Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of classic shortcake with the convenience of a cookie, look no further than this Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, tender cookies bursting with juicy fresh strawberries, kissed with a hint of vanilla, and topped with a sugary sparkle that makes each bite simply irresistible. This recipe transforms the beloved dessert into a fun, portable snack everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or simply to brighten up your day, these cookies will bring smiles and a touch of homemade magic to any moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and freshness. From the sturdy all-purpose flour that creates the perfect crumb, to the juicy strawberries that bring bursts of sweetness and vibrant color, every component is essential for creating these unforgettable cookies.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure for the cookie dough.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Adds tenderness and a light texture to each bite.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, cakey feel.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to give the dough a gentle lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates flakiness and richness in the dough.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies just right without overpowering.
• 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients while adding moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and keeps cookies tender.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped: The star ingredient providing juicy bursts and natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream: Perfect for brushing on top to help the sugar adhere and create a shimmering finish.
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a lovely crunch and sparkle.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures that your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—a little kitchen hack that goes a long way!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a spacious bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these together not only blends the flavors but also evenly distributes the leavening agents so your cookies rise perfectly.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add that cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving that tender yet flaky texture we all love in these strawberry shortcake cookies.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This blend will bring moisture and sweetness, marrying the dry ingredients into a luscious dough.

Step 5: Combine and Fold in Strawberries

Pour your wet mixture into the dry mix and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Now, delicately fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. Take care to distribute them evenly while keeping the dough light—overmixing can break down the berries and lead to soggy cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and pat it gently into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Using a round biscuit or cookie cutter, press straight down to cut out cookies without twisting to maintain their shape.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches Before Baking

Place your neatly cut cookies onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them around 2 inches apart for safe baking room. Brush the tops with heavy cream, then sprinkle turbinado sugar to add a lovely sparkle and a bit of crunch once baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, watching closely for golden edges and a clean toothpick test. The scent of strawberries and vanilla will start to fill your kitchen—giving you all the heartwarming feels!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set properly and are ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk or your favorite tea.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. Fresh mint leaves or thin slices of strawberries on top can also add an elegant, fresh touch while highlighting the star ingredient beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. A fruity salad or a light lemonade complements the freshness and sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these cookies as mini sandwich treats with a smear of strawberry jam or cream cheese frosting between two cookies. They also shine when served on a pastel-themed dessert platter, perfect for spring or summer celebrations where their colors can really pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your delicious strawberry shortcake cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and fresh, ready to brighten your snack time whenever you crave a sweet bite.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Frozen cookies will keep well for up to two months and can be thawed overnight at room temperature without losing any of their delightful texture.

Reheating

To revive slightly cooled or frozen cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and reawakens those wonderful aromas of strawberry and vanilla that make this Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture, which could affect the cookie dough’s consistency.

What makes this cookie different from a traditional strawberry shortcake?

This recipe transforms the layered cake dessert into a cookie format by incorporating fresh strawberries directly into the dough and adding a tender, flaky texture. It’s handheld, portable, and equally indulgent without the assembly of a traditional shortcake.

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute replicates the tang and acidity needed to tenderize the dough.

How do I prevent the strawberries from making the dough soggy?

Folding the strawberries in gently and folding the dough as little as possible helps keep the moisture contained. Using firm, ripe strawberries and chopping them slightly larger minimizes excess juice release during mixing.

Can I add other mix-ins to this cookie dough?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, white chocolate chips, or even a hint of lemon zest would complement the strawberry flavors beautifully without overpowering the cookie’s delicate texture.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to share. Its blend of tender crumb, fresh fruity bursts, and that sweet creamy finish makes it a standout treat for any occasion. I truly can’t wait for you to try these cookies and experience the simple pleasure of a strawberry shortcake reinvented in cookie form. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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