There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen—a warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. These strawberry cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, blending the comforting softness of a homemade cookie with the bright, fruity notes of strawberry.
Each bite brings a burst of sweetness, a hint of creamy richness, and a satisfying crunch from the shortbread topping. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special indulgence for yourself, these cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a taste of joy, a reminder of happy moments, and a reason to pause and savor the little things in life.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking to brighten a cloudy day, these strawberry cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with a little extra love and sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Strawberry Flavor: These cookies are packed with real strawberry goodness, from the jam in the dough to the strawberry-infused crumb topping. Every bite delivers a delicious blend of fruity sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect Texture Combination: Soft, tender cookies with a creamy, tangy icing and a crunchy shortbread topping—this recipe hits every texture note. You get a melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, smooth frosting, and a delightful crumbly finish all in one bite.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive look and flavor, these cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and with just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of stunning homemade treats that look and taste bakery-worthy.
- Visually Stunning: The soft pink hue of the cookies, paired with the creamy white icing and a sprinkle of strawberry crumble, makes these cookies a visual delight. They’re perfect for special occasions, from baby showers to Valentine’s Day, or whenever you want to add a touch of charm to your baking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or coworkers, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their unique flavor and pretty presentation make them a standout dessert that everyone will be excited to try.
Key Ingredients
Strawberry Jam
The star of the show! Strawberry jam infuses these cookies with a burst of fruity flavor, adding a natural sweetness and a lovely pink hue. It also keeps the cookies moist and soft, making every bite feel like a comforting treat.
Pink Food Coloring
A few drops of pink food coloring enhance the visual appeal of the cookies, giving them a playful, pastel shade that’s hard to resist. This is optional, but it adds a delightful pop of color, perfect for celebrations or simply brightening your day.
Cornflour
Cornflour, or cornstarch, is a secret ingredient that helps create a tender and light cookie texture. It softens the cookies, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them so irresistible.
Cream Cheese
Used in the icing, cream cheese brings a tangy, creamy depth to the sweetness. It balances the sugar, adding richness without overwhelming the delicate strawberry flavor, making each bite perfectly sweet and creamy.
Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread crumbs add a satisfying crunch on top of the creamy icing. The contrast between the soft cookie base and the crumbly topping brings texture and an extra layer of buttery sweetness that elevates the entire dessert.
Strawberry Jelly Mix
The strawberry jelly mix is blended into the shortbread topping, infusing it with an extra punch of strawberry flavor. It adds a touch of color and sweetness, making the crumble topping a standout feature that complements the cookies beautifully.
How To Make Strawberry Cookies
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, strawberry jam, and a large egg. Add a few drops of pink food coloring for a vibrant hue. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
Adding Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients: plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
In another bowl, whisk together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually sift and add powdered sugar while whisking to avoid lumps. Mix until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy consistency.
Making the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine crushed shortbread cookies, strawberry Jell-O powder, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs hold together slightly but remain crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over the frosted cookies for the final touch.
Once the cookies have baked and cooled completely, pipe or spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the icing evenly.
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cookies in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the soft, tender texture.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! You can freeze them iced or plain. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or for about an hour at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Room Temperature: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, where the icing is creamy and soft, and the cookie base has its ideal texture.
- Pair with a Beverage: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of tea, or a creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Special Occasions: These pretty pink cookies are perfect for birthdays, holidays, and festive gatherings. Arrange them on a decorative plate or tiered stand for a beautiful dessert display.
- Gift Idea: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift! Stack a few in a clear treat bag tied with a colorful ribbon, or arrange them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful, delicious present.
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Crumbl's Flavors
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 110 g unsalted butter, melted & cooled
- 140 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp strawberry jam
- Pink food coloring (a few drops)
- 250 g plain flour
- 15 g cornflour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Icing
- 90 g unsalted butter, softened
- 90 g cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 g icing sugar
For the Topping
- 40 g shortbread cookies, crushed
- 1 (11g) strawberry jelly mix
- 10 g unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
- Preheat the oven to 170°C / Gas Mark 3 / 150°C (fan).
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and a few drops of pink food coloring. Whisk until smooth.
- Gently fold in the plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Roll the chilled dough into 60g balls and place them on a baking sheet, spacing them about 4 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Icing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the icing sugar until fully incorporated and the icing is smooth and thick.
Step 5: Ice the Cookies
- Pipe or spread the icing onto each cooled cookie, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Make the Topping
- Crush the shortbread cookies in a blender until you get fine crumbs.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed shortbread with the strawberry jelly mix and the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over each iced cookie. Enjoy your delicious strawberry cookies!
