If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with fruity brightness, this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is an absolute gem to bake and share. These charming sandwich cookies feature tender shortbread infused with the unmistakable flavor of freeze-dried strawberries, perfectly complemented by a sweet strawberry jam filling. Whether you are preparing for a special occasion or simply craving something heartwarming and homemade, this recipe delivers a joyful burst of flavor and an adorable presentation that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Every single component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb, to the freeze-dried strawberries that provide a natural and vibrant pink hue and fresh flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a smooth dough and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar: This keeps the cookie tender and adds just the right amount of sweetness without grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla elevates the flavors with a warm, comforting note.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the sweet notes and balances richness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and that classic shortbread crumb.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Ground finely, they infuse beautiful color and a burst of natural strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry jam: This luscious filling adds gooey sweetness and ties the sandwich cookies together.
- White chocolate chips or melting wafers (optional): Perfect for drizzling on top to add elegance and extra sweetness.
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional): These bring a festive finishing touch, making your cookies extra delightful to look at.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aerates the dough for a delicate texture. Then, mix in vanilla extract and salt for seasoning, giving the base flavor a subtle boost.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This little added step infuses the dough with a lovely strawberry essence and a pink tint. Gradually add the dry mix to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms that is smooth and easily manageable.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial because it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Step 4: Cut Heart Shapes
Set your oven to preheat at 325°F (163°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about a quarter-inch thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies from the dough. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers, transforming them into adorable frames.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your cookies evenly spaced. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges show a hint of golden brown. Let them cool completely so they firm up perfectly and don’t crumble when you sandwich them together.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once cooled, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on the solid heart-shaped bases. Top each with a hollow-centered heart cookie to create a lovely sandwich. For an elegant touch, melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cookie tops, then sprinkle with your choice of pink or red sprinkles. Let the chocolate set before serving to seal in the sweetness.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate and colorful sprinkles is simple but stunning—it adds shine, texture, and a playful feel that’s perfect for sharing. A few whole freeze-dried strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add that extra pop when serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a comforting hot beverage such as herbal tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a chilled glass of milk to balance the sweetness. They also complement a light fruit salad, creating a lovely dessert spread for gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe on a pretty cake stand or nestled in a vintage tin lined with parchment paper for a charming display. You can even create a cookie bouquet by attaching sticks to the sandwiches or wrapping them beautifully as gifts to delight friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This prevents them from drying out while preserving their shortbread tenderness and jammy center.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies before assembling them into sandwiches. Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them completely before adding the jam and assembling.
Reheating
Reheat your cookies gently in a low oven (about 275°F or 135°C) for a few minutes if you want that warm, freshly baked sensation. Avoid microwaving, as it might make the shortbread soggy or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
While fresh strawberries add delicious flavor, they contain moisture that can alter the dough’s consistency. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred here because they provide intense flavor without extra wetness, ensuring perfect texture.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is essential to firm it up, which makes rolling and cutting easier and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking without spreading too much.
Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another flavor?
Absolutely! Raspberry jam or even a chocolate hazelnut spread can be wonderful alternatives. They create different flavor profiles while keeping the sandwich style intact.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine, use powdered sugar certified vegan, and choose vegan-friendly white chocolate or skip the drizzle altogether. The texture and taste will still be delightful!
What’s the best way to grind freeze-dried strawberries?
Use a clean spice grinder or food processor to finely grind freeze-dried strawberries into a powder. This ensures even distribution throughout your dough and maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is truly a winner for any occasion when you want to impress with something sweet, beautiful, and utterly scrumptious. The tender crumb, the fruity jam, and the charming presentation make every bite feel special. I can’t wait for you to try baking these yourself—they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Print
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These heart-shaped strawberry shortbread cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, featuring finely ground freeze-dried strawberries baked into a buttery dough. Each cookie is lovingly sandwiched with sweet strawberry jam and optionally topped with a drizzle of white chocolate and festive sprinkles, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
Assembly and Topping
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers (optional)
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and finely ground freeze-dried strawberries to evenly distribute the fruit powder.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half the cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center to create a window effect.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on the whole bottom cookies, then gently top with the cookies that have the cut-out center to form a sandwich.
- Optional Decoration: Melt white chocolate chips or wafers and drizzle over the tops of the sandwich cookies. Add pink or red sprinkles immediately before the chocolate sets. Let the chocolate firm up before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry jam in place of strawberry jam or use chocolate hazelnut spread for a richer flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 1 week.
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, place it back in the refrigerator briefly to firm up for easier handling.
