Description
These beautiful filled heart-shaped strawberry shortbread cookies feature glistening centers and delicate sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step reminds me of standing in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her patiently cream butter by hand. Don’t rush it—this creates that signature delicate texture.
- Add the vanilla extract. The aroma at this stage is already warm and comforting.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough will feel tender but not sticky.
- Chill the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the buttery flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter. For half of the cookies, cut a smaller heart in the center to create the top layer.
- Bake the cookies on a lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Shortbread should stay pale and tender.
- Cool the cookies completely before assembling. This prevents the jam from melting too much.
- Fill a small spoonful of strawberry jam onto the flat side of a solid heart cookie. Gently place a cut-out heart cookie on top, pressing lightly to sandwich.
- Finish the tops with powdered sugar for a soft, romantic finish.
Notes
- Make sure not to rush the creaming process for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
- These cookies make a lovely treat for special occasions.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg