Baking from the Heart

Homemade cookies can be a wonderful way to show someone you care and appreciate them. The time, effort, and personal touch that goes into baking cookies from scratch can make them extra special and heartfelt. Whether you’re making them for a loved one’s birthday, a holiday, or just as a thoughtful gesture, homemade cookies can bring joy and warmth to any occasion. Plus, the delicious aroma and taste of freshly baked cookies are hard to resist! So, go ahead and bake some cookies to express your love and make someone’s day a little sweeter. The following was inspired for Valentines Day, but can also be a sweet way to “sugar up” a first date.

Strawberry Champagne Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, infused with the flavors of strawberry and champagne. Here’s a recipe to help you create these delicious treats:

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon strawberry extract
• 2 tablespoons champagne
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, strawberry extract, champagne, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries (if using).

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup granulated sugar and a pinch of strawberry extract. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the sugar mixture to coat evenly.

7. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should be slightly soft.

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

10. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Champagne Snickerdoodles! These cookies are best served fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for a few days.

Feel free to experiment with the recipe and adjust the quantities of champagne and strawberry extract to suit your taste. Also if you want to do the “Trifecta ” add a Herseys Kiss to the middle while it cools on the rack. Plus I also rolled mine in a red sugar dust. Enjoy your sweet and tangy cookies!