Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps:

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Combine the water and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the crumb mixture just until moistened. Do not overmix.
4. Chill Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, 1-2 hours. Chilling is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease baking sheets (or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
2. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with a floured 3-inch round cookie cutter.
3. Bake: Place the cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 15-18 minutes.
4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat Butter, Strawberries, and Milk: In a bowl, beat the softened butter, sliced fresh strawberries, and milk with an electric mixer until combined. The strawberries will break down.
2. Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar; beat until blended and the frosting is smooth.

Assemble:

1. Frost Cookies: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies.
2. Garnish (Optional): If desired, top with additional sliced fresh strawberries.

These are simple steps!