Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Bursting with berry flavors and creamy icing, Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional sugar cookies. With their vibrant strawberry flavor and smooth icing, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious treat.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and creamy icing creates a delightful taste experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just sharing with loved ones.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, birthdays, or simply as an afternoon snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors and drizzled icing make these cookies as beautiful as they are tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have the right tools ready. This will streamline your cooking experience and ensure your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for pulverizing freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder that enhances the cookie’s flavor.
• Electric Mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring the perfect cookie texture.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking the cookies evenly without sticking.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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 Freeze-Dried Strawberries

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

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Cream Ingredients Together

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

Step 4: Form Cookies

Roll the dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes. Lightly tap the baking sheet to flatten each cookie slightly before returning them to bake for an additional 2–3 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Prepare Icing

In another bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and remaining strawberry powder. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if necessary until smooth.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

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

Enjoy your delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are a treat on their own but can be even more enjoyable with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor that complements the cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

As Party Favors

• Package them in cute boxes as party favors. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful, tasty treat!

How to Perfect Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.

• Chill Dough if Necessary: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls to maintain shape while baking.

• Avoid Overbaking: Bake until just lightly golden around the edges. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Best Side Dishes for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies can be paired with various side dishes for a balanced meal or snack time. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light counterpart to the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the cookie’s flavors.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include soft cheeses like Brie or cream cheese with crackers for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.

4. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
   The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate pairs well with the sugary notes of the cookies.

5. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzle warm caramel sauce over sliced apples for dipping; it adds an indulgent touch alongside your cookies.

6. Nut Mix
   A mix of almonds, walnuts, and cashews offers a satisfying crunch that balances out the softness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to perfecting your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten and make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft bite.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling cookie dough helps flavors meld and improves texture. If your dough is too warm, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Not using enough strawberry powder: A lack of strawberry flavor makes for bland cookies. Ensure you use enough freeze-dried strawberry powder in the dough and icing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, where they can last up to three months.

Reheating Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies for about 5 minutes until slightly soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and warm cookies for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies that might help you out.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead?

Fresh strawberries contain moisture which can alter the cookie’s texture. It’s best to stick with freeze-dried strawberries for optimal results.

How do I enhance the flavor of Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?

You can enhance the flavor by adding lemon zest or a touch of almond extract to the cookie dough.

How should I store leftover icing?

Leftover icing should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about one week.

Can I customize these cookies?

Yes! You can add white chocolate chips or nuts for an extra crunch and flavor twist while maintaining the strawberry essence.

How many calories are in each cookie?

Each Double Strawberry Sugar Cookie contains approximately 302 calories, making them a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different mix-ins or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy sharing these delightful treats with friends and family!