Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are blended well.
- 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.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- 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.
- 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
