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My strawberry shortbread cookies started as a happy accident in my kitchen one winter day. Now they're the treat everyone begs for year round. Each buttery bite bursts with real strawberry flavor thanks to my secret ingredient freeze dried berries.
The Cookie Everyone Asks For
The magic comes from real strawberries and my tried and true shortbread recipe. They're simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for gifts and parties. I love how versatile they are whether plain glazed or dipped in chocolate.
What You'll Need
- Freeze Dried Strawberries: Half cup crushed into powder gives intense berry flavor.
- Butter: Two sticks softened for that melt in your mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Half cup makes them perfectly sweet.
- Vanilla: Just a teaspoon brings everything together.
- Flour: Two cups sifted keeps them light and tender.
Ready to Bake
- Start With Berries
- Crush your freeze dried strawberries into the finest powder possible.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- Whisk strawberry powder and flour together until evenly pink.
- Get Creamy
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy about 3 minutes.
- Bring It Together
- Gently mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
- Chill Out
- Wrap dough and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Shape Time
- Roll out your chilled dough and cut into your favorite shapes.
- Into The Oven
- Bake at 350 until set but not brown about 10 minutes.
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Keep Them Fresh
These cookies stay perfect for a week in an airtight container. Sometimes I make extra and freeze them they thaw beautifully whenever the craving hits. Just make sure they're completely cool before storing.
Fun Cookie Ideas
I love playing with different versions. Sometimes I dip them in dark chocolate or add a tangy lemon glaze. My friend Lisa adds chopped pecans for crunch. When my gluten free neighbor visits I use a special flour blend and she says they taste just like the original.
Why I Use Freeze Dried Berries
Fresh berries make cookies too wet but freeze dried ones pack all the flavor without the moisture. They give that perfect concentrated strawberry taste while keeping the cookies deliciously crisp and buttery.
My Baking Secrets
The key is gentle mixing you don't want tough cookies. Always chill your dough it makes it so much easier to work with. And watch them closely in the oven they should stay light colored for that perfect melt in your mouth texture.
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Making Them Pretty
I love swirling a pretty pink glaze on top made with powdered sugar and a bit more strawberry powder. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed berries on top or drizzle with white chocolate. They look like they came from a fancy bakery.
Perfect Partners
These cookies are lovely with afternoon tea or a cold glass of lemonade on the porch. My husband loves them with his morning coffee. For summer parties I sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies pure heaven.
Baking With Little Ones
The kids love helping in the kitchen with these cookies. They get so excited picking out cookie cutter shapes and decorating with pink icing. Yes it gets messy but those giggles are worth every sprinkle on my floor.
Sweet Memories
Every time I bake these cookies I think of summer days and family picnics. That sweet strawberry scent filling the kitchen brings back such happy memories. They're the kind of cookies that become part of your family story.
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Perfect for Sharing
These cookies steal the show at every gathering. I bring them to book club meetings baby showers and holiday parties. The pretty pink color catches everyone's eye but it's that real strawberry flavor that wins them over.
Anyone Can Make These
Don't let shortbread scare you these cookies are actually quite simple. With just a few ingredients and basic steps you'll have a batch of beautiful cookies that taste like they took hours to make.
Summer All Year Long
That's what I love most about these cookies they bring a taste of summer sunshine to any day of the year. The bright strawberry flavor and buttery sweetness make them impossible to resist no matter the season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use freeze-dried strawberries?
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor without adding moisture that could affect the cookie texture.
- → Why chill the dough twice?
- Double chilling helps maintain cookie shape during baking and ensures a tender, flaky texture.
- → Can I skip the glaze?
- Yes, the cookies are delicious plain or can be decorated with just a sprinkle of strawberry powder.
- → How should I store these cookies?
- Store in an airtight container once glaze is completely set. Keep at room temperature.
- → Can I make the dough ahead?
- Yes, wrap well and refrigerate. Let soften slightly before rolling.