Easy strawberry shortbread cookies recipe. Master the baking tech to create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth desserts perfect for any occasion (145 chars).
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup strawberry jam
1–2 drops red or pink food coloring
Coarse sugar, for rolling
Instructions
Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated.
Add Flavor: Beat in the almond extract and salt.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix! The dough will be a bit crumbly but should hold together when you press it.
Incorporate the Jam: Add the strawberry jam (and food coloring if using) to the dough. Use a spatula to gently fold and swirl it through. For a marbled effect, don't fully mix it in—a few streaks are perfect!
Form the Logs: Divide the dough in half. Place each half on a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Twist the ends of the wrap to secure it.
Chill: Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 2 hours, or until they are very firm. You can also freeze them for 45 minutes to an hour if you're in a hurry.
Preheat & Prep: When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice & Roll (Optional): Unwrap one dough log at a time. If you like, roll the log in coarse sugar for a little extra crunch and sparkle. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Bake: Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Notes
These Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are an elegant and easy treat, combining classic buttery shortbread texture with a sweet strawberry twist. Perfect for bakers of all levels.
