Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe

 Few desserts channel the flavors of summer as instantly as strawberry shortcake. Now imagine taking that classic treat and turning it into a perfectly portable, utterly delicious cookie! Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. They're a delightful way to enjoy a beloved dessert in bite-sized form, and they’re easier to whip up than you might think.

Perfect for picnics, dessert trays, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of joy, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Let's jump into the recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own batch of Strawberry Shortcake Cookies:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Before starting, dice your strawberries into small, even pieces. Pat them gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents soggy cookies and keeps the dough manageable.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step gives the cookies their tender, biscuit-like texture.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid over-mixing as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Gently Fold in the Strawberries

Carefully fold in the diced strawberries. Handle the dough gently to prevent the strawberries from releasing too much juice. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop generous tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly pat the tops to flatten slightly, and brush each cookie with a little heavy cream for a golden finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8 (Optional): Add the Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Strawberries: While frozen strawberries can work, fresh ones will provide a better texture and more vibrant flavor.
2. Keep Your Butter Cold: Cold butter is key to achieving a tender, crumbly cookie. If it starts to soften during preparation, pop the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
3. Avoid Over-Mixing: Overworking the dough can cause tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined.
4. Customize It: For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough. Or, sprinkle coarse sugar on top of the cookies for a little extra crunch.

Variations You’ll Love

• Berry Swap: Switch out strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Skip the glaze and drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies instead.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies by adding a layer of sweet cream cheese frosting in the middle.

Serving and Storage

Enjoy Strawberry Shortcake Cookies warm or at room temperature. They’re delightful paired with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Time to gather your ingredients and start baking! With their bright strawberry flavor and tender texture, these cookies are bound to become a summer tradition in your home. Happy baking!