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Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

STRAWBERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES
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Amazing Strawberry Shortbread Cookies! Easy recipe for delicious treats the whole family will love. Bake a batch today!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, finely diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) fresh strawberries, puréed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • Begin your shortbread journey by ensuring all your ingredients, especially the unsalted butter, are at a perfect room temperature – soft enough to yield to a gentle press but not melted or greasy. This is crucial for achieving that characteristic tender crumb. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this simple step prevents sticking and ensures even baking. In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step, as it incorporates air, which contributes to the shortbread’s delightful texture. Next, beat in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until just combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch is your secret weapon here, lending an extra delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the shortbread that regular flour alone can’t achieve. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and result in a tougher cookie. The dough will be thick and somewhat crumbly at this stage.
  • Now for the star component: the fresh strawberries! Gently fold in the finely diced fresh strawberries using a spatula. You want to mix them in just enough so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without crushing them too much. Overworking the dough after adding the delicate fruit can release too much moisture and compromise the shortbread’s texture. The dough should look like a pale, buttery landscape dotted with ruby-red jewels. On a lightly floured surface, carefully gather the dough and form it into a disk. Roll the dough out to about a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer!) to cut out your shortbread cookies. Place them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. If the dough becomes too soft to work with, pop it into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden and the centers are set. The cookies should still look quite pale; you don’t want them to brown too much. Overbaking will lead to a dry, hard cookie. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully is essential before glazing to prevent the glaze from immediately melting off.
  • While your beautiful shortbread cookies are cooling, whip up the vibrant strawberry glaze that will crown these treats. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, a few tablespoons of finely puréed fresh strawberries (you can do this by blending or mashing a couple of berries), and a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Start with a small amount of strawberry purée and lemon juice, adding more gradually until you achieve a smooth, pourable but still thick consistency. You want it to be thick enough to cling to the cookies, but thin enough to drizzle evenly. The lemon juice adds a wonderful zing that brightens the strawberry flavor and cuts through the sweetness of the powdered sugar, perfectly complementing the shortbread. Ensure there are no lumps of powdered sugar for a perfectly smooth glaze.
  • Once your Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are completely cool to the touch, it’s time for the grand finale: glazing them! Using a spoon or a small whisk, generously drizzle the glorious strawberry glaze over the top of each cookie. You can create a beautiful artistic design with swirling drizzles, or coat the entire top for a thicker layer of strawberry goodness. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or until firm to the touch. The glistening, pale pink glaze against the golden shortbread, with those delightful red strawberry flecks peeking through, makes for an absolutely irresistible visual and taste experience. The set glaze adds a lovely, slightly crisp exterior layer that melts into the tender cookie.
  • To keep your delicious Strawberry Shortbread Cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers can help prevent them from sticking, especially if they are glazed. While they are delightful at room temperature, for extended freshness, particularly due to the fresh fruit content, refrigerating them is a good option. In the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, they will last for up to a week. If you plan to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. The texture and flavor will remain wonderfully intact, ready to be savored whenever a craving strikes.

Notes

Prepare to fall head over heels for these Strawberry Shortbread Cookies – a delightful fusion of buttery, crumbly shortbread and the vibrant, sweet-tart burst of fresh strawberries. Each bite is a little piece of edible sunshine, combining the comforting familiarity of classic shortbread with an unexpected, juicy surprise. These aren’t your average cookies; they’re designed to melt in your mouth, leaving behind a symphony of rich butter, delicate sweetness, and the irresistible tang of summer berries. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, promising to bring a smile to every face lucky enough to try them.

Find it online: https://thecozycuppa.com/strawberry-shortbread-cookies/