Sweet Strawberry Shortbread Treats

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

These irresistible Strawberry Shortbread Cookies meld buttery richness with true strawberry taste in every bite. The secret? A mix of powder from freeze-dried strawberries in the dough and a velvety glaze from real strawberry puree. Careful steps like chilling the dough keep their texture spot-on during baking. Cut them into shapes of your choosing, and elevate their look with an optional sprinkle of crushed strawberry pieces.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:23:38 GMT
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Close-up of strawberry cookies with glaze | thefamilycooks.com

Classic butter shortbread meets fresh strawberry flavor in these delicate cookies. Each tender, crumbly bite features real strawberry essence from freeze-dried berries, topped with a vibrant pink glaze made from fresh strawberries. Perfect for spring gatherings, these cookies offer both elegant presentation and pure strawberry indulgence.

Through careful recipe testing, I found that powdered sugar creates the most delicate, melt-away texture compared to regular sugar. The recipe has earned a permanent spot in our family's spring celebrations.

Key Ingredients

  • Butter: European-style unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar: Sifted to ensure smoothness
  • Freeze-dried strawberries: Choose vibrant red berries
  • All-purpose flour: Spoon into measuring cup and level
  • Fresh strawberries: Sweet, ripe berries for glazing
  • Vanilla extract: Use pure, not imitation

Preparation Method

Step 1:
Make the Cookie Base: Beat butter until creamy and light. Incorporate sugar gradually. Process freeze-dried strawberries into powder. Combine dry ingredients separately. Mix until just incorporated, taking care not to overwork.
Step 2:
Shape the Cookies: Lightly flour surface. Roll between parchment to 1/4-inch thickness. Chill thoroughly. Keep unused dough cold. Minimize handling to maintain temperature.
Step 3:
Bake to Perfection: Space cookies evenly on sheet. Monitor for light golden edges. Transfer to cooling rack. Allow to cool completely. Ensure room temperature before adding glaze.
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easy Strawberry Shortbread Cookies | thefamilycooks.com

The glazing technique was perfected over many batches - partial dipping creates an artisanal finish while fresh strawberry glaze adds bright, authentic flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store properly to maintain quality: Place unglazed cookies in sealed containers. Separate layers with parchment. Keep at room temperature up to 5 days. Freeze unglazed cookies for 3 months. Apply glaze after thawing.

Packaging Tips

Present cookies beautifully: Use clear treat bags. Stack in decorative containers. Finish with coordinating ribbons. Include baking instructions. Suitable for cookie swaps.

Common Issues

Solutions for typical problems: Spreading means warm dough. Hard texture indicates excess flour. Soft cookies result from warm butter. Uneven browning suggests temperature variance.

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yummy Strawberry Shortbread Cookies | thefamilycooks.com

This refined shortbread recipe showcases how quality ingredients and proper technique create exceptional results. The cookies bring elegance to any spring gathering or afternoon tea service.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why put freeze-dried strawberries in the cookie dough?
They give an amazing strawberry punch without adding wetness that could ruin the texture.
→ What's the point of chilling the cookie dough first?
It’s key for keeping the shape intact while baking and avoiding unwanted spreading.
→ Is it okay to prepare them in advance?
Totally! You can freeze the dough or store the baked cookies unglazed until you need them.
→ Why not scoop the flour directly from the bag?
Scooping packs it in too much, which leaves your cookies dry and crumbly instead of perfectly tender.
→ How long are these cookies fresh?
They’ll stay delicious in an airtight container for about a week but are best within the first few days.

Strawberry Glazed Cookies

Rich and crumbly shortbread cookies blended with strawberry powder, topped with a smooth glaze made from fresh strawberries. Visually stunning and naturally flavorful.

Prep Time
90 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
102 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: ~

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Base

01 1 cup of softened, unsalted butter
02 ½ cup of powdered sugar
03 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
04 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour, carefully scooped and leveled
05 ¼ teaspoon of fine salt

→ Strawberry Additions

06 2 tablespoons of finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries
07 ¼ cup of fresh strawberry puree (for the topping)
08 1 cup of powdered sugar (for the glaze)

Instructions

Step 01

Use a food processor to crush freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder.

Step 02

Beat the butter and vanilla for about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and whip it for 2 more minutes till it looks nice and fluffy.

Step 03

Mix in the ground strawberry powder, then add the flour and salt until the dough just comes together. Expect it to feel a little crumbly.

Step 04

Shape the dough into a ball and roll it out to a ¼-inch thickness. Do this between sheets of flour-dusted parchment paper, then place it in the fridge for an hour or in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Step 05

Cut the dough into fun shapes and place them on a baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart. Bake them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Re-roll and chill any scraps of dough as needed.

Step 06

Blend fresh strawberries into a smooth puree, then mix it with powdered sugar until it's all well combined.

Step 07

After the cookies cool down completely, dip them into the glaze. If you'd like, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top, and let them dry on a cooling rack.

Notes

  1. The number of cookies will vary depending on the cutter size you use.
  2. Measure freeze-dried strawberry powder only after grinding it.
  3. Be careful when measuring flour—spoon it into the cup, then scrape off the excess. Avoid packing it.
  4. Make sure cookies are completely cooled before putting on the glaze.

Tools You'll Need

  • A food processor
  • An electric hand mixer
  • A rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie cutters of your choice
  • A wire rack for cooling

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (butter)
  • Has gluten (flour)