Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Bursting with berry flavors and creamy icing, these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are not just a treat but a delightful experience for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will stand out with their vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation. Their unique combination of freeze-dried strawberries and rich icing makes them perfect for sharing, bringing joy to friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The intense strawberry taste paired with creamy icing creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or even as a sweet surprise in lunch boxes, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant color from the strawberries makes these cookies visually appealing, adding charm to your dessert table.
• Fun for Kids: Involve children in the baking process! They’ll love rolling the dough and decorating the cookies.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Blender
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for pulverizing freeze-dried strawberries into fine powder, which enhances flavor throughout the cookie.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture that’s key to delicious cookies.

Ingredients

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

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

How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Powder

Using a blender, pulverize the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This will be used in both the cookie dough and icing.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

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

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the oven for about 8 minutes. Gently tap the baking sheet to flatten each cookie slightly before returning to bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 6: Make the Icing

In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining strawberry powder. Mix well until smooth; adjust consistency with additional hot milk if necessary.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled, dip each cookie into the prepared icing or drizzle it over the tops for an elegant finish.

Enjoy your delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies as they bring joy to every gathering!

How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether for a gathering or a cozy night at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Pair your cookies with fresh strawberries for an extra fruity burst. The combination enhances the strawberry flavor and adds freshness.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This is a fun twist that kids and adults will love!

Drizzle with Chocolate

• Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an elegant touch. This adds richness that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The comforting flavors make for a perfect afternoon treat.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with other sweets like brownies and mini cupcakes. This makes for an eye-catching display at parties.

How to Perfect Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and egg to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and fluffy ones.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can dry out your cookies.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens vary, so adjust baking time as needed to achieve golden edges.

Best Side Dishes for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious ideas:

1. Fruit Salad
   A colorful fruit salad brings brightness and complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a cup for a refreshing side dish that balances the rich cookie flavors.
3. Whipped Cream
   Serve whipped cream on the side for dipping or dolloping over each cookie to enhance their creamy texture.
4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, adding depth to your dessert spread.
5. Nut Mix
   A simple nut mix provides crunch and protein, making it an easy yet satisfying accompaniment.
6. Homemade Lemonade
   Refreshing lemonade offers a zesty contrast to the sweet cookies, making each bite more enjoyable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Using stale ingredients – Always check the freshness of your baking soda and flour. Expired ingredients can lead to flat cookies.
• Not measuring accurately – Use precise measurements for your ingredients. A kitchen scale can help achieve the right amounts, especially for flour.
• Overbaking the cookies – Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove cookies when they are lightly golden; they will continue to firm up while cooling.
• Ignoring the cooling process – Allow cookies to cool completely before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and losing its shape.
• Not adjusting icing consistency – If your icing is too thick, add a little more hot milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to reach the desired texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, be careful not to overmix the dough and ensure you measure your flour correctly. Adding an extra tablespoon of butter can also help keep them soft.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

You can use fresh strawberries, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe by reducing other liquids since fresh berries contain moisture. This may affect the cookie’s texture.

How should I store Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness. For extended storage, freeze them as described above.

Can I customize my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for added texture or mix in other berry flavors like blueberries or raspberries for variety.

What if my icing is too runny?

If your icing is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness.

Final Thoughts

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their sweet strawberry flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy icing, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize these cookies with different toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste!