Sweet Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Biting into a delicate heart-shaped strawberry shortbread cookie that melts instantly on your tongue.

These charming treats capture the essence of sweet romance and homemade comfort.

Soft buttery layers crumble with each delightful bite, promising pure indulgence.

Crafting these cookies requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum pleasure.

strawberry-infused shortbread brings a playful twist to classic baking techniques.

Delicate pink hues and elegant heart shapes make these cookies perfect for special moments.

You’ll adore how simple yet sophisticated these little love bites can be.

Let’s transform your kitchen into a delectable sanctuary of love and flavor.

Tips For Perfect Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Freeze Dough for Precision: Chill the cookie dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the perfect heart shape during baking.
• Select Quality Strawberries: Use high-quality freeze-dried strawberries for intense flavor and vibrant color in both the cookie and glaze.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Adjust the powdered sugar and milk ratio carefully to achieve the ideal drizzling or spreading texture for decorating.
• Master Rolling Technique: Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform cookie thickness and consistent baking time.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with minimal flour to keep the dough from becoming tough or dry.

Store Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies The Easy Way

• Refrigerate Cookies: Seal cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Freeze for Long-Term Storage: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep Glaze Separate: Store glazed and unglazed cookies separately to prevent sticking. Apply fresh glaze after thawing if desired for the best presentation and taste.
• Revive Texture: If cookies become slightly soft, crisp them up by placing on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated 300F oven for 35 minutes before serving.

Pairings That Go With Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: Enhance the strawberry shortbread cookies with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé, complementing the fruity notes and adding a celebratory touch to the delicate cookie experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: Create a delightful contrast by serving these heart-shaped cookies alongside a creamy vanilla bean latte, balancing the buttery shortbread with smooth, rich coffee flavors.
• Serve with Whipped Mascarpone Cream: Elevate the cookie's taste by preparing a light whipped mascarpone cream dip, offering a luxurious and tangy accompaniment that highlights the strawberry's natural sweetness.
• Enjoy with Chamomile Tea: Pair the delicate cookies with a soothing chamomile tea, providing a gentle, floral backdrop that softens the rich butter and fruity strawberry elements.

Creative Ideas For Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark chocolate and create elegant lines across the heart-shaped cookies for a rich, decadent feel.
• Almond Crunch Edition: Incorporate finely chopped almonds into the dough and sprinkle additional toasted almond pieces on top of the glaze for extra texture.
• Lemon Berry Burst: Replace vanilla extract with fresh lemon zest and add a light lemon glaze instead of strawberry, maintaining the heart shape but introducing a bright citrus flavor profile.
• Coconut Romance: Mix shredded unsweetened coconut into the dough and coat half of each cookie with white chocolate and toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired treat.

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Questions Answered

• Why use freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense strawberry flavor without adding moisture to the dough, which helps maintain the perfect cookie texture and prevents soggy cookies.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for planning and prepping before your baking session.

• Do I need special equipment to make heart-shaped cookies?

A heart-shaped cookie cutter is ideal, but you can also use a knife to carefully cut out heart shapes or use different shaped cutters based on what you have available.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set appearance. The cookies should look slightly dry but not brown, which typically takes 12-15 minutes in the oven.

Why Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Are So Cute

• Craft Romantic Treats: These heart-shaped cookies are perfect for expressing love through delightful homemade baking, making them ideal for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or special celebrations.
• Burst with Strawberry Flavor: The clever use of freeze-dried strawberries infuses intense fruity notes throughout the cookie dough and glaze, creating a vibrant strawberry experience that's both natural and delicious.
• Customize with Ease: The simple recipe allows for creative decorating options, from pink glaze to sprinkle toppings, making it fun for bakers of all skill levels to personalize their sweet treats.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, these shortbread cookies are beginner-friendly and require minimal technical baking skills, ensuring anyone can create impressive, bakery-worthy results.

What You’ll Need For Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Main Cookie Ingredients:

Flour and Salt: – All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Essential base for creating a tender, crisp shortbread texture. Unbleached flour works best for a more natural flavor.

Butter and Sugar: – Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar: Provide rich, sweet foundation for the shortbread. Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.

Flavor Enhancers:

Strawberry Components: – Vanilla Extract, Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Add depth of strawberry flavor and aromatic sweetness. Crush freeze-dried strawberries finely for even distribution.

Decoration and Finishing:

Glaze Ingredients: – Powdered Sugar, Milk or Cream, Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: Create a sweet, vibrant topping that complements the shortbread. Optional food coloring can enhance visual appeal.

Decorative Touches: – Heart-Shaped Sprinkles: Provide a festive, decorative element to the finished cookies. Can be added while glaze is still wet.

Steps To Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab your mixing bowl and electric mixer. Blend softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Sprinkle in vanilla extract and crush those freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into your buttery mixture. Mix gently until a soft, tender dough forms. Divide the dough into two smooth disks and wrap them up in plastic. Tuck the disks into the refrigerator for a cool rest (minimum 1 hour).

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 4: Roll and Shape Cookies

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour. Roll out one dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Grab your heart-shaped cookie cutter and start creating lovely cookie shapes. Transfer these sweet hearts onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little breathing room between each one.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Create Dreamy Strawberry Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or cream
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder

Optional: Add a drop of food coloring for a pretty pink shade. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or milk as needed.

Step 7: Decorate with Love

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over each heart. Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or heart-shaped sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet love comes alive in these heart-shaped strawberry shortbread cookies, showcasing delicate buttery layers kissed with fresh strawberry essence. Romantic bakers can craft these charming treats that blend classic Scottish shortbread tradition with delightful Valentine’s Day spirit.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (50 g) freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Glaze and Decoration:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder (or strawberry jam)
• Pink or red gel food coloring (optional)
• Additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries
• Heart-shaped sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation of the delicate shortbread by whipping softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, airy consistency.
2. Infuse the dough with vibrant strawberry essence by incorporating vanilla extract and finely ground freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring thorough integration of flavors.
3. Gently fold flour and salt into the creamy butter mixture, stirring with a light touch until a tender, cohesive dough emerges.
4. Partition the dough into two elegant discs, carefully envelop each in protective plastic wrap, and allow them to rest and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes.
5. Heat the oven to a precise 325F, creating a warm environment for your delicate cookies. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Retrieve one dough disc and roll it out on a flour-dusted surface, creating an even landscape approximately 1/4-inch thick.
7. Press heart-shaped cookie cutters into the rolled dough, carefully transferring each delicate silhouette onto prepared baking sheets with generous spacing.
8. Slide the cookies into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform into golden-edged delicacies over 12-15 minutes.
9. Transfer the freshly baked cookies to a cooling rack, letting them rest and firm up completely.
10. For an optional luxurious finish, blend powdered sugar, milk, and crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder into a silky glaze.
11. Embellish the cooled cookies with the strawberry glaze, creating artistic drizzles or smooth coatings. Sprinkle with additional crushed strawberries or heart-shaped decorations while the glaze remains wet.
12. Allow the glaze to set, creating a beautiful, glossy finish that showcases the delicate strawberry shortbread hearts.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the heart shape during baking, ensuring crisp, clean edges on your cookies.
• Use high-quality softened butter at room temperature for the smoothest, most uniform texture that creams perfectly with sugar.
• Crush freeze-dried strawberries finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks that might disrupt the cookie’s delicate structure.
• When rolling out dough, work quickly and keep surfaces lightly floured to prevent sticking and maintain the dough’s cool temperature.
• For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, which maintains similar texture and structure.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Create dairy-free cookies by replacing butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives, maintaining the same measurement and creaming technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 138
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg