These heart-shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies combine rich, buttery texture with concentrated strawberry flavor from freeze-dried berries. Rolled thick for clean edges and finished with a smooth strawberry glaze, they deliver a tender crumb and vibrant color in every bite. Perfectly balanced between sweet and fruity, they’re an elegant twist on classic shortbread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Intense Strawberry Flavor – Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated fruit taste without adding excess moisture.
- Clean, Defined Shapes – A brief chill ensures sharp heart edges during baking.
- Buttery, Tender Texture – Traditional shortbread ratio creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Naturally Vibrant Color – Real strawberries give a soft pink hue without artificial dyes.
- Simple Ingredient List – Pantry staples combined with one specialty ingredient.
- Perfect for Gifting – Beautiful finish makes them ideal for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup salted butter, softened – Provides richness and tender structure; salt enhances strawberry flavor.
- ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens while keeping texture fine and delicate.
- 1½ cups freeze-dried strawberries, measured then blended into powder – Adds natural flavor and color without altering dough consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the structural base of the shortbread.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Adds slight moisture to bind the dough smoothly.
Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates smooth, glossy glaze consistency.
- 1½ tablespoons milk – Thins glaze to spreadable texture.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon finely processed freeze-dried strawberries – Intensifies strawberry flavor and color in the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Powder
Process freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until mostly powdered. Sift if needed to remove larger pieces and reserve 1 tablespoon for the glaze.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth and fully combined, about 2–3 minutes. Avoid overwhipping to maintain dense shortbread texture.
Flavor the Dough
Mix in vanilla extract, milk, and strawberry powder until evenly blended. The dough should appear soft and lightly pink.
Incorporate the Flour
Add flour gradually, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as excess gluten development can toughen the cookies.
Rest the Dough
Flatten dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm slightly. This helps maintain clean heart shapes when cutting.
Roll and Cut
Roll dough to a full ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut heart shapes and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
Bake
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 13–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain pale. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
Prepare the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and reserved strawberry powder until smooth and lump-free. Adjust consistency with a few drops of milk if needed.
Glaze the Cookies
Spread glaze evenly over cooled cookies using an offset spatula or spoon. Allow to set at room temperature until firm.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Chill Briefly for Sharp Edges – Cold dough prevents spreading and preserves heart shapes.
- Measure Strawberries Before Blending – Ensures correct flavor concentration.
- Roll Thick for Classic Texture – A ¼-inch thickness provides tender interior crumb.
- Do Not Overbake – Shortbread should remain pale for optimal melt-in-mouth texture.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing – Prevents glaze from melting or becoming translucent.
- Sift Strawberry Powder if Needed – Ensures smooth dough and glaze consistency.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 13–15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 43 minutes
- Servings: 25 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 140–160 calories per cookie (estimate)
Perfect Pairings
- Hot Tea or Earl Grey – Complements buttery richness.
- Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream – Enhances berry notes.
- Vanilla Latte – Balances sweetness with subtle bitterness.
- Sparkling Rosé (for adults) – Elegant pairing for gatherings.
Ideal Occasions
- Valentine’s Day Treats – Heart shapes make them festive and thoughtful.
- Holiday Cookie Exchanges – Unique twist on classic shortbread.
- Bridal or Baby Showers – Soft pink tone suits celebratory themes.
- Homemade Gifts – Package beautifully for special occasions.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store Airtight at Room Temperature – Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- Layer with Parchment Paper – Prevents glaze from sticking.
- Freeze Unglazed Cookies – Store up to 2 months and glaze after thawing.
- Let Glaze Fully Set Before Stacking – Prevents smudging.
Creative Variations to Try
- White Chocolate Drizzle – Adds contrast and decorative appeal.
- Lemon Strawberry Version – Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest for brightness.
- Chocolate-Dipped Edges – Dip half in melted dark chocolate.
- Sandwich Style – Fill two cookies with strawberry buttercream.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cookies Spreading Too Much – Chill dough longer before baking.
- Dry or Crumbly Dough – Add 1 teaspoon milk at a time until cohesive.
- Glaze Too Thick – Thin with a few drops of milk.
- Cookies Too Brown – Lower oven rack position or reduce bake time slightly.
Why This Recipe Works
Shortbread relies on a high fat-to-flour ratio, which limits gluten formation and creates its signature tender crumb. Powdered sugar dissolves easily into butter, producing a fine, delicate texture. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor without introducing extra moisture that would alter structure. Baking at a lower temperature (325°F) ensures even cooking while preventing excessive browning. The glaze adds sweetness and visual polish while sealing in moisture. At approximately 140–160 calories per cookie, these treats deliver indulgent flavor in a moderate portion.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a charming and flavorful upgrade to traditional shortbread. Their vibrant strawberry flavor, tender crumb, and elegant glaze make them perfect for gifting or celebrating special moments. While indulgent, their modest portion size keeps them balanced for occasional treats. Whether served with tea or packaged as a heartfelt gift, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
