These frosted strawberries and cream cookies are the perfect combination of soft, buttery cookies topped with a creamy, sweet frosting, and fresh strawberries. The cookies themselves are tender with just the right amount of sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy and smooth contrast. The fresh strawberries on top offer a burst of flavor that makes each bite delightful and refreshing. This treat is perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or a casual afternoon snack. The balance of flavors and textures makes these cookies a crowd favorite.

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the fresh ingredients used, which result in a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. With a soft base and a luscious frosting, these cookies are a showstopper. The strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also bring a vibrant pop of color, making these cookies a visually appealing addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft and Buttery Texture

These cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them a delightful treat to enjoy.

2. Cream Cheese Frosting

The frosting, made with butter and cream cheese, offers a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Fresh Strawberries

The fresh strawberries on top provide a burst of flavor and a beautiful, natural garnish that elevates the cookies.

4. Simple Ingredients

Made with everyday ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare but deliver a complex, irresistible flavor.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

Perfect for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, or a casual family gathering, these cookies are suitable for all kinds of events.

Ingredients

Butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Butter (softened)
Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

For the Garnish:

Fresh strawberries

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting for a decadent twist.
Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Other Berries: You can substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry variation.
Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the frosting for an added texture and flavor contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the cold butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Step 7: Garnish with Strawberries

Wash and slice the fresh strawberries. Place a few strawberry slices on top of each frosted cookie for garnish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If you want your cookies to hold their shape better, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that the butter and cream cheese for the frosting are softened to room temperature.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough can make the cookies tough, so mix the dough until just combined.
Flat Cookies: To get flat cookies, flatten the dough balls before baking; otherwise, they will remain thick and puffy.

How to Serve

Serve these frosted strawberries and cream cookies as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re also a great addition to a dessert platter or as a sweet treat at a picnic. The fresh strawberries make them refreshing, perfect for warmer weather, while the rich cream cheese frosting balances out the sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge for extra freshness.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen cookies will stay good for up to 3 months. Frosted cookies can also be frozen, but for the best results, freeze the cookies first, then add the frosting after thawing.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, heat them in the microwave for a few seconds, but avoid reheating the frosted cookies for too long, as the frosting may melt.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the garnish?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries offer a better texture and flavor for garnish.

2. Can I make these cookies without frosting?

Yes, you can bake the cookies and enjoy them without frosting for a lighter version.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

5. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make the cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.

6. How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, which helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

7. Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies, but be mindful of the baking time. Smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger cookies may take longer.

While powdered sugar can be used in the cookie dough, granulated sugar works best for a slightly crisp texture on the edges.

9. How do I keep my cookies from becoming too soft?

Make sure to properly measure your flour and avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to dense, soft cookies.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the dough will provide an extra layer of flavor, but it will alter the traditional taste of these cookies.

Conclusion

These frosted strawberries and cream cookies are a delightful treat, combining soft, buttery cookies with a creamy frosting and fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.