There’s something magical about Valentine’s Day—the love, the warmth, and the endless excuse to indulge in something sweet. And what better way to celebrate than with a batch of these dreamy vegan strawberry sugar cookies? They’re bursting with the fresh flavor of strawberries, perfectly soft and chewy, and have just the right amount of sweetness to make anyone swoon. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a Galentine’s gathering, or a solo treat-yourself moment, these cookies are a love letter to dessert lovers everywhere.
Now, let me tell you why this recipe is close to my heart. The first time I made these cookies, it was for a picnic date with friends on Valentine’s Day. I wanted something festive but also easy to transport, and these cookies were the answer. When one of my friends took a bite and declared they might just “turn vegan for dessert,” I knew I’d struck gold. These cookies have since become my go-to for all things love-related—anniversaries, date nights, and of course, Valentine’s Day.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies
These cookies are more than just pretty treats. They’re packed with flavor, super easy to make, and perfect for spreading the love.
- Natural Strawberry Flavor: The strawberry reduction gives these cookies an intense fruity flavor without relying on artificial extracts.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with just a hint of crispness at the edges.
- Festive Color: Add a splash of pink or red food coloring for that extra Valentine’s Day vibe, or let the natural strawberry hue shine.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without eggs or dairy, these cookies are a hit with plant-based eaters and omnivores alike.
- Customizable: You can roll them in sugar for a sparkly finish or leave them plain for a more subtle look.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love, and what says “I care” better than homemade cookies? These vegan strawberry sugar cookies are perfect for sharing:
- Romantic Dessert: Pair them with a cup of tea or a glass of almond milk for a cozy, romantic evening at home.
- Gift Idea: Wrap them in a cute box or jar for a thoughtful, edible Valentine’s gift.
- Party Treat: Serve them at your Valentine’s Day gathering, and watch them disappear.
These cookies also double as a fun baking activity to do with your significant other, kids, or best friends. Rolling the dough, sneaking a taste of the strawberry reduction, and watching the cookies bake to perfection is all part of the love-filled experience.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: About 20 cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Strawberry Reduction:
- 3 cups (360g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled 🍓
The Cookie Dough:
- ⅔ cup (150g) vegan butter, at room temperature 🧈
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
- Pinch of salt 🧂
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon pink or red food coloring (optional) 🌸
The Sugar Coating (Optional):
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar 🍚
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Reduction
Start by making the star of the show—the strawberry reduction. This step is crucial because it concentrates the flavor and removes excess moisture, ensuring your cookies stay chewy rather than soggy.
- If you prefer a smooth texture, puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor.
- Pour the puree into a large saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Let it simmer until it reduces to about ⅓ cup (approximately 120g) and reaches a thick, paste-like consistency, similar to tomato paste. This should take 15-30 minutes, depending on your stove and pan.
- Once done, set the reduction aside to cool completely before using it in the dough.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough
Now it’s time to bring the dough to life.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, making the cookies soft.
- Add the cooled strawberry reduction and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. If you’re using food coloring, this is the time to add it. Start with a small amount and adjust until you achieve your desired shade.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, tacky dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, cover and refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes.
3. Shape and Coat the Cookies
This part is all about shaping your love-filled treats.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- For an extra sparkle, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar. This step is optional but adds a festive touch.
4. Bake to Perfection
The moment of truth!
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly crackled. The centers may look undercooked, but that’s what gives these cookies their chewy texture.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve These Cookies
These cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- With Tea or Coffee: Their sweetness complements a warm beverage perfectly.
- With Plant-Based Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk is a classic pairing.
- As Part of a Dessert Platter: Include these cookies alongside chocolate truffles and fruit for a decadent spread.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Reduction: A thick strawberry reduction is key to the flavor and texture of these cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, chilling it will make shaping much easier.
- Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: Overbaking can make the cookies dry. Remove them when the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Experiment with Food Coloring: If you’re skipping the food coloring, the cookies will have a subtle pink hue from the strawberries.
Variations
- Chocolate Dip: Dip the cookies in vegan chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.
- Heart Shapes: Roll out the dough and use heart-shaped cookie cutters for a festive touch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Storage and Freezing
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw them before making the reduction.
Can I skip the strawberry reduction?
No, it’s essential for flavor and texture.
Do I need food coloring?
Not at all. The natural color is beautiful on its own.
Can I make these cookies ahead?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it.
What makes these cookies vegan?
They’re made without eggs or dairy, using vegan butter instead.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to bake something special, and these vegan strawberry sugar cookies fit the bill. They’re fun to make, a delight to eat, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to receive them. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on social media. Let’s spread the love—one cookie at a time. ❤️
Print
Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies:The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Soft and chewy vegan strawberry sugar cookies bursting with natural strawberry flavor. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion!
Ingredients
- Strawberry Reduction: 3 cups strawberries
- Dough: Vegan butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt, food coloring (optional)
- Sugar Coating: ¼ cup sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Make strawberry reduction by simmering pureed strawberries until thick. Cool.
- Mix butter, sugar, reduction, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients.
- Chill dough, shape into balls, roll in sugar (optional).
- Bake at 350°F for 13-15 minutes. Cool and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure strawberry reduction is thick for the best flavor.
- Food coloring is optional for a vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan