As I rummaged through my pantry the other day, I stumbled upon a bag of freeze-dried strawberries, and a delightful idea took shape—Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. These vibrant little gems offer a fun twist on a classic, combining luscious strawberry jam and ground strawberries to create a cookie that’s soft, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. Not only are they a breeze to whip up with just 15 minutes of prep, but they also make a charming crowd-pleaser for any get-together. Imagine the joy of sharing these delightful cookies, adorned with a creamy strawberry icing that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. So, who’s ready to embrace a little sweetness in their life? Let’s bake these enticing Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies together!
Why are Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies irresistible?
Irresistible Flavors: The blend of freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry jam creates a double dose of berry goodness that will make your taste buds dance.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch without the fuss, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their pretty pink icing, adding a charming touch to any dessert table.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a sweet addition to brunch; they are sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Crowd-Pleaser: Every bite is a charming burst of strawberry flavor, making them a hit at parties and family gatherings.
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – provides the base for these soft cookies.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps achieve a light texture.
• Butter – use room-temperature for easy mixing and a rich flavor.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor with a lovely aroma.
• Baking soda – acts as a leavening agent for a soft, chewy cookie.
• Kosher salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Freeze-dried strawberries – ground into powder for a concentrated strawberry flavor in the dough.
For the Strawberry Jam Filling
• Strawberry jam – adds moisture and a sweet surprise in each bite.
For the Icing
• Powdered sugar – creates a smooth, sweet glaze for finishing touches.
• Hot milk – helps dissolve the powdered sugar for a creamy icing.
• Remaining freeze-dried strawberry powder – mixes into the icing for extra strawberry flavor, making your cookies even more delightful!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies bake evenly. It's the perfect time to gather all your ingredients so you're ready to mix and create!
Step 2: Grind the Strawberries
In a blender, take those freeze-dried strawberries and pulse them into a fine powder. This vibrant powder will be a key flavor component in your cookies, giving them that irresistible strawberry essence. Set aside this strawberry powder as we move forward to the dough mixing!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Blend them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. The right texture is essential, so watch for that pale, creamy consistency! Once that's done, you’re stepping into cookie magic!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This step adds moisture and enhances the aroma of your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Give your bowl a scrape to ensure all ingredients are blending nicely as you prepare for the dry ingredients!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, half of the ground strawberry powder, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; your dough should be soft but not too sticky. The hues of pink will start to show, setting the stage for delicious cookies!
Step 6: Fold in Strawberry Jam
Gently fold in the strawberry jam with a spatula to introduce moisture to the dough. This will create delightful pockets of sweetness in each cookie. Be careful not to overmix; you want that jam to swirl through the dough, making every bite a surprise!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, roughly the size of golf balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread while baking. This is where the joy of creation starts to become tangible!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. After that, gently tap the baking sheet to flatten the cookies, then continue baking for an additional 2–3 minutes. Look for a light golden color around the edges for that perfect chewy center!
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
While your cookies cool down, it's icing time! In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and hot milk, mixing until smooth. Then add the remaining ground strawberry powder for that stunning pink hue and vibrant flavor. It’s the cherry on top of your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies!
Step 10: Ice the Cookies
Now, either dip the cooled cookies in the icing or drizzle it generously over the tops. Each cookie should be beautifully coated, enhancing both flavor and aesthetics. Let the icing set for a little while, and prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe!
Make Ahead Options
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a wonderful choice for those busy weeknights when you need a sweet treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients as directed, roll the dough into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. To maintain their delightful texture and flavor, be sure to store the dough in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy your homemade cookies, just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed. This way, you'll have fresh, delicious cookies with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
Treat your loved ones to a delightful experience that complements these charming cookies and enhances your gathering.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture adds a delightful contrast to the warm, soft cookies, making each bite a heavenly experience.
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Fresh Berries Salad: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offers a refreshing burst of flavor and color, celebrating the cookie’s fruity essence.
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Chilled Lemonade: The zesty and tangy notes lemon brings cuts through the sweetness, providing a perfect balance and a refreshing drink to sip.
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Sweet Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds a luscious layer of sweetness, making your cookies even more indulgent.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For those who enjoy a rich contrast, a warm chocolate sauce will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of decadence.
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Coffee or Tea: The warmth and slight bitterness of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with the cookie’s sweetness, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
Indulging in these pairings will create a delightful experience that will leave hearts and taste buds utterly satisfied!
How to Store and Freeze Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge inside an airtight container for up to 1 week. This helps keep them fresher, especially in warmer weather.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, thaw cookies in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Enjoy them fresh and delicious!
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine while making these sweet cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously safe option. Just as soft and chewy, they won't lose that delightful strawberry flavor!
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water). These cookies will still be full of flavor and surprisingly decadent!
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Chocolate-Dipped: After icing, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist that pairs beautifully with strawberries. Imagine that rich flavor complementing the berry sweetness!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, into the dough for added crunch and richness. This twist will introduce a delightful texture!
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Coconut Flake: Add ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical feel that mingles beautifully with strawberries. It adds a chewy texture that is irresistibly good!
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Spicy Kick: Spice up your cookies by adding ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients. This unexpected kick can elevate the cookie experience!
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon zest in the dough for a bright, citrusy addition that elevates the berry flavor to a whole new level! It enhances the cookies with a refreshing zing!
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Fruity Swirl: Instead of strawberry jam, try using raspberry or blueberry jam for a fun berry twist. This variation offers a totally different flavor profile while keeping that fruity essence intact!
Tips for the Best Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Choose Quality Jam: Use a premium strawberry jam for a richer flavor, ensuring it complements the freeze-dried strawberries beautifully.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy blending and a light, fluffy texture in your cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Even Dough Balls: Roll your dough balls to a uniform size for even baking, ensuring all cookies come out with the same delightful chewiness.
Cool Before Icing: Allow cookies to cool completely before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a beautiful finish on your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies.
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best freeze-dried strawberries?
When selecting freeze-dried strawberries, look for bright red color with no dark spots. Ensure they’re free from added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor. Quality freeze-dried strawberries will give your cookies a delicious, concentrated flavor!
What’s the best way to store Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and delectable!
Can I freeze Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies? How?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. After they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to warm dough or insufficient flour. Make sure your butter is at room temperature, not melted, and check that you’re measuring flour accurately. For a quick fix, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Are Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies safe for pets?
These cookies contain ingredients like sugar and butter that aren’t suitable for pets. It's best to keep these tasty treats away from your furry friends to ensure their health and safety.
Can I make substitutions for dietary needs?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. If you're looking to cut back on sugar, try using a sugar substitute designed for baking. Always check labels for allergens, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
Indulgent Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies for Sweet Moments
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- baking sheet
- blender
- parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter room-temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries ground into powder
For the Strawberry Jam Filling
- ½ cup strawberry jam
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot milk
- ¼ cup remaining freeze-dried strawberry powder
Instructions
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a blender to a fine powder and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, half of the strawberry powder, and kosher salt; mix on low until combined.
- Fold in strawberry jam gently with a spatula.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 minutes, tap the baking sheet, then bake for an additional 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Mix powdered sugar and hot milk in a bowl until smooth, then add remaining strawberry powder.
- Dip cooled cookies in icing or drizzle over the tops and let set before serving.
