Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a deliciously buttery and sweet treat that combines the rich flavor of shortbread with the freshness of strawberries. The shortbread dough is made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. To make them extra special for Valentine’s Day, the dough is shaped into heart forms, and strawberry jam or puree is spread in the center for a burst of fruity sweetness. The cookies are then baked to golden perfection, with a slightly crisp edge and a soft, delicate center.
I first made Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies when I wanted to bake something for Valentine’s Day that was both beautiful and delicious. The combination of buttery shortbread and sweet strawberry jam is irresistible, and the heart shape makes them perfect for the occasion. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can swap in different fruit jams or even add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness. These cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea!
Perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Weddings or anniversaries
- Birthday parties
- Afternoon tea
- Gifting to friends and family
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies will steal your heart:
- Charming Design: The heart shape adds a touch of romance and festivity.
- Buttery Texture: These cookies melt in your mouth with every bite.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Made with real strawberries for a natural, fruity taste.
- Perfectly Sweet: Balanced sweetness complements the buttery richness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Customizable: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a personalized touch.
- Ideal for Gifting: Beautiful and delicious, these cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project to enjoy with children.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, celebrations, or just because.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance for convenient baking.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 7g
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- White chocolate drizzle
Ingredient Highlights
- Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich, buttery flavor essential for shortbread.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Shortbread Dough:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- Cook Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices.
- Thicken Filling: Dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the strawberry mixture. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat and cool completely.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut Heart Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Transfer half of the hearts to the prepared baking sheets.
- Create Windows: Use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers of the remaining cookies.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Add Strawberry Filling: Spread a small amount of the strawberry filling onto the solid heart-shaped cookies.
- Top with Windows: Place the cookies with cut-out centers on top, gently pressing to sandwich them together.
Garnish and Serve:
- Optional Decoration: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate before serving.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies:
- As a Romantic Dessert: Pair with a glass of champagne for a romantic evening.
- With Tea or Coffee: A perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage.
- At Brunch: Add a sweet touch to your brunch spread.
- For Parties: Display on a decorative platter for a festive treat.
- As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
- For Gift Baskets: Include in homemade gift baskets for holidays or birthdays.
- As Wedding Favors: Pack in clear bags with ribbon for elegant favors.
- With Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
- For Picnics: Pack in a container for an outdoor treat.
- With a Note: Attach a heartfelt message for an extra special touch.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Ensures cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries enhance the flavor and color of the filling.
- Avoid Overbaking: Watch closely to prevent the cookies from becoming too crisp.
- Keep Filling Thick: A thicker filling prevents it from leaking out of the cookies.
- Decorate Creatively: Customize with sprinkles, edible glitter, or food coloring.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate.
- Lemon Strawberry: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Jam-Filled: Use store-bought strawberry jam if short on time.
- Nutty Shortbread: Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the dough.
- Berry Mix: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry filling.
- Coconut Infusion: Add shredded coconut to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Herbal Touch: Incorporate finely chopped fresh basil or mint into the filling.
- Mini Cookies: Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized treats.
- Savory Sweet: Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
Special Equipment
- Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters: Essential for the signature shape.
- Rolling Pin: For evenly flattening the dough.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Saucepan: For cooking the strawberry filling.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: Optional for a smoother filling texture.
- Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
- Cooling Racks: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain their texture.
- Decorating Tools: Piping bags for precise chocolate drizzling, if desired.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to prevent a watery filling. - How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out. - What other shapes can I use?
Feel free to use stars, circles, or any festive cookie cutter shape. - How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Roll out on a floured surface and lightly flour your rolling pin and cutters. - Can I make these dairy-free?
Substitute butter with plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version. - What if I don’t have a smaller heart cutter?
Use the tip of a knife to cut out a small shape in the center. - Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, try raspberries, cherries, or apricots for a unique twist. - Why is my shortbread too crumbly?
Ensure you measure the flour accurately and don’t overmix the dough. - Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, a few drops of red or pink food coloring will enhance the festive look.
Conclusion
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery, crumbly shortbread and the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberry. These delicate cookies are shaped into hearts for a festive touch, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of the shortbread is complemented by a light hint of strawberry, either in the dough or as a sweet jam filling. Topped with a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of icing, these cookies are both visually appealing and delicious.
This recipe is easy to make and can be customized by adding a bit of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor, or you can dip the cookies in chocolate for an indulgent twist. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or given as a thoughtful gift, Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are sure to delight everyone who gets a taste.
I can’t wait to see how your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your gorgeous creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these cookies your own!