit.
  • To make vegan, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cookies, lemonade cookies, buttercream frosting, summer dessert, soft cookies, gluten-free cookies, fruity cookies

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/strawberry-lemonade-cookies-with-buttercream-frosting/