If you are a strawberry lover like me, you are going to fall head over heels for this Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are bursting with real strawberry flavor, thanks to not only the strawberry jam but also the magic touch of freeze-dried strawberries worked right into the dough and the icing. The soft texture combined with the sweet, fruity punch makes every bite feel like a summer day, no matter the season. It’s such a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies that takes your cookie game to an entirely new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating these irresistible Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. The combination keeps the cookies perfectly soft, flavorful, and irresistibly pink. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Ground into a fine powder, they provide an intense natural strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
- Salted butter: Softened to room temperature for creamy texture and richness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that crisp edge on the cookies.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and complements the strawberry notes beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie providing structure and softness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a tender crumb.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor complexity.
- Strawberry jam: Infuses moist fruity goodness inside the dough.
- Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a smooth, tangy creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the creamy strawberry frosting.
- Hot milk: Thins the frosting to just the right consistency for dipping or drizzling.
How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Powder
Start by adding your freeze-dried strawberries to a blender or food processor and blitz them until they turn into a fine powder. This powder is what gives the cookies their signature strawberry punch and pretty pink hue. Set aside about a quarter cup for the dough and reserve the rest for the frosting later on.
Step 2: Mix the Base Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg to add moisture and bind everything.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Into the butter mixture, sift or add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, a quarter cup of your strawberry powder, and kosher salt. Mix gently until just combined, then fold in the strawberry jam. The dough should be soft yet scoopable with that unmistakable rosy tint.
Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop rounded dough balls and space them about two inches apart on your baking sheet. Bake them for 8 minutes initially. Then remove the tray, give it a quick rotation, and with a gentle tap to flatten the cookies slightly. Return them to the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes until the edges just start setting. Leave them on the baking sheet to cool — this gentle resting helps finish the baking perfectly.
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
While the cookies cool, whip up the icing by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved strawberry powder until creamy and luscious. Adjust with a splash more milk if it’s too thick. This strawberry frosting is what turns these cookies into a joyful indulgence.
Step 6: Dip or Drizzle Your Cookies
For the final touch, dip each cookie halfway into the icing or drizzle it on top with a spoon. Let them set for a few minutes so the frosting firms up slightly. If you prefer your cookies less sweet, feel free to enjoy them plain — they’re fabulous either way!
How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To garnish your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe, try adding a sprinkle of finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries or edible pink sugar crystals right after icing. It adds an extra sparkle and texture boost that makes these cookies look as delicious as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a fruity herbal tea like hibiscus or raspberry mint. They also make a sweet complement to a simple bowl of fresh berries for an extra strawberry celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of sharing these cookies at a party? Arrange them on a white platter with fresh sliced strawberries and edible flowers for a stunning pink-themed dessert display. Or stack them in a charming jar tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt gift that friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies stay soft and delicious for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from heat or humidity to preserve that tender crumb and fresh strawberry flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the un-iced cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and add the frosting fresh for best results.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back the soft, freshly baked feel. If they are frosted, just warm the non-frosted side or enjoy them chilled — both ways highlight the luscious strawberry flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain a lot of moisture, which can change the texture of the cookies. Freeze-dried strawberries give a concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid, so it’s best to stick with the freeze-dried variety for this recipe.
Is it necessary to use salted butter?
While unsalted butter can work too, salted butter adds a subtle boost of flavor that balances the sweetness and enhances the strawberries. If you use unsalted butter, just remember to adjust the salt amount slightly in the recipe.
How thick should I make the frosting?
The frosting should be thick enough to coat or dip the cookies without running off completely but still smooth enough to spread or drizzle easily. Add hot milk gradually to reach your desired consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has similar baking properties. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies tender and structured.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft before baking. Also, spacing the dough balls adequately on the baking sheet helps control spreading as they bake.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am to bake this Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s such a joyful treat that celebrates the sweet, summery taste of strawberries in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dance moments in your kitchen. Give them a try and enjoy the strawberry magic!
Print
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies that combine the fresh tang of freeze-dried strawberry powder with luscious strawberry jam and a creamy strawberry-flavored icing. Perfectly soft with a subtle chew, they offer a fruity twist on the classic sugar cookie, ideal for any occasion or as a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry powder (from freeze-dried strawberries)
- 1/3 cup high-quality strawberry jam
Strawberry Icing
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup hot milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons strawberry powder (additional from freeze-dried strawberries)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Powder: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a blender or food processor and blend until a fine powder forms. Set aside for cookie dough and icing.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and combined. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, strawberry powder (1/4 cup), and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the strawberry jam to evenly distribute.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Roll the dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the pan, rotate it, and gently tap the baking sheet once on the counter to flatten the cookies slightly. Return to the oven and bake an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the edges just begin to set. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet; they will firm up slightly as they cool.
- Prepare Icing: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and 3-4 tablespoons of the reserved strawberry powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add extra milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Optionally, dip each cooled cookie into the strawberry icing or drizzle the icing over the cookies. Let the icing set before serving. Store iced or plain cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing and a tender crumb.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be soft and just set at the edges.
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder adds intense natural flavor and color without moisture.
- You can adjust strawberry powder quantity in the icing to customize color and taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; icing may soften after refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
