frosted strawberry cookies
chewy strawberry cookies topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting
baked in May 2026
yield: 28 cookies
prep time: 30 minutes
cook time: 13 minutes
difficulty level: easy
Ingredients
Cookies
- 3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/3 cups (267g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (about 48g) freeze-dried strawberries, divided
Frosting
- 1/2 cup (about 12g) freeze-dried strawberries
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt, to taste
- for topping: sliced fresh strawberries
Rolling
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
Directions
For the cookies:
- Using a food processor or blender, process half (1 cup/24g) of the freeze-dried strawberries into a powdery crumb. Set aside. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries to beat into the dough.
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together on medium-high speed until creamed, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.
- Add the strawberry powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat until combined.
- Finally, beat in the remaining 1 cup (24g) freeze-dried strawberries just until incorporated. Dough will be thick and sticky.
- Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (and up to 3 days). This dough is quite sticky before chilling, so chilling is key. Keep in mind that the longer the dough chills, the more it can take on a slightly purple/grayish hue from the freeze-dried berries. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect the taste—the baked cookies will still be wonderfully flavored!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line light-colored baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop dough, about 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (35g) of dough per cookie, and roll into balls.
- Roll each into granulated sugar and arrange 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 13–14 minutes or until the edges are set. The centers will look very soft, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the frosting:
- Using a food processor or blender, process the freeze-dried strawberries into a powdery crumb. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy and combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add confectioners’ sugar, strawberry powder, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then gradually increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet.
- Spread or pipe frosting on cooled cookies. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice just before serving, if desired.
