Sweet Strawberry Lemonade Honey Bun Cookies Recipe: Bake Joy!

Summers burst with vibrant flavors, and these strawberry and lemonade honey bun cookies bring pure sunshine to your dessert table.

A delightful twist on classic treats, honey bun cookies dance with refreshing lemonade zest and sweet strawberry notes.

Soft, chewy textures melt in your mouth with each delectable bite.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that create an extraordinary flavor profile.

Bright citrus undertones complement the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries.

Light and irresistible, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet elements.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments of pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 198 kcal

Servings: 24

What Goes Into Strawberry Lemonade Honey Bun Cookies

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create soft, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies develop golden brown edges.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes and helps maintain moisture in cookies.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure and richness.

• Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, classic baking aroma and deepens overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that complement strawberry's natural sweetness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie's foundational structure and provides tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and achieve light, delicate texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Fresh Strawberries: Adds vibrant color, natural sweetness, and juicy bursts throughout cookies.

Tools to Bake These Sweet & Zesty Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugars.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving light, fluffy texture.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheets: Lined with parchment paper for even baking.
• Sharp knife: For dicing fresh strawberries.
• Zester or grater: To create fine lemon zest.
• Spatula: For folding strawberries into cookie dough.

Bake Honey Bun Cookies with Fruity Flavor Layers

• Warm Up the Oven Prepare your cooking space by heating the oven to a cozy 350 degrees and laying down parchment paper on two baking trays.
• Create a Creamy Base Blend butter and sugars together until they transform into a smooth, cloud-like mixture that looks light and dreamy.
• Add Some Zesty Mix in eggs one by one, then sprinkle in vanilla and lemon zest to give your cookies a burst of sunshine.
• Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gently marry the flour mixture with your creamy base, stirring softly until everything just comes together – no need for extra mixing.
• Fold in Fruity Goodness Tenderly introduce diced strawberries into the cookie dough, letting them nestle throughout the mixture like little jewels of flavor.

Tips to Balance the Strawberry and Lemon Glaze

• Add extra lemon zest for a more intense citrusy flavor that brightens the entire cookie experience.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Freeze diced strawberries for 15 minutes before adding to prevent bleeding and maintain distinct fruit pockets in the cookies.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative for those avoiding dairy products while maintaining a rich, tender cookie texture.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor development and allow for easier handling.

Serve for Brunch or Dessert Platters

• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack these cookies in a cute basket with fresh strawberries and a chilled lemonade for a delightful outdoor treat.
• Dessert Pairing Delight: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a light whipped cream to enhance the fruity and zesty cookie flavors.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter with herbal tea or cold brew, creating a refreshing and elegant snack experience.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Stack cookies in a clear mason jar, tie with a ribbon, and include a handwritten recipe card for a charming homemade gift.

Store Cookies Without Losing That Soft Bite

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicate strawberry and lemon flavor profile.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and freeze for up to 3 weeks, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and preserve texture.
• Place parchment paper between cookie layers when storing to prevent sticking and maintain individual cookie integrity.
• Bring refrigerated or frozen cookies to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, tender texture and enhance flavor experience.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries can make the dough too wet and may affect the cookie’s consistency.

• How do I prevent the strawberries from turning my cookie dough pink?

Gently fold the strawberries into the dough at the last moment and avoid overmixing. Pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel before adding them to reduce excess moisture.

• What if I don't have fresh lemon zest?

You can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of bottled lemon juice, though fresh lemon zest provides the most vibrant citrus flavor. Bottled juice will slightly change the cookie’s texture.

• Is there a way to make these cookies more moist?

Do not overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal.

Sweet Strawberry And Lemonade Honey Bun Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry and lemonade honey bun cookies blend Southern charm with summer nostalgia. Delightful homemade treats offer you a delectable journey through classic American bakery memories.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 g) diced fresh strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 12 tsp milk (optional, for consistency)
• Extra diced strawberries
• Lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper for even cookie distribution.
2. Creaming Process: Whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly, then fold in vanilla extract and lemon zest to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
5. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender cookie texture, then carefully incorporate chopped strawberries for bursts of fruity flavor.
6. Cookie Shaping: Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies two inches apart to allow proper spreading during baking.
7. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and centers set, then let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Prevent Dough Overworking: Mix dry and wet ingredients minimally to maintain cookie tenderness and avoid tough, dense texture.
• Manage Strawberry Moisture: Pat chopped strawberries dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making cookie dough too wet and compromising structural integrity.
• Temperature Control for Butter: Ensure butter is softened, not melted, to create proper cookie consistency and achieve optimal creaming with sugar.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour to make recipe suitable for individuals with wheat sensitivities, maintaining similar texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg