If you are craving a cookie that bursts with bright, fruity flavor and melts delightfully in your mouth, you are in for a treat with this Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries with the tangy, concentrated essence of freeze-dried strawberry powder, giving you two layers of strawberry goodness in every bite. The soft, tender crumb complemented by a subtle vanilla and a perfect sugary crust makes these cookies simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a sweet everyday indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to create a balanced texture and vivid flavor. From the creamy butter that lends richness, to the fragrant strawberry extracts and fresh fruit adding freshness, every component plays an essential role.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the foundational structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to every bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling: Supplies sweetness and creates that lovely crisp sugar crust outside.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and keeps the dough moist.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting notes that deepen the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp strawberry extract: Amplifies the strawberry essence in every cookie.
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, powdered: Infuses an intense natural strawberry flavor and a pretty rosy tint.
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Adds juicy bursts of freshness and texture.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra softness): Helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and powdered freeze-dried strawberries—this mix will give your cookies their delightful pink hues and intense berry flavor.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cookies stay soft with a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Flavors
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract until everything is evenly combined. These wet ingredients bring moisture and those signature flavors that define this cookie.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter and egg combo. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Then gently fold in the fresh chopped strawberries to distribute juicy flavor pockets throughout.
Step 5: Chill and Shape the Dough
If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll without losing the delicate freshness. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then toss each in extra sugar to coat them beautifully, adding a lovely sparkle and crisp edge.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated balls onto your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Lightly press each cookie down to flatten just a bit. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers look set. Remember, the cookies firm up as they cool!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully. This pause ensures they don’t break apart and finish baking gently. Now, grab a glass of milk or your favorite tea and delight in this Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe treat.
How to Serve Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. Fresh strawberry slices alongside the cookies will elevate presentation and amp up the fruity vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or paired with a warm cup of herbal tea. A dollop of whipped cream infused with a little strawberry jam can also highlight their flavor for afternoon tea or dessert buffets.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe servings with layers of whipped cream and sliced strawberries to turn them into an elegant dessert tower. Alternatively, sandwich them with pink strawberry buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a luscious treat that doubles as a cookie cake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for up to 3 days, making them perfect for sharing or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe dough freezes wonderfully. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them briefly in a low oven to refresh their softness. This step can bring back that fresh-baked warmth, perfect for cozy treats.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with freeze-dried strawberries only?
While freeze-dried strawberries create a concentrated flavor, fresh strawberries add moisture and texture. Leaving fresh strawberries out will alter the cookie’s softness and juiciness, but you can use extra freeze-dried powder to maintain flavor intensity.
What if I don’t have strawberry extract?
If strawberry extract isn’t on hand, vanilla extract alone still creates delicious cookies. You might also try a small amount of strawberry jam folded gently into the dough for added fruity notes.
Why add cornstarch to the dough?
Cornstarch helps produce a tender, soft crumb in cookies by reducing gluten formation. It’s optional but highly recommended if you prefer melt-in-your-mouth textures, especially for fruit-infused cookies like these.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To adapt this Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe to gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, and monitor the dough’s moisture since gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these vibrant strawberry cookies remain at their best for about 3 days. Beyond that, they can start to dry out, so enjoying them fresh is ideal.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for sharing smiles and sweet moments. The beautiful strawberry flavor combined with a tender, sugary bite makes these cookies perfect for any season or reason. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this naturally delicious, charming strawberry delight!
Print
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the sweet and fruity flavors of these Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Combining both freeze-dried strawberry powder and fresh strawberries, these soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer a vibrant burst of berry goodness in every bite. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and strawberry extracts, these cookies are an irresistible treat for strawberry lovers and a fun twist on classic sugar cookies.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, powdered
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra softness)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp strawberry extract
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and powdered freeze-dried strawberries to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aerates the dough and helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Flavorings: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies. Then fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries carefully to distribute without breaking them down too much.
- Chill Dough (Optional): If the dough feels overly soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up for easier handling and shaping.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to create a sparkly, sweet coating that enhances texture and flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Flatten Cookies: Lightly press each dough ball down gently with the back of a spoon or your fingers to slightly flatten them, ensuring even baking and the classic sugar cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the cookie centers are set but still soft. Cookies will continue to firm as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture.
- Enjoy: Serve these delightful double strawberry sugar cookies with a glass of milk or enjoy them as a sweet, fruity snack any time of day.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes them easier to handle.
- Using freeze-dried strawberry powder intensifies the strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
- Fresh strawberries add bursts of juicy freshness but may make the dough slightly wetter, so optional cornstarch can help maintain softness and structure.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and egg with a flax or chia egg, though texture may vary.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
