Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will make your heart sing, look no further than these delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! They are not only bursting with berry flavors but also topped with a creamy icing that takes them to the next level. These cookies have become a family favorite in my home, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive gatherings. Just one bite, and you’ll understand why everyone loves them!

These cookies are simple enough for a quick baking session yet special enough to impress guests. Whether you’re serving them at a picnic or just enjoying them with your loved ones at home, these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet strawberry flavor and creamy icing.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies when you need them.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because!
• Deliciously Unique: The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and creamy icing makes these cookies stand out from the crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, you’ll use simple and wholesome ingredients that create delightful flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

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! Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Berries: Swap out strawberries for raspberries or blueberries to give a unique twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use flax eggs instead of a regular egg.
• Change Up the Icing: Try a lemon glaze instead of cream cheese icing for a citrusy zing.

How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Using a blender, pulverize those freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This step is crucial as it infuses your cookies with that vibrant strawberry flavor. Plus, it’s super fun to watch those berries turn into dust!

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze!

Step 3: Cream Together Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into your mixture, leading to soft and tender cookies. Beat in the egg next; it helps bind everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, part of the strawberry powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure they are evenly distributed throughout your dough. Finally, fold in that luscious strawberry jam for even more berry goodness!

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Roll the dough into balls about an inch wide and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Give them some space as they will spread while baking!

Step 6: Bake Them Up

Bake those beauties for about 8 minutes. Then lightly tap the baking sheet to flatten them just a bit before popping them back in for an additional 2-3 minutes. This method creates perfectly shaped cookies that will be soft on the inside.

Step 7: Prepare Your Icing

While your cookies cool down, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining strawberry powder in a bowl. Whisk until smooth! Adjust with more milk if needed—it should be thick yet pourable.

Step 8: Decorate Your Cookies

Dip each cooled cookie into that delicious icing or drizzle it over top! This final touch adds sweetness and makes each cookie extra special.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! Enjoy sharing (or not!) this delightful treat with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Baking these delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Choose quality freeze-dried strawberries: Using high-quality freeze-dried strawberries ensures that your cookies have an intense berry flavor and vibrant color, making every bite memorable.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape and avoid spreading too much, resulting in perfectly round cookies.
• Experiment with strawberry jam: Different brands of strawberry jam can vary in sweetness and consistency. Taste test a bit before mixing it into your dough to adjust the sugar if necessary for a balanced flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie texture.
• Adjust icing consistency as needed: If your icing is too thick to dip, add more hot milk one tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. A well-balanced icing will coat the cookies beautifully without being overly runny.

How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These cookies not only taste delightful but also look beautiful on any dessert table! Here are some fun ideas for serving them.

Garnishes

• Fresh Strawberries: Adding sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cookies or alongside them creates a stunning presentation and enhances the berry flavor.
• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and refreshing aroma, making your cookie platter feel extra special.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the fruity flavors of the cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal berries complements the cookies perfectly while adding a refreshing touch to your dessert spread.
• Herbal Tea: Serving these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea provides a cozy atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon treat or gathering with friends.
• Lemonade: A chilled glass of homemade lemonade balances out the sweetness of the cookies while providing a refreshing contrast during warm days.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to whip up a batch of Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy their berry goodness whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
• They can be stored for up to one week, but we bet they won’t last that long!

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• If you’d like to warm your cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious cookies!

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

Using fresh strawberries is not recommended, as they contain moisture that can affect the cookie’s texture. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for the best results!

How do I achieve the perfect icing consistency for my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

If your icing is too thick, add a splash more hot milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simply add more powdered sugar until it thickens up.

Can I substitute butter with margarine in Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter; however, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.

How long does it take to bake Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

The total baking time is about 10 minutes, but remember that tapping the baking sheet halfway through helps achieve that lovely flat shape.

What makes these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies special?

The use of freeze-dried strawberries gives these cookies an intense berry flavor while the creamy icing takes them over the top. They’re truly irresistible!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me! These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Enjoy making them and don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine with variations. Happy baking!