Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a favorite of mine for so many reasons. They are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also bring the sweet taste of strawberries to every bite, topped off with a creamy icing that’s just heavenly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

I love how versatile this recipe is; you can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy them fresh from the oven or share them with friends. Plus, who can resist the vibrant color and delicious aroma of strawberry cookies baking? Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these tasty treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in about 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and grown-ups alike will adore these sweet treats. They’re perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for later – they stay fresh and delightful.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and creamy icing creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add other flavors: Mix in a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
• Try different jams: Swap out strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry jam for new flavor combinations.
• Change the icing: Use a simple glaze instead of cream cheese icing for a lighter topping.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Using a blender, pulverize the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This step is crucial because it enhances the cookie’s flavor profile while adding that beautiful pink hue.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup super easy!

Step 3: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create soft cookies!

Step 4: Mix in Egg and Dry Ingredients

Beat in the egg until fully combined. Gradually incorporate flour, baking soda, part of the strawberry powder, and salt into your creamed mixture. Finally, fold in the strawberry jam to give those cookies an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes; then gently tap the baking sheet to flatten them slightly before baking for another 2-3 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect chewy texture!

Step 6: Make the Icing

While your cookies cool, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and any remaining strawberry powder in a bowl. Adjust with more milk if needed until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Decorate Your Cookies

Dip cooled cookies into your prepared icing or drizzle it over the tops. This adds a lovely finishing touch that makes every bite even more enjoyable.

And there you have it! Homemade Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies that everyone will love! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with family and friends—they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll be on your way to perfecting your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies!

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensuring your butter, egg, and other components are fresh will enhance the overall flavor of your cookies. Fresh ingredients contribute to a better texture and taste.

• Don’t skip the chilling time: If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling the dough easier and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Check oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right heat, which helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your icing! Add extra strawberry powder or even a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top before the icing sets for added flavor and visual appeal.

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Storing them correctly helps retain their softness and delicious flavor.

How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These beautiful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table. Here are some fun suggestions for how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries: Sprinkle a bit of crushed freeze-dried berries on top of the icing for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves add a refreshing touch that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberry flavors, creating a delightful contrast.
• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal berries, melons, and citrus fruits provides a fresh, zesty balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Strawberry smoothie: Blend up a quick smoothie with some frozen strawberries, banana, and almond milk for a refreshing drink that echoes the cookie’s flavors.
• Herbal tea: A light herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, can cleanse the palate after enjoying these sweet treats while providing a cozy experience.

Enjoy sharing your delicious Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies with family and friends; they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats throughout the week. Here’s how you can store or freeze your cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cookies for a longer shelf life, which can extend up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, layer parchment paper between stacked cookies.

Freezing

• Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to airtight freezer bags or containers and label with the date.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for future cravings!

Reheating

• If you’d like warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

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

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

While freeze-dried strawberries provide the best flavor concentration and texture, you can use fresh strawberries. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the amount of flour slightly to account for moisture.

How do I make my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies softer?

To achieve softer Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, ensure not to overbake them. Removing them from the oven when they are just set will help retain their chewy texture.

What is the best way to decorate my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

Feel free to get creative! You can dip the tops in icing as suggested or use a piping bag to create fun designs. Sprinkles or additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries also add a lovely touch.

Can I substitute cream cheese in the icing?

Yes! You can use vegan cream cheese or even mascarpone cheese if you’re looking for alternatives. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor and texture of the icing.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

After baking, your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! Their vibrant strawberry flavor and creamy icing make them a special treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family—or simply enjoying yourself. Remember, baking is all about experimenting, so feel free to adjust flavors and techniques along the way. Happy baking!