Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Bursting with berry flavors, Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are the sweet treat you’ve been looking for. Perfect for gatherings, these cookies offer a delightful balance of rich creaminess and fruity goodness. Their vibrant color and flavor make them a standout dessert that everyone will love. Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with the sweet taste of strawberries, enhanced by the creamy icing.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s an afternoon snack or a dessert at dinner parties.
• Visually Stunning: The bright pink color from the freeze-dried strawberries makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, it’s essential to have the right tools at hand. These tools help ensure that your baking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Blender
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ideal for creaming butter and sugar together until fluffy—this step is crucial for texture.
• Blender: Used for pulverizing freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder, giving your cookies that intense strawberry flavor.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of cookies from the baking sheet.

Ingredients

Bursting with berry flavors and creamy icing, these cookies are perfect for sharing.

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
• Remaining strawberry powder from above

How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Powder

Using a blender, pulverize freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This will add vibrant color and flavor to your cookies.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 3: Mix Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together salted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour, baking soda, part of the strawberry powder, and kosher salt. Finally, fold in the strawberry jam until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes. After this time, lightly tap the baking sheet to flatten each cookie slightly. Return to oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden around the edges.

Step 6: Make Icing

In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and remaining strawberry powder. Mix well until smooth; adjust consistency if needed by adding more milk.

Step 7: Ice Cookies

Once cooled, dip each cookie into the icing or drizzle it over the tops as desired. Allow icing to set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that can brighten any occasion. Whether for a casual gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies can be served in various enticing ways.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
• Add some mint leaves around the cookies for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve warm Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
• Drizzle chocolate or berry sauce over the ice cream for added decadence.

Afternoon Tea

• Include these cookies as part of an afternoon tea spread with herbal teas or fruit-infused waters.
• Add finger sandwiches and scones to create a well-rounded experience.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Include a personal note to make it extra special, sharing your recipe if they ask!

How to Perfect Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, consider these handy tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps achieve a creamy texture when creaming with sugar, leading to fluffier cookies.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Chill the dough: If time permits, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps enhance flavors and improve texture.
• Watch baking time closely: Ovens vary; keep an eye on your cookies to prevent overbaking. They should be lightly golden at the edges.
• Use quality freeze-dried strawberries: Ensure they’re fresh and flavorful to get the best berry taste in your cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options that complement their sweetness.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the cookie’s richness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy side that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s texture.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for a savory counterpoint to sweet flavors.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with assorted fruits and marshmallows invites guests to dip their treats into something decadent.
5. Nut Mix: A simple mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness, making it a perfect contrast to the sweet cookie.
6. Coffee or Tea: Serve freshly brewed coffee or various teas to enhance flavors while providing warmth and comfort during dessert time.
7. Granola Bars: Healthy homemade granola bars can offer a chewy texture that pairs well with crispy cookies while keeping the snack time balanced.
8. Pudding Cups: Individual cups of vanilla or chocolate pudding provide a creamy indulgence that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Unfrozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture, which can alter the cookie texture. Always use freeze-dried strawberries for the best results.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients to ensure consistency in your cookies.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing cookies to cool completely before icing is crucial. Icing can melt into warm cookies, ruining the presentation.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to confirm the correct temperature for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with wax paper to keep them intact when frozen.

Reheating Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Lightly heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a collection of frequently asked questions about Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies that may help you in your baking journey.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Using fresh strawberries will add unwanted moisture. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for optimal results.

How can I customize my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

Feel free to add white chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for icing?

You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or omit it entirely, using just powdered sugar and milk instead.

How long do these cookies last?

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give them a try; they are perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home!