Sweet Berry Bliss: Easy Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Sweet, buttery shortbread meets vibrant strawberry flavors in this delightful strawberry shortbread cookies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

These delicate treats blend traditional Scottish shortbread with bright, fruity notes for an unexpected twist.

Crumbly and tender, each cookie carries a delicate strawberry essence that melts on your tongue.

Rich butter creates a luxurious base that complements the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction with every bite.

Crisp edges and a soft center make these cookies irresistible for afternoon tea or evening dessert.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear within moments of cooling.

Tools For Making Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cookie ingredients smoothly.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for whisking dry ingredients.
• Cookie cutter: Shapes cookies into cute hearts or desired designs.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll dough to consistent 1/4-inch thickness.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Baking sheets: Provides even heat distribution for golden cookies.
• Small bowl: Great for mixing strawberry glaze.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Plastic wrap: Helps chill and store cookie dough.
• Whisk: Combines glaze ingredients smoothly.

How To Make Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Dough Preparation

Bring butter to room temperature for easy mixing. Combine softened butter with sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and light. Gently fold in vanilla extract and crushed freeze-dried strawberries, creating a fragrant blend. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt, then slowly incorporate into the butter mixture. The goal is a soft, tender dough that holds together beautifully. Separate the dough into two equal portions and wrap them securely. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

• Cookie Shaping and Baking

Warm up the oven to a gentle 325F. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for smooth cookie release. On a lightly dusted surface, roll out one dough disk into a delicate sheet. Select a charming cookie cutter – heart shapes add a whimsical touch. Carefully transfer cut cookies onto the baking sheets, giving them breathing room. Slide the trays into the oven and bake until edges transform into a soft golden shade, roughly 12-15 minutes. Allow cookies to cool gracefully, first on the baking sheet, then on a wire rack.

• Strawberry Glaze Decoration

Whip together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and strawberry powder to create a luscious glaze. For extra excitement, add a drop of pink food coloring. Drizzle or spread the glaze over completely cooled cookies. Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a delightful finishing touch.

Baking Tips For Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Baking Brilliance: Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
• Butter Matters: Use high-quality, room-temperature unsalted butter for the richest flavor and smoothest texture. Cold butter won't cream properly, so let it sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Freeze-Dried Magic: Crush freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder for intense flavor without adding moisture. This trick ensures your cookies stay crisp and perfectly textured while delivering a bold strawberry punch.
• Chilling is Crucial: Don't skip the refrigeration step. Cold dough prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain their shape. For best results, chill the dough for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop more deeply.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies celiac-safe. Add a pinch of xanthan gum for extra binding if your blend doesn't include it.
• Vegan Variation: Replace butter with solid coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the glaze. Choose vegan powdered sugar to ensure completely dairy-free cookies that still taste incredible.

Serving Ideas For Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Sweet Tea Party Companion: Serve these delicate strawberry shortbread cookies alongside a warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Romantic Dessert Plate: Arrange cookies in a heart-shaped pattern on a pretty ceramic plate, perfect for Valentine's Day or romantic gatherings with soft pink napkins and delicate silverware.
• Gifting Delight: Package cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a pastel ribbon, creating a charming homemade gift for friends, teachers, or loved ones who appreciate a personal touch.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Display cookies on a tiered serving stand with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, making them a stunning addition to weekend brunch spreads or baby shower celebrations.

Storage Help For Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Smart Cookie Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Wrap unglazed cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen cookies maintain quality for 2-3 months – perfect for future snacking emergencies.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough disks up to 3 days before baking. Store wrapped tightly in refrigerator, allowing convenient prep when cookie cravings strike.
• Glaze Guidelines: Apply strawberry glaze just before serving for maximum freshness. Store glazed cookies in single layers to prevent smudging and maintain beautiful decoration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 202 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s In Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie, providing structure and delicate crumbly texture with a smooth, silky feel.
• Salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances the sweetness, creating a more complex taste profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy base with a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth sensation; choose high-quality European-style butter for superior taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden, crisp cookie edge; opt for fine-grain sugar for smoother mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic undertones and deepens the overall flavor complexity.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Concentrates pure strawberry essence without adding moisture, ensuring intense fruity flavor and vibrant color.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze with a silky finish; sift to prevent lumps.
• Milk or Cream: Thins glaze and adds subtle richness; whole milk provides better consistency.
• Food Coloring (Optional): Enhances visual appeal with soft pink hue; use sparingly for natural look.
• Sprinkles (Optional): Adds playful texture and festive visual interest to completed cookies.

Sweet Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Delightful Strawberry Shortbread Cookies blend classic Scottish shortbread with fresh strawberry essence. Crumbly buttery layers melt in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (50 g) freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsps milk or heavy cream
• 2 tbsps freeze-dried strawberry powder (or strawberry jam)
• 1 drop or 2 pink food coloring
• Additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla and crushed freeze-dried strawberries until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour and salt together, then gently fold into the butter mixture, creating a smooth, pliable dough that comes together effortlessly.
3. Chilling Process: Divide dough into two equal disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to enhance flavor and texture development.
4. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 325F (165C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring optimal heat circulation and easy cookie removal.
5. Shaping and Cutting: Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create precise shapes, transferring them to prepared baking sheets with ample spacing.
6. Baking Transformation: Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookie edges turn delicately golden. Allow cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
7. Finishing Touch: Craft a glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. Drizzle over cooled cookies and garnish with additional crushed strawberry pieces or decorative elements while glaze remains slightly wet.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture that helps create a light, airy cookie base.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerating the dough allows gluten to relax and prevents spreading, guaranteeing crisp, well-defined cookie shapes during baking.
• Strawberry Intensity Hack: Crush freeze-dried strawberries finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent moisture from compromising the cookie’s delicate structure.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Adjust milk quantity gradually when making the glaze to achieve the ideal drizzling thickness without becoming too runny or thick.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg