Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.

There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and sugar cookies that makes them irresistible. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with the sweet, tart flavor of strawberries, complemented by a creamy layer of frosting. These Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With vibrant colors and delightful flavors, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy gathering at home.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These cookies are a delicious twist on the classic sugar cookie. Here’s why you will absolutely love this recipe:

– **Flavor Explosion**: The use of freeze-dried strawberries intensifies the strawberry flavor, making each bite a burst of fruity goodness.
– **Creamy Frosting**: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie.
– **Easy to Make**: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
– **Versatile**: You can enjoy these cookies on their own or serve them at parties, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Checklist

To make these delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies., gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries
• 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at 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 high-quality strawberry jam
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup hot milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before diving into baking, make sure you have these essential tools:

• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
• Baking sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Cookie cutter or scoop: To shape the cookies uniformly.
• Cooling rack: To cool the cookies after baking.

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.: From Prep to Plate

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

In a food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until they reach a fine powder consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature salted butter with granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and the powdered freeze-dried strawberries.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, hot milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well-blended.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. For an extra touch, drizzle some high-quality strawberry jam over the frosting.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at a gathering or keep them all to yourself—they’re that good!

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

If you’re looking to make these cookies vegan or vegetarian, consider the following substitutions:

• Replace the salted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Use flax eggs instead of the regular egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
• Ensure the cream cheese is a plant-based option.

Steer Clear of These

When making Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies., here are a few things to avoid:

• Do not use fresh strawberries in the dough, as they contain moisture that can affect the texture of the cookies.
• Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Don’t skip the cooling step; frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt.

Make-Ahead & Storage

If you’re planning to make these cookies in advance, here are some helpful tips:

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as instructed. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Handy Q&A

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

While fresh strawberries are delicious, they contain moisture that can alter the cookie’s texture. It’s best to stick with freeze-dried strawberries for this recipe.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

What can I do with leftover frosting?

Leftover cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use it to frost other desserts like Sweet Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars or enjoy it with fruit!

Can I add more flavors to the cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other flavors like lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.

One Pan, More Ideas

If you love these cookies, you’ll also enjoy:

• Fresh Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones
• Nutella Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hungry for More?

If you’re craving more sweet treats or want to explore different flavors, the world of baking is vast and exciting. From cookies to cakes and everything in between, there’s always something new to try. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients and create your own signature sweets.

The joy of baking is not just in the finished product but in the love and creativity you put into it. So roll up your sleeves, don your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of the most delicious Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. You won’t regret it!