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Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 115 reviews

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Butter Cookies capture the essence of classic strawberry shortcake in a soft, buttery cookie form. These delightful treats feature a fresh strawberry compote filling sandwiched between tender butter cookies topped with golden shortbread crumbs and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for sharing at bake sales, family gatherings, or afternoon tea, these cookies blend familiar flavors with a beautiful presentation that evokes nostalgic comfort with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Compote:

  • 3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Shortbread Crumbs:

  • 3 tbsp melted salted butter (e.g., Tillamook)
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)

Cookie Dough:

  • 1 1/3 cups + 1 tbsp plain flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg

For Rolling the Cookies:

  • 1/4 cup white sugar

Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp milk (or as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberry Compote: In a small saucepot, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly, then cook over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring gently and frequently until thickened. Once bubbling, continue for another 15 seconds. Transfer to a bowl, let cool, and chill for 1 hour.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: Using an electric mixer, cream room temperature butter with white and brown sugars and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt separately, then fold into the butter mixture until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  4. Create the Shortbread Crumbs: In a small bowl, mix flour, white sugar, and brown sugar. Add melted butter and blend with fingers until crumbly clumps form. Spread crumbs on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, tossing halfway for even browning. Cool completely and break apart.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Scoop chilled dough into balls using a large cookie scoop. Roll in white sugar to coat evenly. Space cookies 2 inches apart on sheets and bake 11-13 minutes until edges are golden and centers soft. Cool 2 minutes on sheet; press a teaspoon back into each cookie’s center to create an indent. Cool fully on wire racks.
  6. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Thin with milk as needed for a thick, white glaze.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of strawberry compote into each cookie’s indent. Sprinkle with shortbread crumbs, then drizzle glaze over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm, and ripe strawberries for best results; avoid frozen due to excess moisture.
  • You can substitute cornstarch with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder for thickening.
  • Lemon juice can be swapped with lime juice or apple cider vinegar for acidity.
  • Heavy cream in the glaze can be replaced with half-and-half or whole milk, reducing the milk amount accordingly.
  • Vanilla essence alternatives include vanilla bean paste or almond extract.
  • Use baking soda and baking powder as directed; don’t omit baking soda as it affects texture.
  • Chill cookie dough before baking to prevent spreading and to achieve thicker cookies.
  • Avoid overbaking—cookies should be slightly underdone and soft in the center on removal.
  • Store cookies in airtight containers; use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Frozen cookie dough balls can be baked with 2 extra minutes added to bake time.

Keywords: Strawberry shortcake cookies, butter cookies, strawberry compote, vanilla glaze, soft cookies, summer dessert, bake sale cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/homemade-strawberry-shortcake-butter-cookies-recipe/