Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
Table of Contents
Once upon a time in the cozy warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen, I discovered the magic of baking. The gentle hum of her old oven, the sweet scent of vanilla, and the comforting feel of flour-dusted hands became the backdrop to some of my most cherished memories. Today, I’m inviting you into my kitchen to share a recipe that embodies this very nostalgia: Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little parcels of love, perfect for sharing with family or savoring on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.
Imagine the joy of biting into a buttery shortbread cookie, its crumbly texture giving way to a sweet strawberry jam center, topped with a luscious glaze that catches the light just so. These cookies are more than a dessert; they are a conversation starter, a gesture of love, and a reason to gather around the table. Here are a few reasons why these cookies are a must-bake:
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a testament to the beauty of homemade goodness. With their delicate texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, they are bound to become a family favorite. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or for treating yourself to a little homemade indulgence. Plus, their charming shape and delightful taste make them a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. Imagine presenting a plate of these heart-shaped treats at your next family gathering or enjoying them as a sweet surprise in a loved one’s lunchbox. These cookies are not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; they’re about sharing love, one cookie at a time.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
- Warm Memories in Every Bite: These cookies are reminiscent of simpler times, evoking memories of baking with loved ones.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Their charming heart shape makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because.
- Easy to Make, Easier to Love: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are as easy to bake as they are to enjoy.
- A Family Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished tradition, one that brings everyone together, young and old.
So, let’s dive into this recipe and create some sweet memories of our own.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To bring these delightful cookies to life, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that make the process as smooth as butter:
- Electric Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar to a light, airy perfection.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the shortbread dough to the perfect thickness.
- Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter: This is key to achieving the iconic look that makes these cookies so special.
- Baking Trays with Parchment Paper: To ensure even baking and easy clean-up.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies to achieve the perfect texture.
With these tools on hand, you’ll find that baking these cookies is as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy peasy as cookies!
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
Basic Shortbread
- 125 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 60 g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 180 g plain flour (all-purpose)
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
Strawberry Filling and Glaze
- 170 g strawberry jam
- 110 g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 tablespoon strawberry puree, 2 large strawberries hulled and mashed with a fork
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
- 30 ml milk
Instructions
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Line one or two baking trays with parchment paper. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and sugar and cream for about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed until pale and light. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl halfway through. Add in the vanilla extract and mix again.
- Sift in the flour and add the salt, then mix on low speed until they are combined and the dough starts to come together. The dough will look quite raggedy but you’ll know it’s ready when it starts to clean the sides of the bowl and clumps in the middle.
- With your hands, squeeze the shortbread dough together into a mass. Shape it into a rough disc.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the shortbread dough to a ½ cm (¼ inch) thick. If the dough is too soft, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes or longer until it firms up slightly.
- Once the dough is rolled out, use a cookie cutter (I used a heart-shaped one) to stamp out the cookies. Lay the cutouts onto the prepared baking tray. Re-roll and stamp out more cookies as needed. Refrigerate the stamped cookies for 30 minutes or until the cutouts have hardened.
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (335°F) while the cutouts are chilling. Remove the cookies from the fridge, then bake for 10-12 minutes or until just golden around the edges. Cool on the tray for ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Mix the glaze ingredients together. Place the powdered icing sugar, pureed strawberries, and melted butter into a bowl and stir until smooth and lump-free.
- Divide the hearts into two so that you have equal numbers of ‘tops’ and ‘bases’ to sandwich together later on. Dip the ‘top’ hearts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
- Spoon or pipe a teaspoon worth of strawberry jam onto the underside of the shortbread ‘bases’. Cover the jam with the glazed top heart and gently squeeze together.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 45 minutes • Cooking Time: 12 minutes • Total Time: 57 minutes • Calories: 150 per cookie • Servings: 24
Note: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it longer. Adjust the glaze consistency with milk or water as needed.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
The ingredients in our Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies aren’t just about flavor; they’re about quality and nostalgia. Butter gives the cookies their rich, comforting taste while creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. Strawberries bring a natural sweetness and a burst of color, not to mention a touch of vitamin C. This recipe also allows you to control the amount of sugar, making it a slightly healthier treat compared to store-bought alternatives. The simple combination of these ingredients showcases the beauty of homemade baking, where each bite is a testament to love and care.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies are versatile enough to be paired with a variety of beverages and treats. A classic hot tea or freshly brewed coffee perfectly complements the buttery richness of the cookies. For a refreshing twist, try pairing them with a chilled glass of milk or a tangy homemade lemonade. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider adding them to a dessert platter with chocolate-covered strawberries and other sweet delights. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Storing these cookies is as easy as baking them. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to a week, though they’re often eaten long before that! If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), these cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for a warm, freshly-baked feel. These cookies are a delightful treat, whether enjoyed fresh or as a sweet surprise later on.
There’s something truly magical about baking from scratch. It connects us to the past, to family traditions, and to the simple joys of creating something with our hands and hearts. I hope these Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies bring a little slice of that magic into your home. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, remember that the true joy of cooking is in the sharing. May these cookies add a touch of sweetness to your day, and may the warmth of the kitchen always bring you comfort.
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Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Line one or two baking trays with parchment paper. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and sugar and cream for about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed until pale and light.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix again. Sift in the flour and add the salt, then mix on low speed until combined. The dough will start to come together.
- With your hands, squeeze the dough together into a mass and shape it into a rough disc. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ½ cm (¼ inch) thick.
- If the dough is too soft, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Cut out cookie shapes using a heart-shaped cutter. Lay cut outs on the prepared baking tray. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Refrigerate the stamped cookies for at least 30 minutes or until hardened. Preheat the oven to 170°C (335°F) while the cookies chill. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until just golden around the edges.
- Mix glaze ingredients together. Place the powdered icing sugar, pureed strawberries, and melted butter into a bowl and stir until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Dip half of the cookies into the glaze and let any excess drip off. Place on a wire rack for the icing to set.
- Spoon or pipe strawberry jam onto the underside of the remaining cookies. Sandwich with the glazed cookies and gently press together.
