If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the fresh, juicy sweetness of berries with rich, creamy frosting and a soft cookie base, then this Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe is just the thing for you. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, perfect for sharing with family or brightening up any gathering. The tender, buttery cookie topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and vibrant strawberries makes a stunning presentation and tastes as incredible as it looks, guaranteed to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, from the cold cubes of butter that lend a tender crumb to the fresh strawberries that provide a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
- Butter (cold and cubed): Using cold butter helps create a soft yet sturdy cookie with tender layers.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and enhances browning for a lovely golden edge.
- Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness for a moist, soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the dough and frosting.
- Flour: Provides structure; use plain all-purpose flour for the best results.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the cookies rise and stay tender.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
- Butter (softened) for frosting: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting texture.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Adds tangy richness and helps the frosting stay luscious and light.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfect smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star topping, adding freshness, color, and juicy bursts in every bite.
How to Make Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a large bowl, cream together the cold, cubed butter and sugar for about 4 minutes until your mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which lightens the cookies and gives them that soft texture. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla for another minute to fully blend their flavors into the dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Cookies
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into your wet batter, mixing just until combined—overmixing can toughen the cookies, so keep it gentle. Then, drop dough portions weighing 3 to 4 ounces each onto parchment-lined baking sheets; the size influences baking time and thickness, so adjust depending on your preference.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10-13 minutes if using 4-ounce scoops, or 9-11 minutes for 3-ounce scoops. The edges should be lightly golden and set, while the centers remain slightly underbaked; don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool, leaving you with perfectly tender cookies.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth and fluffy texture. Finish by mixing in vanilla extract, which seals all the flavors beautifully into your frosting.
Step 5: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each using a small offset spatula or butter knife. Take your time here—this frosting is luscious and deserves a nice, even layer for the best experience.
Step 6: Add the Strawberries
Finally, slice or dice your fresh strawberries, depending on how bold you want the fruit presence to be on top. Arrange the pieces thoughtfully on top of the frosting, which not only adds flavor but also a beautiful pop of color that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Place the frosted and topped cookies in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve. Chilling helps the frosting set perfectly and keeps the strawberries fresh, making the Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe even more satisfying when enjoyed cold.
How to Serve Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a little finely chopped fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar over the strawberries. You can also drizzle a small amount of melted white or dark chocolate for a luxurious twist that complements the creamy frosting beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of lightly brewed tea or a glass of chilled milk. For an adult gathering, try serving them alongside a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade or a delicate Rosé to elevate the fruity notes in the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into charming mini dessert platters by adding a few whole strawberries, edible flowers, or sprigs of fresh herbs around the cookies on a serving tray. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered cookie stand for a show-stopping presentation at afternoon tea or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting benefits from chilling, so this not only keeps the cookies fresh but also preserves the frosting’s perfect consistency for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze the frosting separately in a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, thaw both components and assemble the cookies fresh for best results.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cookies slightly warmed, remove the frosting first and reheat the cookie alone in a low-heat oven for a few minutes. Let cool slightly, then reapply the frosting and the fresh strawberries for that perfect balance of warmth and cool creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best for the Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe because frozen berries can release excess moisture and make the cookies soggy. However, if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before use.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The fresh strawberries are the limiting factor, so enjoy them as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting for a different frosting?
While the cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavor, you could use a simple buttercream or whipped cream for a lighter alternative, though the texture and tangy flavor that cream cheese provides are truly unique to this recipe.
What size should I make the cookies?
Making 3 to 4-ounce cookies is ideal for this recipe to get that tender center with a lightly golden edge. Smaller cookies will bake faster and be crispier, while larger ones require more baking time and yield a softer bite.
Is it necessary to chill the cookies after frosting?
Chilling helps the frosting set and keeps the strawberries fresh. While you can serve them immediately, refrigeration improves both taste and presentation, making the cookies easier to handle and more refreshing to bite into.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe truly shines as a charming dessert that’s both approachable and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring joy with every bite. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor the perfect marriage of soft, buttery cookies, creamy frosting, and fresh strawberries—you’ll quickly see why this treat is a beloved favorite!
Print
Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and buttery Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies featuring a rich cream cheese frosting topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for a refreshing sweet treat that combines the classic flavors of strawberries and cream in a delicious cookie form, ideal for any occasion or dessert platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 2 cups Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups Flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup Butter (1 stick softened)
- 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened)
- 3 3/4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Topping
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. Fresh Strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat and cream butter & sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together the cold butter cubes and sugar for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy, establishing the base for a tender cookie.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract for an additional minute to incorporate full flavor and moisture throughout the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could result in tougher cookies.
- Shape and bake cookies: Drop dough portions of 3 to 4 ounces onto parchment-lined, light-colored baking sheets to ensure even baking. Bake 10-13 minutes for 4-ounce cookies or 9-11 minutes for 3-ounce cookies. Remove when edges are set and lightly golden but centers remain slightly underbaked to finish firming up upon cooling.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Frost cooled cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each using a small offset spatula or butter knife, smoothing it evenly over the surface.
- Top with strawberries: Slice or chop the fresh strawberries according to your preference, then arrange them attractively on top of the frosted cookies to add freshness and a burst of fruity flavor.
- Chill and serve: Cover the frosted and topped cookies and chill them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serving them chilled enhances the flavor and helps preserve the freshness of the strawberries.
Notes
- Ensure butter for the dough is cold to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Adjust strawberry quantity based on preference and size of the cookies.
- Cookies can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal flavor and presentation.
- These cookies are best enjoyed chilled to maintain the cream cheese frosting texture and strawberry freshness.
