Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the vibrant flavor of strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies feature a luscious strawberry-cream cheese icing that elevates them to a double strawberry experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to indulge in a sweet snack, these cookies will impress everyone with their beautiful color and delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The blend of freeze-dried strawberries and creamy icing creates a fresh and fruity flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve great results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
- Visually Stunning: The bright pink hue from the strawberries makes these cookies as beautiful as they are tasty.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them on their own or serve them alongside ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Strawberry Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
- Blender or food processor: Essential for turning freeze-dried strawberries into powder, which is key for flavoring the cookies and icing.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar much easier, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Strawberry-infused sugar cookies with a delicious strawberry-cream cheese icing make for a double strawberry treat.
For the Cookies
- 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries, blended into powder
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 cup high-quality strawberry jam
For the Icing
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup hot milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Remaining strawberry powder (reserved from cookie ingredients)
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Powder
Blend the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using your blender or food processor. This will be used both in the cookie dough and icing.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg
Beat in one large egg until it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, reserved strawberry powder (save some for later), and kosher salt. Mix until combined but don’t overwork the dough.
Step 6: Incorporate Strawberry Jam
Fold in the high-quality strawberry jam until it is evenly distributed throughout your dough for added flavor.
Step 7: Shape Cookies
Roll pieces of dough into small balls about an inch in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with enough space between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake First Time
Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 minutes. After this time, remove from the oven and gently tap down on each cookie to flatten slightly.
Step 9: Bake Second Time
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the edges are slightly crispy but still soft in the center.
Step 10: Prepare Icing While Cooling
While your cookies cool on a wire rack, prepare the icing by blending softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and remaining strawberry powder until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
Step 11: Ice Cookies
Once cookies have completely cooled down, dip or drizzle your prepared icing over each cookie. Allow time for the icing to set before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Strawberry sugar cookies are not just delightful to eat but also visually appealing. They can be served in various ways to enhance their charm and flavor.
With Fresh Berries
- Garnish: Top each cookie with a few fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of color and freshness.
- Berry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade berry sauce over the cookies for an extra fruity kick.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Variety: Include strawberry sugar cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies, cupcakes, and fruit tarts.
- Presentation: Arrange them artfully on a large platter to create an eye-catching display.
At Parties or Gatherings
- Finger Food: Serve these cookies at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or picnics as easy finger food.
- Themed Decor: Match your serving plate or table decor to the pink hues of the cookies for a cohesive look.
With Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
- A La Mode: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.
How to Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Making the perfect strawberry sugar cookies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center when done.
- Experiment with Icing Consistency: If your icing is too thick, add more milk gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
- Store Correctly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Strawberry sugar cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in individual cups for a satisfying side dish.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy ones like brie, contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate alongside strawberries for dipping; it’s a delightful combination!
- Pistachio Crumble: The nutty flavor adds crunch that complements the softness of strawberry sugar cookies.
- Mint Tea: A light herbal tea can cleanse the palate after enjoying these sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the strawberry powder blending: Not blending freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder can lead to uneven flavor in your cookies. Always ensure the strawberries are finely ground for the best taste.
- Using cold butter: Starting with cold butter can result in dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are slightly crispy but the centers remain soft.
- Neglecting to cool completely before icing: Icing warm cookies can cause it to melt and run off. Let your Strawberry Sugar Cookies cool completely to maintain the beautiful icing design.
- Not adjusting icing consistency: If your icing is too thick, it won’t spread well. Always adjust with more milk until you reach your desired consistency for dipping or drizzling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: This keeps your Strawberry Sugar Cookies fresh.
- They last up to 1 week in the fridge: Enjoy them throughout the week without sacrificing taste.
Freezing Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer first: Lay cookies flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months: Perfect for meal prepping or enjoying later!
Reheating Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid; warm each cookie for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Using fresh strawberries may change the moisture content of your dough, potentially leading to soggy cookies. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for best results.
How do I make gluten-free Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
What variations can I try with Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
Feel free to mix in white chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture. You could also swap the strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for different tastes.
How should I store leftover icing?
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about one week; just stir before using again.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their sweet strawberry flavor and creamy icing, they make an excellent treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding different jams or toppings! Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful double strawberry treat!
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Strawberry Sugar Cookies, an irresistible treat that combines the sweetness of classic sugar cookies with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. These cookies are adorned with a luscious strawberry-cream cheese icing, making them perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual snacking. Their stunning pink hue and rich taste will captivate your guests and elevate your dessert game. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can create these beautiful cookies at home. Enjoy them solo or pair them with ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries (blended into powder)
- 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 cup high-quality strawberry jam
- For the Icing: 2 oz cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup hot milk, remaining strawberry powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend freeze-dried strawberries into fine powder.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Beat in the egg until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, reserved strawberry powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Fold in strawberry jam evenly throughout the dough.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 8 minutes; lightly tap cookies to flatten, then bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until edges are crisp but centers remain soft.
- While cooling, prepare icing by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla extract, and remaining strawberry powder until smooth.
- Once cooled, ice each cookie and allow icing to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing. Chill dough for about 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape. Experiment with adding chocolate chips or using different jams for unique flavors.
