Description
These Easy Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and infused with natural strawberry flavor from strawberry powder. Perfectly sweetened and optionally topped with sparkling sugar and white chocolate drizzle, these cookies make a delightful treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced bakers looking for a fruity twist on classic shortbread.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (weighed in grams or spooned and leveled)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup sparkling sugar (for rolling)
- ¼ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and strawberry powder until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then mix in the vanilla extract to combine.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients gradually until a cohesive dough forms and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Dough Log and Chill: Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), ensuring it’s at the correct temperature before baking.
- Optional Roll in Sparkling Sugar: Remove dough from refrigerator and let soften slightly at room temperature just enough so it can hold the sparkling sugar coating. Roll the dough log in sparkling sugar if using.
- Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled dough log into thin slices about ¼ inch thick. Place cookie slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spread.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 11 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies look dry around the edges and have firmed up slightly.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and dough consistency.
- Strawberry powder can be found in specialty baking stores or online; it adds natural strawberry flavor without extra moisture.
- Refrigeration is important to firm the dough for clean slicing; do not skip or shorten chilling time.
- The low baking temperature helps maintain the delicate texture of shortbread cookies without browning too much.
- Optional sparkling sugar adds a beautiful crunch and sparkle to the cookies’ exterior.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before drizzling white chocolate to prevent melting and uneven coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
