Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Strawberry shortbread cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a subtle fruity twist. They are perfect for tea parties, gifting, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee. These cookies combine the classic richness of shortbread with the sweetness of strawberries for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with the addition of fresh or dried strawberries.
2. Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include other fruits or flavors.
3. Perfect Texture: Buttery, crumbly, and soft with a slight chew from the strawberries.
4. Versatile: Great as an afternoon snack or an elegant dessert.
5. Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare and freeze the dough for later use.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry preserves

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Sift in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, then gently mix until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the freeze-dried strawberries or small dollops of strawberry preserves, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Roll the dough into a log or scoop out into small rounds, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
2. Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a tangy, citrusy kick.
3. Mixed Berries: Swap strawberries for freeze-dried raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries.
4. Nutty Addition: Fold in finely chopped almonds, pistachios, or pecans for a nutty crunch.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Warm baked cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes for a fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries may make the dough too moist and affect the texture. Freeze-dried or preserves work best.

2. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter and ensure other ingredients, like sugar, are vegan-friendly.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.

4. What’s the best way to crush freeze-dried strawberries?

Place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or blend them into a fine powder.

5. Can I add food coloring for a more vibrant pink hue?

Absolutely. Add a drop of pink or red food coloring for a brighter appearance.

6. What can I serve with these cookies?

Pair them with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

7. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture will be more delicate, and you may need to adjust the measurements slightly.

8. How can I make these cookies healthier?

Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.

9. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

10. What’s the key to a perfect shortbread texture?

Use high-quality butter and avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender, crumbly texture.

Conclusion

Strawberry shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines simplicity and elegance. Whether you enjoy them as-is or customize them to your liking, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. Their buttery texture and strawberry flavor make them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

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