As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of strawberries filled the air, tempting me to create something delightful. Enter my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, a cheerful twist on a classic treat that combines the best of both worlds. These cookies bring together the comforting goodness of sugar cookies and the bright, fruity notes of strawberries, making them perfect for any gathering—or even just a cozy night in. The best part? They’re ready in just 25 minutes, making them an easy and impressive dessert to whip up on a whim. Plus, with both freeze-dried strawberries and luscious strawberry jam in the mix, each bite is a delightful surprise that’s sure to win hearts. Curious about how to bring this strawberry bliss into your home? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Are These Cookies So Special?
Irresistible flavor comes from using both freeze-dried strawberries and rich strawberry jam, ensuring every bite bursts with fruity goodness. Quick to make, these cookies come together in just 25 minutes, perfect for when you need a sweet treat on short notice. Crowd-pleaser alert: their vibrant color and delightful taste make them instant favorites at parties or family gatherings. Versatile as well, you can easily customize the icing or sprinkle to match any occasion. Experience the joy of homemade baking with these scrumptious Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies that truly elevate your dessert game!
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these delightful treats!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – provides the perfect structure and texture for our cookies.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough and promotes that lovely golden color.
- Butter – adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together, ensuring a nice rise.
- Baking soda – the leavening agent that makes these cookies rise beautifully.
- Kosher salt – enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Strawberry jam – infuses the cookies with delicious fruity flavor throughout.
- Freeze-dried strawberries – boosts the strawberry flavor and provides a lovely, crispy texture.
For the Icing
- Powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the icing for a perfect drizzle.
- Hot milk – helps smooth out the icing, giving it a delightful creamy consistency.
- Vanilla extract – adds a warm, sweet note to enhance the overall flavor.
With these ingredients, you’re just moments away from indulging in the blissful experience of Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring your cookies won’t stick. This simple preparation step helps maintain an even baking environment for your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, resulting in perfectly shaped delights ready for the oven.
Step 2: Blend Strawberries
In a blender, add the freeze-dried strawberries and pulse until they turn into a fine powder. This delightful strawberry powder will elevate the flavor of your cookies, adding a burst of fruity goodness in each bite. Set the powder aside to incorporate later into the dough, ensuring every scoop is packed with strawberry bliss.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. With an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This process not only blends the flavors but also incorporates air for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg
Next, crack in one large egg and mix until well incorporated. This step is crucial as the egg binds all ingredients together, ensuring your dough has the right consistency to hold shape while baking. You’ll notice the mixture becoming slightly more cohesive and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, half of the strawberry powder, and kosher salt into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined, taking care not to overmix. The dough should come together nicely without any dry flour visible, ready to take on the delightful addition of strawberry jam.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberry Jam
Gently fold the strawberry jam into the cookie dough, allowing it to blend evenly throughout. This step brings moisture and a delightful fruity flavor to each cookie. You’ll see streaks of jam that promise a burst of sweetness in every bite, making your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies truly irresistible.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread as they bake, ensuring that they have plenty of room to become perfectly round and delicious.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Once baked, gently tap the baking sheet to flatten the cookies slightly; this will give them a lovely, uniform shape. The edges should look set but the centers may appear slightly soft, which is perfectly normal.
Step 9: Continue Baking
Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have firmed up. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to achieve that perfect golden color without becoming overbaked.
Step 10: Prepare the Icing
While the cookies cool, start preparing the icing by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and hot milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until creamy and smooth, then fold in the remaining strawberry powder. This glaze will add a deliciously sweet and fruity finish to your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.
Step 11: Ice the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cooled, dip them in the icing or drizzle the icing on top for a beautiful presentation. The colorful glaze not only enhances the cookie’s flavor but also transforms them into a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress everyone you share them with!
What to Serve with Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
As you indulge in these charming treats, consider some delightful accompaniments to elevate your dessert experience.
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A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness complements the sweet and fruity notes of the cookies, creating a heavenly contrast. A simple yet indulgent delight!
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Fresh Berries Salad: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries enhances the fruity theme while adding a refreshing, tart element that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Soft, fluffy whipped cream drizzled with a hint of strawberry syrup makes for a luscious pairing. It's the perfect dollop of creaminess for your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.
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Decadent Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate creates a comforting experience, especially during chilly evenings. The rich chocolate flavor pairs surprisingly well with the cookies' fruity sweetness.
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Mint Infused Iced Tea: The refreshing notes of mint will cleanse your palate between bites, bringing out the natural flavors of the strawberries in the cookies.
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Strawberry Lemonade: This zesty drink adds a bright and tangy touch, making your dessert time feel festive. The sweet and sour notes beautifully complement the cookies' flavors.
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: A touch of elegance with strawberries dipped in melting chocolate will create a stunning presentation, doubling up the strawberry experience while adding richness.
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these delectable cookies your own with some delightful twists and turns!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a similar texture and flavor. These cookies can still shine with their fruity goodness without the gluten!
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Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil and replace the egg with ¼ cup of applesauce. You won't miss the traditional version with these playful changes!
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Chocolate-Lover: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich contrast to the strawberry flavor. Each bite will dance with delightful surprises!
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a lovely crunch and unique flavor twist. The nuttiness elevates the overall experience!
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Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing burst of citrus that beautifully complements the strawberries!
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Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced note that adds depth to the cookies. It’s a fun twist on a classic treat!
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Fruity Icing: Swap out regular vanilla extract in the icing for strawberry extract or incorporate a few drops of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick. This icing will sing with flavor!
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Extra Jam: For a more jammy bite, increase the strawberry jam to ½ cup or even swirl in some other fruit preserves to get creative! These cookies will fold in even more fruity goodness!
Expert Tips for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
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Pudding Consistency: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth, creamy mixture—this helps create that lovely texture in your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.
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Frozen Strawberry Power: Blend freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder; this maximizes their flavor and gives a unique twist. Avoid lumps, which can disrupt the uniformity of the cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour and other dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain a soft, tender cookie texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Watch the Bake Time: For the best results, keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking. They should be slightly golden at the edges while remaining soft in the center—too much baking can make them dry.
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Cool Completely: Allow your cookies to cool before icing. This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures a visually appealing finish.
Make Ahead Options
These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, helping you save time on busy days! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance; simply roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. For quality, ensure they are separated to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge and follow the original baking instructions. The icing can also be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge; just stir it well before drizzling over your cookies. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they’re covered to avoid moisture.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, restoring their soft and delicious appeal.
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe strawberries for my cookies?
Absolutely! Opt for ripe strawberries that are bright red and plump, lacking any dark spots or significant bruising. For the best flavor, look for strawberries that are fragrant and have glossy skin; these will enhance the taste of your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies!
What is the best way to store my cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like a longer duration, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they are covered to prevent moisture from making them soggy!
Can I freeze the Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! For the best results, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag with parchment paper in between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies spread excessively, it’s often due to the butter being too warm or melted. Make sure to use softened butter at room temperature. If you're looking to control spread further, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which helps retain their shape.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, these cookies contain ingredients like butter and sugar that are not suitable for pets. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, I recommend making something special just for them—there are plenty of recipes out there tailored to their dietary needs!
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
Certainly! If you're looking for a healthier twist, you might use applesauce instead of butter—it could result in a slightly different texture but keeps the cookies moist! Additionally, using almond flour can work well for a gluten-free version; just keep in mind that you may need to tweak the other ingredients for the best consistency.
Irresistibly Indulgent Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a blender, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until they turn into a fine powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the large egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, half of the strawberry powder, and kosher salt. Mix until combined.
- Fold in the strawberry jam, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then tap the baking sheet to flatten slightly. Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes until golden.
- While cooling, mix the icing ingredients until creamy. Fold in the remaining strawberry powder.
- Once cooled, dip the cookies in icing or drizzle it on top.
