Description
Sweet strawberry shortbread cookies melt hearts with their delicate buttery crunch and fruity charm. Crumbly, elegant treats bring Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert plate, delighting cookie enthusiasts with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 ounce freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Pulverize freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor, setting aside a small portion for the glaze if desired.
- Combine the strawberry powder with flour, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, achieving a smooth, fluffy consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter blend on low speed, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Flatten the dough into a compact disc, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring even texture.
- Utilize cookie cutters to create desired shapes, carefully transferring the cut cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Return the shaped cookies to the refrigerator for an additional 15-minute chill to maintain their structure.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes, watching for a subtle set without over-browning.
- After cooling completely, prepare the glaze by mixing the reserved strawberry powder with other glaze ingredients.
- Elegantly drizzle or dip the cooled cookies in the glaze, allowing them to set for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Crush freeze-dried strawberries finely for intense flavor without adding moisture to the dough.
- Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to ensure flaky, tender shortbread texture.
- Roll dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain even thickness.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for binding.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg