Strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies Recipe

These Strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance buttery richness with the sweet, bright flavor of strawberries. Imagine biting into a crisp, tender shortbread cookie sandwich filled with luscious strawberry jam and topped with a pretty dusting of pink strawberry sugar—it’s a charming, delicious way to celebrate dessert time. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping tea time snack or a gift that feels homemade and heartfelt, these cookies deliver on both flavor and aesthetic appeal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and look of your strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies. From the creamy butter that gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality to the vibrant freeze-dried strawberries that add natural color and sweetness, everything comes together effortlessly.

• Unsalted butter: At room temperature to ensure easy mixing and a tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar: Used twice for sweetness and a delicate dusting that adds charm.
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
• Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The essential structure of the cookies, providing that classic shortbread texture.
• Freeze-dried strawberries: For dusting and a natural pink hue that looks as good as it tastes.
• Strawberry jam: The luscious filling that brings a fresh burst of juicy sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by creaming the butter and powdered sugar together for about three minutes. This step is key for that signature shortbread tenderness and fluffiness. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in the flour to form a smooth dough. Dividing the dough into two equal pieces and chilling it helps maintain a perfect texture and keeps the dough manageable for rolling later.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

After chilling, gently warm one dough disc to make rolling easier. Roll between parchment paper to a thin thickness, about a quarter-inch. Using a cookie cutter, cut out circles for the cookie bases, then repeat with the second disc, cutting matching circles but with heart-shaped centers removed to create a sandwich top with a window for the pink sugar dusting to peek through. Chilling the cut cookies before baking helps them keep their shape beautifully.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the full circles first until their edges just turn golden, then follow with the cut-out shapes and hearts. This staged baking method ensures all parts get the perfect texture: crispy edges with a tender interior. Don’t forget to cool them on the baking sheet to set properly before moving on.

Step 4: Make Pink Sugar and Assemble

While the cookies cool, blend powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberries to create a vibrant pink dust. Use a fine sieve to shower the hearts and cut-out tops with this delicate sprinkle—it’s magic on a plate. Finally, spread a teaspoon of strawberry jam on the larger cookie bases and carefully sandwich with the dusted tops, transforming simple shortbread into an irresistible layered delight.

How to Serve Strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of the strawberry-infused pink sugar not only adds a pop of color but a subtle fruity note that tempts the eye and the palate. You can also garnish your serving plate with fresh strawberry halves or small edible flowers for an elegant touch that enhances the overall presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of classic black tea, a delicate white tea, or even a light dessert wine. For a refreshing summer twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh strawberries macerated in a bit of sugar and lemon juice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift. Alternatively, create a dessert platter with varying shapes—hearts, circles, and stars—to brighten up any celebration. You can also sandwich different flavored jams or even add a thin layer of cream cheese frosting for a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crispness and jam’s freshness. They remain delicious for up to three days, perfect for enjoying a daily sweet moment without losing any appeal.

Freezing

If you want to make these strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies ahead of time, freeze the baked cookies (unassembled) in a single layer wrapped well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw naturally at room temperature before assembling and dusting.

Reheating

Reheat briefly in a warm oven set to 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 minutes if you prefer your cookies a bit warm—just be careful not to melt the jam. This can bring back that freshly baked happiness in moments.

FAQs

Can I use regular dried strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Regular dried strawberries contain moisture and won’t create the same fine, powdery pink dust. Freeze-dried strawberries give you vibrant color without adding moisture, which is why they are preferred for the dusting.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Absolutely! Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and develop the perfect tender crumb texture.

Can I substitute strawberry jam with another flavor?

You can, but strawberry jam pairs best with the strawberry shortbread for that cohesive flavor. Raspberry or cherry jam could work nicely if you want a twist, but keep to fruity jams rather than thick spreads or creams.

How thin should I roll the cookie dough?

Rolling the dough about a quarter-inch thick strikes a perfect balance between crisp edges and tender centers. Thicker doughs might turn chewy rather than crisp.

Will these cookies keep well for gifting?

Yes! They store well for a few days at room temperature and can be wrapped beautifully for gifting. Just keep them in a sturdy container to prevent breakage.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Strawberry shortbread sandwich cookies from scratch—they’re a little piece of homemade joy you can share with anyone you love. This recipe is easy to follow, delightful to make, and rewarding to eat. I can’t wait for you to try these charming cookies and add a burst of strawberry sunshine to your cookie jar!

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