In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup cold water and gelatin. Let stand until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan, bring strawberries and sugar to a simmer together over medium heat, crushing strawberries with a masher; simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender, blend mixture until strawberries are smooth. (Alternatively, transfer mixture to the container of a blender, and blend until smooth. Return to saucepan.)
Bring strawberry mixture back to a simmer. Add gelatin mixture to strawberry mixture, stirring until gelatin mixture dissolves. Remove from heat; add cream, stirring until incorporated.
Divide mixture among 8 coupe glasses. Place coupe glasses on a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate until mixture is firm, approximately 2 hours.
Garnish with strawberries, if desired.
Recipe by TeaTime Magazine at https://teatimemagazine.com/strawberry-panna-cottas/