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Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 74 reviews

Delight in these beautifully flavored Strawberry Shortbread Cookies featuring a tender, buttery base infused with vibrant freeze-dried strawberry powder. Topped with a sweet strawberry glaze, these heart-shaped treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries, measured then blended
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Strawberry Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberries, finely processed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberry Powder: Process freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until mostly powdered, reserving one tablespoon to use later in the glaze for intense strawberry flavor.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fully combined, creating a fluffy base for the cookie dough.
  3. Flavor the Dough: Mix in vanilla extract, milk, and the strawberry powder into the creamed butter and sugar until evenly blended, ensuring vibrant strawberry flavor throughout the dough.
  4. Rest the Dough: Flatten the dough into a disk shape and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help maintain clean, crisp heart-shaped cuts during baking.
  5. Roll and Cut Cookies: Roll the chilled dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes. Place the cut cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced evenly.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the cookies for 13–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
  7. Glaze the Cookies: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and the reserved finely processed freeze-dried strawberries until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use freeze-dried strawberries rather than fresh or dried strawberries to avoid additional moisture in the dough.
  • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect shortbread texture.
  • Chilling the dough before cutting helps in getting cleaner edges and prevents spreading while baking.
  • Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.