Nothing says love like a batch of freshly baked heart-shaped strawberry cookies! These delightful treats combine the fruity sweetness of strawberries with a soft, buttery cookie base. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day you want to spread a little extra love, these cookies are sure to impress.
With a beautiful pink hue and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into this strawberry-infused cookie magic!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cookies
Bursting with Strawberry Flavor: Made with real strawberries for a fresh and fruity taste.
Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfect balance of buttery softness and light crisp edges.
Easy to Make: No fancy techniques, just simple steps for a bakery-style result.
Great for Gifting: Wrapped in a pretty box, these cookies make the perfect edible gift!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for an extra fruity kick)
- ¼ cup (60g) strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
- Few drops of pink or red gel food coloring (optional)
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a slight tang)
How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cookies
1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract, then mix until well combined.
- Pour in the strawberry puree and mix. The dough will turn a soft pink shade.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- If you’d like a more vibrant color, add a few drops of pink or red gel food coloring.
2: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape when baked.
3: Cut Out Heart Shapes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the glaze.
4: Make the Strawberry Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more strawberry puree; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.
- Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
🍽 Serving & Storing Tips
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and glaze before serving.
- Pairing Idea: Serve with a cup of hot chocolate, milk, or strawberry tea for the ultimate cozy treat.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cookies
✔ Use Fresh Strawberries – The fresher the berries, the better the flavor. ✔ Chill the Dough – This prevents the cookies from spreading too much. ✔ Don’t Overbake – These cookies are best when slightly underbaked for a softer bite. ✔ Experiment with Toppings – Try adding white chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQq
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and puree them before adding to the dough.
2. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Absolutely! The strawberry puree naturally gives them a light pink hue.
3. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! White or dark chocolate chips would be a delicious addition.
5. What’s the best way to shape the cookies without a cutter?
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use a small knife to cut out hearts or shape them by hand.
💕 Final Thoughts
These heart-shaped strawberry cookies are a delicious and heartfelt treat perfect for any occasion. With their buttery texture, fruity flavor, and beautiful glaze, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your whisk, and bake a little love into every bite! Happy baking! 🍓❤️