Introduction
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, combining the sweet, tender texture of a traditional sugar cookie with the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. These cookies feature a soft, chewy center, and their light, delicate sweetness is enhanced by the addition of strawberry puree, strawberry extract, and a dusting of sugar. The result is a visually stunning and incredibly tasty treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special celebration, or simply craving a delicious dessert, Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are sure to be a hit. They are easy to make, yet they look and taste like a gourmet treat. This guide will take you through each step of making these scrumptious cookies, offer tips to ensure they turn out perfectly, and suggest fun variations to try.
Why You’ll Love Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Sweet, Fruity Strawberry Flavor: These cookies feature the bright, sweet flavor of strawberries both in the dough and in the form of strawberry extract, creating a deep strawberry taste that will satisfy your fruit and dessert cravings alike.
- Perfect Texture: With a soft and chewy center, these cookies have the perfect balance of crisp edges and tender bite. The addition of strawberry puree ensures a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Visually Appealing: The natural pink hue of these cookies, enhanced by the sprinkle of sugar on top, makes them a festive and beautiful addition to any cookie platter, gift basket, or dessert table.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples such as flour, butter, and sugar, along with fresh strawberries, these cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating spring and summer, preparing a batch for a holiday party, or just treating yourself to something special, Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are versatile enough to fit any occasion.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Calories per Serving: Around 150-170 calories per cookie, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 21-23g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12-14g
Ingredients
For the Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon strawberry extract
- 1/3 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by preparing your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients will provide the structure of the cookie and ensure that the cookies rise slightly and have the right texture. Set the bowl aside for now. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined before they are incorporated into the wet mixture.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential for the texture of your cookies, as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a soft, chewy cookie.
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg and beat until smooth. Add the strawberry extract and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. The strawberry extract will enhance the fruity flavor of the cookies, while the vanilla adds a depth of sweetness.
3. Add the Strawberry Puree
Next, add the strawberry puree to the butter and sugar mixture. If you are using fresh strawberries, blend them until smooth using a food processor or blender. Be sure to measure the puree accurately and mix it thoroughly into the dough. The strawberry puree will provide the distinctive strawberry flavor and moisture to the cookies.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients in small increments. Use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense cookies. The dough should be thick, slightly sticky, and easy to handle.
5. Chill the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies. It prevents them from spreading too much during baking and ensures that they hold their shape as they bake. This step also allows the flavors to meld together, giving the cookies a more vibrant and balanced taste.
6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet. If you don’t have parchment paper or a mat, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
7. Roll the Dough into Balls
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough using a spoon or a cookie scoop. Roll each portion of dough into a ball using your hands. The dough may be a little sticky, so you can lightly dust your hands with flour if needed.
8. Coat the Dough Balls in Sugar
Place the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until it’s fully coated. This step gives the cookies their signature sparkle and slightly crispy sugar crust. The sugar also adds a sweet crunch that contrasts with the soft, chewy texture of the cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers of the cookies should remain soft, and you may notice the cracks and crinkles forming on top as they bake. If you prefer slightly softer cookies, bake them on the lower end of the time range.
10. Cool the Cookies
Once the cookies are baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. This cooling period helps the cookies set and prevents them from falling apart when you transfer them. After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: It’s important that the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will cause the cookies to spread too much.
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking and don’t spread too thin. It also helps the dough become easier to handle.
- Use Fresh Strawberries for Best Flavor: While store-bought strawberry puree can work, using fresh strawberries provides the best flavor. Make sure to puree the strawberries well for a smooth, even consistency in the dough.
- Adjust Baking Time for Softness: If you prefer cookies with a slightly softer center, remove them from the oven a minute or two earlier. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Variations of Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Strawberry Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist that complements the strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the dough for an added layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Sugar Cookies: After baking and cooling the cookies, dip the edges in melted dark or milk chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies: For a fun variation, top the cooled cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries, creating a strawberry shortcake-inspired dessert.
Storage and Shelf Life
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. To keep them soft and chewy, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you live in a particularly warm or humid area, refrigerating the cookies can help them maintain their freshness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary treats can elevate your experience:
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade. The sweet, fruity flavor of the cookies complements the light citrusy notes of the beverages.
- Strawberry Milk: For a fun, strawberry-themed treat, serve these cookies with a glass of strawberry milk. The combination of fresh strawberry flavor in both the cookie and the drink creates a refreshing snack.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast that enhances the flavor of the strawberries.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad featuring berries, kiwi, or citrus balances the sweetness of the cookies and provides a refreshing contrast.
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description
Bursting with strawberry flavor, these soft sugar cookies feature both fresh strawberries and a strawberry glaze. A perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, these cookies are a delightful treat for strawberry lovers.
Ingredients
For the Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon strawberry extract
- 1/3 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by preparing your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients will provide the structure of the cookie and ensure that the cookies rise slightly and have the right texture. Set the bowl aside for now. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined before they are incorporated into the wet mixture.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential for the texture of your cookies, as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a soft, chewy cookie.
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg and beat until smooth. Add the strawberry extract and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. The strawberry extract will enhance the fruity flavor of the cookies, while the vanilla adds a depth of sweetness.
3. Add the Strawberry Puree
Next, add the strawberry puree to the butter and sugar mixture. If you are using fresh strawberries, blend them until smooth using a food processor or blender. Be sure to measure the puree accurately and mix it thoroughly into the dough. The strawberry puree will provide the distinctive strawberry flavor and moisture to the cookies.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients in small increments. Use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense cookies. The dough should be thick, slightly sticky, and easy to handle.
5. Chill the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies. It prevents them from spreading too much during baking and ensures that they hold their shape as they bake. This step also allows the flavors to meld together, giving the cookies a more vibrant and balanced taste.
6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet. If you don’t have parchment paper or a mat, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
7. Roll the Dough into Balls
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough using a spoon or a cookie scoop. Roll each portion of dough into a ball using your hands. The dough may be a little sticky, so you can lightly dust your hands with flour if needed.
8. Coat the Dough Balls in Sugar
Place the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until it’s fully coated. This step gives the cookies their signature sparkle and slightly crispy sugar crust. The sugar also adds a sweet crunch that contrasts with the soft, chewy texture of the cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers of the cookies should remain soft, and you may notice the cracks and crinkles forming on top as they bake. If you prefer slightly softer cookies, bake them on the lower end of the time range.
10. Cool the Cookies
Once the cookies are baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. This cooling period helps the cookies set and prevents them from falling apart when you transfer them. After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 21-23g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of two worlds: the soft, chewy texture of a classic sugar cookie and the bright, sweet flavor of strawberries. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating spring, sharing them with friends and family, or simply indulging in a sweet snack. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these cookies are a great choice
for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. Try them today and enjoy the delicious taste of strawberry goodness in every bite!
