My husband took one bite and came running over to me asking for the recipe

Don't you just love it when two beloved favorites come together to create a burst of flavor you didn't know you needed? That's the story with strawberry sugar cookies - a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie that brings summer into your kitchen no matter what the weather is like outside. Picture this: the sweet nostalgia of sugar cookies mingles with the bright, juicy essence of strawberries. These cookies are akin to biting into a sun-ripened berry in a field of flowers or tasting that first strawberry ice cream of the season. Whether you're looking for a whimsical dessert for your next picnic or just trying to charm the kiddos into loving fruit a tad more, these strawberry sugar cookies are here to brighten your day and your palate.

These cookies are superb on their own, but you can always elevate the experience. Serve them alongside a cold glass of milk, or if you're feeling indulgent, with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They make delightful partners to a cup of afternoon tea or a strawberry lemonade if you really want to double down on the fruity theme.

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional for more intense flavor)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional for added color)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and 3/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, adding strawberry extract and food coloring if opting for a more intense strawberry flavor and color.

4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to firm up. This step is crucial to avoid overly spreading cookies.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar to coat them lightly. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The centers will still be soft.

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

- To mix things up, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and strawberry juice over the cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch.

- No fresh strawberries? No problem. You can substitute with freeze-dried strawberries. Just crush them into a fine powder and add into the dough.

- Remember to avoid over-mixing the dough to keep your cookies tender and chewy.

- If you're in a rush, opt for pre-made sugar cookie dough and simply add the fresh strawberries and extracts for a shortcut to deliciousness.

Give your taste buds a treat and whip up a batch of these tantalizing cookies. They're like a little bite of summer all year round!