Easy Heart Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Recipe

Introduction

These easy heart-shaped strawberry shortbread cookies combine buttery, tender shortbread with a sweet strawberry jam topping. Perfect for romantic occasions or any time you want a simple, delightful treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract evenly.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Step 6: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough.
7. Step 7: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then spread strawberry jam on top of each cookie.

Tips & Variations

• For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.
• Try adding a pinch of almond extract to the dough for a different but complementary flavor.
• Use other fruit jams like raspberry or apricot for a fun twist.

Storage

Store the shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Reheat slightly by letting them come to room temperature before serving to maintain their buttery texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe since salted butter contains salt already. This helps keep the flavor balanced.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting helps keep the shapes firm and prevents excessive spreading while baking.

Easy Heart Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Recipe

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4.7 from 95 reviews

These Easy Heart Shaped Strawberry Shortbread cookies combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base with a sweet strawberry jam topping. Perfectly shaped for romantic occasions or celebrations, they’re simple to make and delightful to share.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 1/2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a tender texture.
3. Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a subtle, sweet aroma.
4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms without overworking it to keep the shortbread tender.
5. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking and a perfect texture.
6. Cut Heart Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled dough, creating charming individual cookies.
7. Bake Cookies: Place the heart-shaped cookies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
8. Cool Completely: Allow the baked cookies to cool fully on a wire rack to prevent jam melting during spreading.
9. Spread Strawberry Jam: Once cooled, spread a generous layer of strawberry jam on top of each cookie for a fruity finish.

Notes

• For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness for several days.
• Adding a touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and aroma of the shortbread.
• Pair these cookies with tea or coffee for an ideal afternoon snack.

Keywords: heart shaped cookies, strawberry shortbread, shortbread cookies, strawberry jam cookies, Valentine’s Day treats, easy dessert recipes