Strawberry Shortbread: A Sweet and Simple Treat for Every Occasion
When you think of classic cookies that never go out of style, strawberry shortbread is likely one of the first to come to mind. This delightful treat combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the sweet, tangy freshness of ripe strawberries, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Buttery, Flaky Texture: The shortbread cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
- Fresh, Fruity Touch: Fresh strawberries add a burst of color and flavor, taking the shortbread to the next level.
- Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or a holiday treat, strawberry shortbread is always a hit.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding a glaze or using different berries, depending on your preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will give your shortbread its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. You should have a crumbly dough that holds together when pressed.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, which will make it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes—round or heart-shaped are popular choices for strawberry shortbread.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as shortbread cookies can burn easily if left in the oven for too long.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking when they’re moved.
- Top with Fresh Strawberries: Once your shortbread cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to add the strawberry topping. Arrange slices of fresh strawberries on top of each cookie, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Finish off the cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cookies look extra festive.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your strawberry shortbread cookies on a beautiful plate, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat on its own.
Variations
- Add a Glaze: For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle a simple sugar glaze over the cookies. To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar with a small amount of milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Use Different Berries: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist on the classic shortbread.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a more decadent version, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cookies along with the strawberries.
How to Serve
These strawberry shortbread cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. They’re perfect for:
- Afternoon Tea: Serve them alongside a cup of tea for a cozy and sophisticated treat.
- Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, a bridal shower, or Valentine’s Day, these cookies make a thoughtful and pretty gift or dessert.
- Picnics: The lightness of these cookies makes them a great option to bring to a picnic, where their fresh strawberry topping will stand out.
Strawberry Shortbread
When you think of classic cookies that never go out of style, strawberry shortbread is likely one of the first to come to mind. This delightful treat combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the sweet, tangy freshness of ripe strawberries, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries about 4-5 medium strawberries
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
- Fold in the strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of dough and shape them into small rounds or use a cookie cutter for a more uniform shape. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the shortbread cookies in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional dusting: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
