Introduction to Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

When life gets a little too hectic and you need something quick to indulge in – that’s where Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies step in to save the day! Picture that heavenly baking cookie fragrance filling up your kitchen – it’s a sweetness breather in the middle of your busy day. Whether you are preparing for a family reunion or you just want to pamper yourself, this is the recipe you have been looking for all this while. The color of the fruit and its flavor brighten the palate, making even the dullest day a little bit special. Besides, who wouldn’t like a cookie that is attractive as well as tasty? So, without wasting any time, let’s sink in this easy but yummy treat!

Why You’ll Love This Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

You’re going to love these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies for that perfect pop of flavor and how quickly they come together. Just 30 short minutes from start to treat, and you’ve got something yummy to delight your family—or yourself. Plus, they’re excellent for cookie exchanges or snuggling up at home. Trust me, one bite of these strawberry-packed gems, and you’re in.

Ingredients for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

To create these delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients.

Freeze-dried strawberries: These give our cookies an intense strawberry flavor and beautiful color.
Salted butter: Room temperature butter makes for a creamy batter and adds richness.
Granulated sugar: The sweet base that makes your cookies irresistible.
Egg: This binds our ingredients while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to these cookies, making them soft and chewy.
Baking soda: This helps the cookies rise perfectly.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
Strawberry jam: Adds a delightful gooeyness and fruity richness.
Cream cheese: Smoothens the icing, giving it a creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing beautifully.
Hot milk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the icing.

Feel free to experiment with ingredients by adding more strawberry flavor or adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Exact quantities can be found at the bottom of the article!

How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients prepped, let’s jump into the sweet adventure of making Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Follow my lead, and it’ll feel like a breeze. Remember, I’m right there with you as we create something delicious!

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

The first step is all about those strawberries. Grab your freeze-dried strawberries and place them in a blender. Blend until you’ve created a fine powder. This fruity powder is the magic ingredient that makes your cookies pop with strawberry flavor.

It’s like turning sunshine into a sweet sprinkle! Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; a little texture adds character.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Now, let’s bring some joy to our mixing bowl. In a large bowl, combine your room-temperature salted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. I often think of this step as making clouds—sweet, fluffy clouds full of potential.

Then, crack in that egg and continue mixing. Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix it all until combined. This heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen and make you feel like you’re in a cozy bakery.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Next up are the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, a dash of kosher salt, and about a quarter of your freeze-dried strawberry powder. This little blend is what will give your cookies the right texture and lift.

Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently. It’s like folding a beloved friend into the party. At this point, mix in the strawberry jam. This jam is where the real strawberry goodness comes in.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Time to get hands-on! With clean hands, roll the dough into balls, about the size of a tablespoon. It can get a bit sticky, but that’s okay; a little flour on your hands can help. Place the dough balls on your lined baking sheet, spacing them generously apart. They will spread out while baking, so give them room to breathe.

As I do this, I can’t resist sneaking some dough. The tangy-sweet flavor is a hint of what’s to come!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Now, the magic happens! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you’re forming those cookies. Once ready, pop them into the oven for 8 minutes. This is where patience is key, though I get it—it’s hard not to hover around the oven!

After 8 minutes, take them out and give the baking sheet a gentle tap. This will flatten the cookies slightly. Slide them back in for an extra 2-3 minutes. A perfectly baked cookie will have lightly golden edges and a soft center.

Step 6: Make the Icing

While the cookies cool, let’s whip up that enticing icing. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Stir in the remaining strawberry powder to enhance that strawberry flavor.

If you find the icing too thick, feel free to add another splash of hot milk. Think of it as a drizzle of joy over your already delicious cookies. Once your cookies are fully cooled, you can dip them into the icing or drizzle it on top. Either way, they will look delectable!

Now, you have a stunning batch of Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. What a wonderful accomplishment! Don’t forget to save a few for yourself—they might very well disappear!

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
Don’t skip the chilling of the cookie dough if it’s too sticky—30 minutes in the fridge works wonders!
Feel free to adjust baking time slightly for a chewier or crisper cookie.
Experiment with different flavors in your icing, like lemon zest for a refreshing twist!
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and beautiful.

Equipment Needed

Blender: A food processor works too for pulverizing strawberries.
Mixing bowls: Use any deep bowls you have on hand.
Baking sheet: A cookie sheet or any flat baking tray will do.
Parchment paper: Aluminum foil is a suitable alternative.
Measuring cups and spoons: Any measuring tools will help achieve accuracy in your ingredients.

Variations for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Dipped: Melt some chocolate and dip half of the cookie in it for a sweet contrast.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture.
Vegan Version: Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Pair with Tea: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of chamomile or green tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Summer Picnics: Bring them to a picnic and watch them disappear—perfect with fresh fruit!
Presentation: Arrange them on a beautiful platter and sprinkle some extra freeze-dried strawberry powder on top to impress your guests.
Make it a Dessert Plate: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.

FAQs about Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
While fresh strawberries can add flavor, they won’t give your cookies the same intensity as freeze-dried strawberries. If you try it, reduce the jam slightly to keep the dough from being too wet.

How do I store my Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about five days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready, roll and bake just as mentioned in the recipe.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the icing?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use a simple powdered sugar and milk mixture for a more traditional icing. Just mix the powdered sugar with milk until you reach a drizzleable consistency.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are kid-friendly and perfect for family baking sessions! The vibrant color and sweet flavor are sure to delight little taste buds.

Final Thoughts

Creating these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies is more than just baking; it’s an experience that fills your home with joy and delicious scents. These cookies are a delightful way to share love with your family and friends, making any occasion feel special. As you watch them vanish from the platter, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and warmth. Plus, the bright strawberry flavor adds an undeniable charm that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, embrace your inner baker and indulge in these sweet moments—you’re in for a tasty adventure!