Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat combining buttery shortbread with fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfectly tender and subtly sweet, they make a charming addition to any celebration or a special homemade gift.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Step 5: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
6. Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
7. Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, use freeze-dried strawberry powder mixed into the dough instead of fresh strawberries.
• Ensure the butter is fully softened to create a smooth, easy-to-mix dough and tender cookies.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle twist.
• To keep cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best to avoid excess moisture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well before chopping to prevent soggy dough.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the butter is not too soft or melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 71 reviews

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these delightful Strawberry Shortbread Cookies. Featuring a buttery, crumbly texture with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and a delicate vanilla aroma, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet treat.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 18–20 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Dusting

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla and Strawberries: Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries to evenly distribute them without breaking them down too much.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are blended well.
5. Meld Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and strawberry mixture, folding gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
8. Cool and Dust: Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, lightly dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for easier creaming and better texture.
• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; finely chop to avoid large chunks in the dough.
• Do not overbake to maintain a soft center – the edges should just start to turn golden.
• You can replace granulated sugar with superfine sugar for quicker dissolving in the creaming step.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a more intense strawberry flavor, lightly macerate the chopped strawberries with a teaspoon of sugar before folding into the dough.

Keywords: Valentine’s Day cookies, strawberry shortbread, shortbread cookies, strawberry cookies, buttery cookies, dessert cookies, homemade cookies, festive cookies