Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Imagine the perfect balance of buttery, crumbly shortbread with the juicy sweetness of strawberries in every bite—these Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are an absolute dream! They’re soft and melt-in-your-mouth, with a delicate hint of fruity sweetness. Trust me, you’re going to want these on hand at all times. Whether you’re looking for a little afternoon treat, a gift to brighten someone’s day, or a delightful addition to a special occasion, these cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress with these little gems—let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

This isn’t just any cookie—it’s a moment in every bite. These Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking on a lazy weekend or preparing something extra special for a holiday gathering. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

Versatile

Perfect for any occasion! From cozy afternoons at home to birthday celebrations or festive gatherings, these cookies work for everything. Imagine biting into one of these with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon, or serving them at a family get-together where they disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Budget-Friendly

You won’t need fancy ingredients for these cookies! It’s all about the essentials you likely already have in your pantry—flour, butter, and sugar, with just the right touch of fresh strawberries. Baking doesn’t always have to be expensive to be extraordinary.

Quick and Easy

If you’re new to baking or want something simple but delicious, this recipe is your answer. No complicated techniques, just mix, shape, and bake—easy peasy!

Customizable

Feel free to make it your own! Add a drizzle of chocolate on top for an extra touch of indulgence or sprinkle in some lemon zest for a refreshing twist. The base recipe is wonderfully flexible to suit your mood or the occasion.

Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone will love these cookies, young or old! The buttery richness of the shortbread combined with fresh strawberries creates a cookie that’s just irresistible. You’ll be the star of the next potluck or coffee date.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these cookies: simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create a masterpiece. Let’s break it down:

Butter

The star of the shortbread! This creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be sure to use unsalted butter for the best flavor balance.

Fresh Strawberries

These juicy little gems add just the right amount of natural sweetness and a lovely pink hue to the dough. They bring the perfect fruitiness to this buttery treat.

Flour

The foundation of shortbread! It gives the cookies their crumbly texture. Make sure to measure it out correctly for the right consistency.

Sugar

Sweetness to balance the rich flavor of the butter. It’s just the right amount to make these cookies irresistible without being overly sweet.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor of the shortbread, adding warmth and depth to each bite.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get baking? Here’s how to create these Strawberry Shortbread Cookies step by step:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and gives your cookies that golden finish.

Prepare the Strawberries

Chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces. You want them small enough to incorporate into the dough without turning the mixture too wet. Gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour and sugar. This creates a smooth base that will allow the butter to work its magic and create that perfect shortbread texture.

Cream the Butter and Vanilla

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter with vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You want the butter to be light and fluffy, so take your time with this step.

Combine Everything

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is just combined. Then, gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of dough and shape them into little balls or flatten them gently for a more classic shortbread look. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little room between each cookie.

Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for about 12–15 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges. They’ll still be soft when you pull them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Let Them Cool

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Trust me, it’ll be hard to wait, but this step makes all the difference in texture.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’re cool, serve them up and enjoy these delicious little treats with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are perfect for sharing—or not!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are perfectly sweet on their own, but they can also be dressed up to take your dessert game to the next level:

With Tea or Coffee

These cookies are the perfect companion for your favorite hot beverage. The buttery shortbread and sweet strawberries pair so well with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream

For a fancier touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It adds a little extra indulgence!

With Ice Cream

Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delicious dessert that will wow your guests.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you bake the best cookies possible:

Choose Ripe Strawberries

Make sure your strawberries are ripe and sweet—this will give the cookies that burst of flavor. Avoid overripe strawberries that can turn mushy when baked.

Handle the Dough Gently

Shortbread dough is delicate, so handle it gently to avoid tough cookies. Just mix until combined—don’t overwork the dough!

Make Ahead

These cookies are great for prepping in advance. You can freeze the dough and bake them later, or store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.

Add a Lemon Twist

For an extra burst of freshness, you can add a bit of lemon zest to the dough. It pairs beautifully with the strawberries and adds a refreshing zing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A1: Fresh strawberries are best, but if frozen is all you have, make sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture before using them.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A2: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?

A4: Absolutely! Freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge before shaping and baking.

Q5: Can I use other berries?

A5: Yes, you can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries—just make sure to adjust the size of the berries accordingly.

Q6: How do I know when the cookies are done?

A6: Your cookies will be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Q7: Can I double this recipe?

A7: Definitely! Just make sure to have enough space on your baking sheets and possibly bake in batches.

Q8: Can I make these cookies without vanilla extract?

A8: Yes, you can omit it or substitute with almond extract for a different flavor twist.

Q9: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

A9: Of course! A handful of chocolate chips would add a delicious contrast to the strawberries and make the cookies even more indulgent.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?

A10: Gently heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them, or pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes

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