Fall in love with baking all over again with these delightful Heart Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies! Perfect for any occasion, from romantic date nights to cheerful celebrations, these cookies combine the rich, buttery goodness of traditional shortbread with the sweet, fruity essence of strawberry. Imagine the joy of sharing these adorable treats with your loved ones, each bite melting in your mouth and bursting with flavor. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 37 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 18 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients and ensure all are at room temperature. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt until well combined and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add strawberry puree to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated and creating a soft pink color.
- Slowly fold in the flour mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while dough is chilling.
- Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes, placing them carefully on prepared baking sheets.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of each heart-shaped cookie for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture in your cookies. This will help them cream together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter cookie.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough not only helps with shaping the cookies but also enhances the flavors and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
- Use Fresh Strawberry Puree: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries to make your puree. Simply blend ripe strawberries until smooth, and strain if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Perfectly Cut Cookies: When rolling out the dough, keep your surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. If the dough gets too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes before cutting.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Decorate with Love: Feel free to get creative! Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle some colorful edible glitter on top of the cookies for a festive touch.
- Storage Tips: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
