Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that will surely impress your family and friends. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are buttery, soft, and bursting with strawberry flavor. Topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze and freeze-dried strawberries, they are perfect for any gathering or a sweet indulgence at home. The combination of sweet strawberries and rich shortbread makes these cookies irresistible. Let’s dive into this easy strawberry shortbread recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Here are a few reasons why these cookies will be your new favorite:

They have a rich buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
With the addition of freeze-dried strawberries, they are packed with natural strawberry flavor.
This strawberry shortbread recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level.
These cookies are great for special occasions or just as an everyday treat.
They can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Perfect for gifting, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who receives them.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Gather these items:

1 oz Freeze-Dried Strawberries (processed into a powder)
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 tbsp Whole Milk
1/4 cup Freeze-Dried Strawberry Bits (semi-processed into bits and powder for topping)

How to Make Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Add the freeze-dried strawberries to a food processor and pulse until the texture resembles a fine powder. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Using your hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together on low speed, then increase to medium-high speed once the powdered sugar is blended with the butter. It should be thick and creamy.
Step 4: Add in the vanilla extract and freeze-dried strawberry powder.
Step 5: Add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Step 6: Shape the dough into a disc then transfer onto a sheet of wax paper. Top with another sheet of wax paper and roll out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Chill in the freezer for 30 minutes or until firm.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 300ºF, then line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 8: Cut out the cookies using your desired cookie cutter and place them onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 15-18 minutes at 300ºF.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Whisk together the powdered sugar and whole milk in a small bowl until well blended. Dip the top of each cookie into the powdered glaze, shaking off any excess, then top with the freeze-dried strawberry bits.
Step 11: Let the glaze set completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Strawberry Shortbread Cookies - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Store cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper.
Cookies can also be frozen using the same method for future enjoyment.
For a beautiful presentation, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cookies.
Consider using a mix of freeze-dried and fresh strawberries for a unique flavor twist.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own or can be paired with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Fresh whipped cream and berries for a stunning presentation.
As part of a dessert platter, showcasing a variety of strawberry cookies.

How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

To keep your strawberry shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them by layering them with wax paper in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Strawberry Shortbread Cookies?

The key to perfect strawberry shortbread cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients.

Can I make Strawberry Shortbread Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking. This makes for a quick treat anytime!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Shortbread Cookies?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your flour accurately and be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they should remain soft and tender.

Variations of Strawberry Shortbread Cookies You Can Try

There are many delightful variations to explore:

Try adding lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Make gluten-free strawberry shortbread cookies by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut for unique flavors.
Top cookies with a light strawberry shortbread with icing for added sweetness.

For more delicious recipes, check out our baking tips and cookie variations. You can also learn about the benefits of freeze-dried fruits for baking!