Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies: A Sweet, Nostalgic Treat

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of strawberry-flavored desserts? Maybe it’s the creamy sweetness of a strawberry milkshake or the tangy flavor of fresh strawberries dipped in sugar. Now imagine that same nostalgic strawberry taste baked into soft, buttery sugar cookies. That’s exactly what Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies deliver—fun, flavorful, and perfect for every occasion.

Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a family treat, or simply because you love cookies, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s explore every step of creating these colorful, strawberry-flavored cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious!

Why Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try

There’s something about the subtle malt flavor paired with the sweetness of strawberries that makes these cookies so special. They’re nostalgic and sophisticated all at once, bringing a playful twist to classic sugar cookies.

Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Bursting with Flavor: The addition of strawberry milk powder and strawberry extract creates a deliciously sweet and fruity flavor.
• Eye-Catching Design: The dyed dough adds a vibrant pop of color, making these cookies perfect for parties and holidays.
• Soft and Buttery Texture: Thanks to cold butter and careful preparation, these cookies are tender yet hold their shape beautifully.
• Fun to Make: Rolling, stamping, and shaping the dough makes this recipe perfect for a family baking day or a creative kitchen project.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make these irresistible cookies.

Ingredients for Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies

To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:

Cookie Dough Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	3 1/3 cups (15 ounces)
Nesquik Strawberry Milk Powder	2 teaspoons
Baking powder	1 1/2 teaspoons
Kosher salt	3/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)	1 cup (8 ounces)
Granulated sugar	1 cup (7 ounces)
Large egg	1
Strawberry extract	1 teaspoon
Red food coloring	2 to 3 drops

How to Make Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies

Creating these cookies is both fun and rewarding. Follow these steps to make the perfect Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
   • 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
   • 2 teaspoons Nesquik Strawberry Milk Powder
   • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
   • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine:
   • 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
2. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and doubles in volume, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add:
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
2. Mix until just combined, then scrape down the bowl again to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. With the mixer still on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
2. Increase the speed to medium-low and beat until the dough clumps around the paddle attachment or the sides of the bowl, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Divide and Dye the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper and divide off 1/3 of the dough using a bench scraper.
2. Place the reserved dough back in the mixer and add 2 to 3 drops of red food coloring.
3. Mix on low speed until the dough turns a pale pink color.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

1. Take the undyed dough and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out evenly to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch, turning the dough 90 degrees occasionally to prevent cracking.
2. Repeat this process with the dyed dough.
3. Freeze both sheets of dough for at least 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cut Out the Cookies

1. Remove the undyed dough from the freezer and use large cookie cutters to stamp out shapes.
2. Use smaller cookie cutters to create cutouts in the middle of the larger shapes. Save the cutouts for rerolling.
3. Remove the dyed dough from the freezer and use the smaller cookie cutter to create shapes. Nestle these smaller dyed shapes into the larger undyed cookies.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1 1/2 inches of space between each one.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies

1. Use Cold Butter

Cold butter helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, giving them crisp edges and a soft center.

2. Don’t Skip Freezing the Dough

Freezing the dough makes it easier to cut clean shapes and prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven.

3. Roll Evenly

Take your time rolling the dough to ensure it’s an even thickness. Uneven dough may bake inconsistently.

4. Customize the Colors

Feel free to use different food coloring combinations for special occasions or holidays.

5. Store Properly

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to 3 days.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Every Occasion

Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies are a delightful addition to any celebration. Here’s why they work so well:

• Holidays: Customize the shapes and colors for Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Christmas.
• Parties: Their vibrant color and fun design make them a hit at birthdays or gatherings.
• Gifting: Pack these cookies in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Everyday Treats: They’re simple enough to make for an after-school snack or a weekend baking project.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~120
Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	1g
Sugar	7g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different flavor instead of strawberry?

Yes! You can replace the strawberry extract with vanilla, almond, or even lemon extract to create a different flavor profile.

2. Do I have to use Nesquik Strawberry Milk Powder?

While Nesquik is recommended for its nostalgic flavor, you can use any brand of strawberry-flavored milk powder or omit it entirely for a less sweet cookie.

3. How do I prevent the dough from cracking when rolling it?

Turn the dough 90 degrees frequently and smooth out any wrinkles in the parchment paper as you roll. If the dough starts to crack, let it rest at room temperature for a minute before rolling again.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading in the oven?

Make sure to chill or freeze the cut-out cookies before baking. This helps them hold their shape.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

Bake Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies Today!

Ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of Strawberry Malt Sugar Cookies? This recipe is easy, fun, and guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and let your creativity shine as you bake these colorful, flavorful treats.

Start baking now and share these irresistible cookies with your loved ones!

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