Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a pop of fruity flavor to your day, you’ve come to the right place! These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a sweet reminder of sunny afternoons and laughter shared with loved ones. Each bite is packed with the essence of strawberries and topped with a creamy icing that will make your heart sing.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re whipping up something special for a family gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night at home. The joy of baking these cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Trust me, once you try these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, they’ll become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for even beginner bakers! With straightforward steps, you’re bound to impress everyone.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore strawberry flavors! These cookies are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and bring them to gatherings or share them with friends—a lovely way to spread joy!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can whip these up in no time, making them great for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These simple, wholesome components come together beautifully to create the most delightful cookies.

For the Cookies

• 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup strawberry jam

For the Icing

• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup hot milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best things about these cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative and tweak the recipe just how you like it. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
• Swap the Jam: Try using raspberry or blueberry jam instead of strawberry for a different fruity twist!
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: If you love chocolate, add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious contrast.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: If you have fresh strawberries on hand, mash them up and fold them into the batter for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Powder

Using a blender, pulverize those freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This step is important as it infuses your cookies with intense strawberry flavor while ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect texture we all love!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This process adds air into your mixture, resulting in soft, tender cookies.

Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Beat in an egg until well combined. Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, part of your strawberry powder, and salt. Finally, fold in the strawberry jam. Mixing these ingredients carefully ensures that every bite bursts with flavor!

Step 5: Shape & Bake

Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes; then lightly tap the baking sheet to flatten them before returning them to bake for another 2-3 minutes. This method creates perfectly soft yet slightly chewy cookies.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

In another bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and any remaining strawberry powder. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed until it’s just right for dipping or drizzling.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled, dip each cookie into your creamy icing or drizzle it over the tops for an elegant finish. Enjoy these sweet treats with friends or savor them alone—it’s hard not to indulge when they look this good!

Pro Tips for Making Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Baking these delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butter and eggs make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: If your dough feels too sticky after mixing, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Experiment with freeze-dried strawberry powder: You can enhance the strawberry flavor by adding a bit more strawberry powder to both the cookie dough and icing. This not only intensifies the taste but also gives a lovely pink hue.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.

How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These cookies are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing! Presenting them well will surely impress your family and friends during gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Garnishes

• Shredded coconut: Sprinkle some toasted coconut on top of the icing for an added tropical twist.
• Fresh strawberries: Place thinly sliced strawberries atop the icing to create a fresh and vibrant look.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring mixed berries complements the sweetness of the cookies while adding a healthy touch.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh strawberries for a light side that balances out the indulgence of the cookies.
• Herbal tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea enhances the overall experience and provides a perfect balance to these sweet treats.

Enjoy baking and sharing your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! They are sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy them whenever a sweet craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container, labeling with the date.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To refresh cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• You can also microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are delicious, they contain moisture that can alter the cookie’s texture. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor without added moisture—perfect for these cookies!

How can I store my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

You can store your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. Remember, they can also be frozen!

What is the best way to make the icing for my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

To make the icing, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and strawberry powder until smooth. Adjust with more milk if needed for desired consistency.

Can I substitute the egg in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as an egg alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are truly special—bursting with berry goodness and topped with creamy icing that makes every bite delightful! I hope you enjoy making these delectable treats as much as I do. Share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself; either way, they’re sure to bring smiles! Happy baking!