If you are looking for a charming and utterly delicious treat to brighten up any occasion, you have to try this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the rich, buttery crumb of classic shortbread with the vibrant flavor of freeze-dried strawberries and a luscious strawberry jam center. The heart shapes add an enchanting touch that feels perfect whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just an everyday moment in need of a little sweetness. Each bite offers a delightful balance of tender crunch, fruity brightness, and creamy white chocolate drizzle that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully selected to create irresistible texture, taste, and color. Each one plays a vital role, from the softened butter that ensures tenderness to the freeze-dried strawberries that deliver that fresh berry punch without any extra moisture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar (2/3 cup): Gives a delicate sweetness and contributes to the shortbread’s smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds aromatic depth to balance the strawberry notes perfectly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates structure and that classic crumbly shortbread texture.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground (1/4 cup): Infuses vibrant strawberry flavor and a pretty pink hue without adding moisture.
- Strawberry jam (1/4 cup): The sweet and tangy filling that transforms these into irresistible sandwich cookies.
- White chocolate chips or melting wafers (1/2 cup) (optional): For a creamy and elegant drizzle topping that completes the look and taste.
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun festive touch and extra visual appeal.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies will have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor even further.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This infuses the dough with natural berry flavor and gives a subtle pink tint to your cookies, making them visually irresistible.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing here; you want just enough to bring everything together so the cookies stay tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 5: Cut Out the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. For half of these, use a smaller cutter to remove the center, creating a charming window perfect for sandwiching.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until their edges turn lightly golden. Baking at a slightly lower temperature ensures an even bake and prevents over-browning, preserving that delicate strawberry color.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once completely cooled, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on the solid cookies’ bottoms. Gently place a cookie with the cut-out center on top to form a beautiful jam window. If you like, melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the tops, then sprinkle with pink or red decorations for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles over the white chocolate drizzle to enhance the visual appeal. Fresh strawberry slices served alongside make for a fresh, vibrant contrast that complements the cookies’ natural flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for the perfect afternoon treat. They also work beautifully alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn your snack time into a mini dessert celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe on a pretty serving platter with edible flowers for a whimsical look. For parties, consider stacking the sandwich cookies in a tiered box or tie them in pairs with ribbon for handheld favors everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying slowly over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze fully assembled sandwich cookies. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain that freshly baked taste and texture.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C for 5 minutes) to refresh their softness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shortbread greasy or too soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute freeze-dried strawberries with fresh strawberries?
Fresh strawberries contain moisture that can affect the dough’s texture and baking time. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred because they add concentrated flavor without extra moisture, keeping your cookies perfectly crumbly and light.
What can I use instead of white chocolate for the drizzle?
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, melted dark or milk chocolate works beautifully for the drizzle. You can also skip the drizzle altogether and simply dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking and using parchment paper helps maintain your cookies’ shape. Also, avoid using softened butter that’s too warm. Slightly firm, but pliable butter is ideal.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a powdered sugar that is labeled vegan. Make sure any white chocolate or chocolate drizzle is dairy-free as well.
How should I adjust baking time if I make smaller or larger cookies?
Smaller cookies will need less time, around 8–10 minutes, while larger cookies may need up to 18 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and look for lightly golden edges as your cue for doneness.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully heartfelt about baking and sharing this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. The balance of buttery shortbread, bright strawberry flavor, and pretty presentation makes it a standout dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. I promise once you try these charming cookies, they’ll become a go-to recipe to celebrate all of life’s sweet moments.
Print
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. These buttery, tender cookies are infused with freeze-dried strawberries and sandwiched with sweet strawberry jam. Optionally topped with melted white chocolate and sprinkles, they combine classic shortbread richness with a fruity twist for a visually stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
Filling and Topping
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers (optional)
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and finely ground freeze-dried strawberries.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Roll out chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers.
- Bake: Place cookies on baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread a small amount of strawberry jam on the bottom cookies and sandwich with the top cookies that have the cut-out centers.
- Optional Decoration: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the tops of cookies, then add sprinkles. Let chocolate set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry jam for strawberry jam or use chocolate hazelnut spread for a richer flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it again in the refrigerator to firm up.
