Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery shortbread and vibrant strawberry flavors, making them a go-to treat for any occasion.
Originating from the beloved classic shortbread recipe with roots in Scotland, these cookies receive a modern, fresh twist by infusing sweet strawberries into the dough or by adding a strawberry glaze.
The inclusion of real fruit, strawberry jam or dried strawberries brings natural color and tanginess to the buttery crumb, elevating this traditional cookie to new heights. Shortbread itself is known for its rich, crumbly texture, achieved with minimal ingredients—typically butter, sugar, and flour.
By adding the essence of strawberries, you create not only a visually appealing dessert but also a bite that offers a symphony of flavors in every mouthful.
The popularity of Strawberry Shortbread Cookies has grown thanks to their irresistible taste and charming appearance, making them favorites at tea parties, family gatherings, holidays, or as a special homemade gift.
Their subtle sweetness pairs well with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee, and they transport well, making them perfect for picnics and potlucks. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, mastering this recipe can add an elegant, crowd-pleasing cookie to your repertoire.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create these beautiful and delicious Strawberry Shortbread Cookies right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and optional strawberry jam, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Gradually add the flour-strawberry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough just comes together and forms a soft, crumbly ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until smooth.
- Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Nutritional Information
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies strike a harmonious balance between indulgence and nutritional content. Each cookie typically contains about 90–110 calories, depending on the size and your specific ingredients. Butter is the primary source of fat, contributing both to the cookie’s rich flavor and smooth texture.
The amount of sugar used is moderate, especially when compared to other cookies and sweets. Freeze-dried strawberries provide a boost of natural vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and add dietary fiber while contributing only minimal calories.
All-purpose flour makes up the bulk of the carbohydrate content, supplying energy but also increasing the simple carb count. If you opt to add strawberry jam, this will slightly increase the sugar content per serving.
There is generally a low amount of protein and very little sodium, making these cookies a relatively light treat. For those seeking lighter alternatives, you can use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or substitute part of the butter with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative.
Since these cookies contain no eggs, they’re ideal for those with egg sensitivities but are not suitable for vegan diets unless dairy-free butter is used.
In summary, when enjoyed in moderation, Strawberry Shortbread Cookies can be a delightful part of a balanced treat selection, perfect for special occasions and sharing with friends and family.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
A classic tea—such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast—pairs beautifully with Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, as the slight acidity in the tea balances the cookies’ buttery sweetness. For those who prefer coffee, a mild roast or cold brew complements the fruity notes without overpowering the dessert.
If you wish to offer a special touch for gatherings, serve these cookies with sparkling lemonade or a fresh strawberry smoothie for a non-alcoholic pairing that brings out the cookies’ fruity flavors.
For adult gatherings, a delicate rosé wine or a bubbly prosecco is ideal, as both enhance the strawberry essence and cut through the richness of the shortbread, creating an elegant dessert course.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To create the perfect Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, attention to detail in technique and ingredients is key. Always use room-temperature butter to ensure smooth blending, as cold butter won't incorporate evenly and could crumble the dough. When incorporating freeze-dried strawberries, grind them finely for even distribution and natural color.
If you prefer a more pronounced strawberry flavor, add a tablespoon or two of high-quality strawberry jam, but be cautious not to add too much moisture, as it can affect texture.
Chilling the dough before baking is crucial; it helps the cookies keep their shape and ensures a delicate, crumbly bite. For variation, try adding lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist, or drizzle the cooled cookies with a white chocolate or simple strawberry glaze.
These cookies can also be dipped in melted chocolate and topped with chopped pistachios for an elegant touch. If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, you can use finely chopped dried strawberries, though this may create a chewier texture.
For a festive look, choose cookie cutters in seasonal shapes or create sandwich cookies by placing a small dollop of strawberry jam between two shortbread rounds. With these tips and creative variations, your Strawberry Shortbread Cookies will stand out on any dessert table.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies can be elegantly served at nearly any occasion, from afternoon tea parties and bridal showers to birthday celebrations and holiday festivities.
For a classic presentation, arrange the cookies on an ornate plate or tiered dessert stand, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, and garnish with a few fresh strawberries or edible floral petals for color.
If you’re hosting a tea event, pair them with assorted teas and arrange them beside finger sandwiches and scones. For a more casual gathering, these cookies look charming in rustic jars or decorative tins lined with parchment paper.
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies also make delightful gifts: stack a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a pastel ribbon for homemade favors. Another enjoyable way to serve them is as dessert sandwich cookies—fill two shortbreads with a thin layer of strawberry preserves or a touch of lemon curd.
You can even create a cookie platter, mixing Strawberry Shortbread Cookies with lemon shortbread or chocolate-dipped varieties, offering guests a selection. These cookies are also delightful as a sweet finish to a picnic lunch or as an after-school treat.
No matter how you choose to serve them, Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are sure to impress with their buttery crumb and fruity, vibrant flavor.
Health Benefits
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, enjoyed in moderation, can fit into a balanced diet. The primary health benefit comes from using freeze-dried strawberries, which are rich in natural antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. The antioxidants in strawberries help support immune health, while the fiber aids digestion.
Because the recipe contains less sugar compared to many other cookie types, it can be considered a lighter indulgence. Choosing high-quality, real butter provides essential fat-soluble vitamins, although for those who need to limit saturated fats, substituting part of the butter with a plant-based alternative can reduce cholesterol levels.
For a healthier twist, try using whole grain flour to increase the fiber content, or substitute part of the sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Additionally, since this recipe does not use eggs, it is suitable for those with egg allergies and can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets.
While not a low-calorie snack and best reserved for occasional enjoyment, Strawberry Shortbread Cookies provide simple ingredients with some nutritional value and can satisfy a sweet craving without the addition of artificial flavors or preservatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and can affect the texture of the shortbread. Freeze-dried strawberries work best for a concentrated flavor without making the dough soggy.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies. Be aware that the texture may be slightly different, but the cookies should still be delicious.
The traditional recipe contains butter, but you can use a high-quality plant-based butter alternative to make the cookies vegan-friendly.
Absolutely! Fold in up to ½ cup of white chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture, making sure not to overcrowd the dough.
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a timeless treat, offering the best of buttery shortbread and the sunny flavor of strawberries. Their delicate texture and fruity aroma make them perfect for special occasions or as a charming snack any day of the week. They’re easy to make, travel well, and can be adapted with various flavor enhancements for endless creativity. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting homemade cookies, or simply treating yourself, Strawberry Shortbread Cookies never disappoint. Enjoy sharing and savoring every bite of these delightful cookies, and let their cheerful flavor brighten your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
-
3Stir in the vanilla extract and optional strawberry jam, mixing until well combined.
-
4In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
-
5Gradually add the flour-strawberry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough just comes together and forms a soft, crumbly ball.
-
6Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until smooth.
-
7Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet.
-
8Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to prevent spreading.
-
9Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
-
10Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
11Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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