Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat — Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! These cookies are a delightful explosion of strawberry flavor, thanks to the combination of freeze-dried strawberries and a swirl of luscious strawberry jam right in the dough. They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy icing that just takes them over the top! I first baked these cookies for a summer picnic, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could set them out. Their vibrant pink color and sweet aroma make them perfect for any occasion, especially birthdays or family gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

What makes Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies truly special is how easy they are to make and how impressively delicious they turn out. The kids love them, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends. Plus, they add a fun twist to traditional sugar cookies that everyone will adore. So, let’s dive into this magical recipe together!

Why You’ll Love Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Oh boy, where do I even start with these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies? First off, the flavor is just out of this world! The sweet, fruity notes from the freeze-dried strawberries paired with the rich strawberry jam create a cookie that’s bursting with strawberry goodness in every bite. You’ll find yourself savoring the soft, chewy texture that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy icing, adding that extra indulgence that makes you want to reach for just one more cookie — and maybe another!

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also visually stunning! The vibrant pink color makes them a showstopper on any dessert table, whether it’s a birthday party, a summer barbecue, or a cozy family gathering. The kids absolutely go wild for them, and adults can’t resist either! They’re also incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe when you need something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Seriously, bake these and watch them vanish — your friends and family will be asking for the recipe in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward list, and you might even have some of these goodies in your kitchen already!

• 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries: These little gems are key to packing that strawberry punch! You can find them at most supermarkets or online. Just make sure they’re chopped into smaller bits for even distribution in the dough.
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature: Softened butter is essential for that creamy texture. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, but don’t melt it!
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This is what gives our cookies that lovely sweetness! Feel free to use organic if that’s your jam.
• 1 egg: The binding agent! Make sure it’s at room temperature too for better mixing.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Ah, the magic ingredient! It adds a warm, comforting flavor to the cookies.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie dough. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help our cookies rise just a bit, giving them that perfect chewy texture!
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: A little salt enhances all those sweet flavors, trust me!
• 1/3 cup strawberry jam: This is where we get that extra burst of strawberry flavor! Use your favorite brand, or even homemade if you have it!

Now, for the icing, we’ll need:

• 2 ounces cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes nicely into the icing.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: This will sweeten and thicken our icing to perfection.
• 1/4 cup hot milk: This helps achieve that smooth, spreadable consistency. Just heat it up for about 30 seconds in the microwave!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Yes, we’re using it again! It’s just that good.

And there you have it! Gather these ingredients, and we’ll be ready to create some cookie magic!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part — making these delicious Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.

Preparing the Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our cookies to bake evenly! While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You want to mix it until it’s nice and smooth — think light and fluffy! This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Once that’s done, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined; it should look beautiful and creamy!

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This helps to ensure that everything is evenly mixed and that the baking soda is distributed throughout. Now, gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it — we don’t want tough cookies! Finally, gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry jam. This is where the magic happens, so be careful not to break the strawberries too much!

Baking the Cookies

Now, it’s time to get our cookies on the baking sheet! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (trust me, you’ll thank me later). Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can shape them a bit if you want, but they’ll spread beautifully on their own!

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, but the centers will still look a little soft — that’s the secret to chewy cookies! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Making the Icing

While your cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that dreamy icing! In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy — this usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Once it’s nice and fluffy, gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until it’s fully incorporated. Then, carefully pour in the hot milk and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and spreadable. If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little more hot milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

When your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to spread the icing! Use a knife or a small spatula to generously spread the icing over each cookie. Feel free to get creative — a little swirl or a sprinkle of extra freeze-dried strawberry on top makes them even more fabulous! And there you have it, your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are ready to dazzle!

Variations

Now, let’s get creative with these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! One of my favorite variations is to swap the freeze-dried strawberries for fresh strawberries. Just chop them up finely and toss them into the dough. Keep in mind, fresh strawberries can add a bit more moisture, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to keep that perfect cookie texture.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with the icing! You could add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a refreshing twist, or even mix in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries to make a strawberry-infused icing. How about adding a hint of almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile? The possibilities are endless! The best part? You can adapt these cookies for any season or occasion. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies, they’re best enjoyed fresh but are also delightful at room temperature. If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange them on a beautiful platter and add some fresh strawberries for a pop of color — your guests will love it! These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, making them a perfect treat for any time of the day.

As for storage, make sure to keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and if you’d like, reapply a little icing for that fresh-baked taste!

Helpful Notes

Here are a few extra tips to make your Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies absolutely perfect! If you’re looking to lighten them up a bit, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce — it works surprisingly well! Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.

If you have any dietary restrictions, feel free to use dairy-free butter and cream cheese to make these cookies dairy-free. They’ll still turn out wonderfully, and everyone can enjoy them! And if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can try using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. For more information on sugar substitutes, you can check out resources from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Lastly, these cookies are pretty forgiving, so don’t stress too much if something doesn’t go exactly to plan. Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, after all!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and maybe add a fresh layer of icing!

2. What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
No worries! You can use fresh strawberries instead, but be sure to chop them finely. Keep in mind that fresh strawberries may add extra moisture, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to keep the dough from being too wet.

3. Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the icing ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir and adjust the consistency with a little hot milk if needed.

4. What can I use instead of cream cheese for the icing?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Alternatively, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze with just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

5. How can I make these cookies more festive?
For a festive touch, try adding sprinkles on top of the icing or using cookie cutters to shape the dough into fun designs. You can also tint the icing with some food coloring to match any theme!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — your very own recipe for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies! I can’t tell you how much joy these cookies bring to my kitchen, and I truly hope they do the same for you. Baking is such a wonderful way to express love and creativity, and I promise, sharing these cookies with friends and family will bring smiles all around. You’ll love watching their faces light up with delight after that first bite!

Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy day at home, these cookies will surely make everything a little sweeter. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and let the cookie magic begin! Happy baking, my friend — I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

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