Name: Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: British/American
Ingredients: 125g unsalted butter, room temperature; 60g caster sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 180g plain flour (all-purpose); ¼ teaspoon fine salt; 110g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar); 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (2 large strawberries, hulled and mashed); 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted; 30ml milk; 170g strawberry jam

There’s something utterly magical about transforming humble ingredients into a show-stopping treat, and this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is exactly that kind of baking alchemy. Imagine delicate, buttery cookies with a tender crumb, each lovingly cut into hearts and sandwiched together with glossy strawberry jam. Finished with a strawberry glaze that’s honest-to-goodness as pink as a fairy tale, these cookies are as lovely to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, celebrating a loved one, or just treating yourself, this recipe is pure joy in every bite!

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’ve ever wondered how something so impressive comes together with such ease, the answer is: thoughtfully-chosen simple ingredients! Every element in the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe has a delicious job to do, from lush butter bringing that melt-in-your-mouth texture to vibrant strawberries lending their color and flavor.

Unsalted butter: Creamy, unsalted butter forms the backbone of classic shortbread and delivers that irresistible richness.
Caster sugar: This extra fine sugar dissolves beautifully, sweetening each cookie without any gritty texture.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds a cozy, aromatic flavor that plays perfectly with the strawberries.
Plain flour (all-purpose): Gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender and light.
Fine salt: Only a pinch, but it makes all the other flavors shine!
Powdered icing sugar: Essential for the velvety-smooth glaze that tops each heart.
Strawberry puree: Fresh strawberries, mashed to juicy perfection, infuse the glaze with color and summery sweetness.
Melted unsalted butter: Lends a bit of silkiness and shine to the glaze.
Milk: Just enough to loosen the glaze to the dreamiest drizzling consistency.
Strawberry jam: The filling that takes these cookies from delightful to unforgettable—look for a good-quality jam bursting with real fruit.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

Start by creaming together the butter and caster sugar in your stand mixer (or with an electric hand mixer) until the mixture is pale, light, and incredibly fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to look cloud-like, which means plenty of air is whipped in, setting you up for that dreamy, melt-away texture. Add the vanilla and mix just until combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl; every bit of butter counts here!

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

Sift in the flour and sprinkle over the fine salt. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together—try not to overmix. The dough may look a little rough around the edges, but it should start to pull away from the bowl and clump up. Gently squeeze it into a disc with your hands, being careful not to warm it up too much.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Cookies

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about ½ cm (¼ inch) thick. If it feels too soft or sticky, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it for 10–15 minutes. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter (flour it first!) to cut out as many cookies as you can. Gather the scraps, gently press them together, and repeat, adding a few drops of water if the dough becomes dry. Lay each heart onto a parchment-lined tray, trying not to over-handle or knead the dough for the best possible texture.

Step 4: Chill and Bake

Once all your heart-shaped cookies are on the tray, slide them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it solidifies the butter so your hearts keep their adorable shape while baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 170°C (335°F). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are faintly golden. Let them cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make Strawberry Glaze

For that gorgeous strawberry glaze, stir together the powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, and melted butter in a small bowl until a thick but smooth paste forms. Depending on the juiciness of your strawberries, you might need to thin it out with a little milk. If it gets too thick, a few seconds in the microwave will help. You want a surface that’s luscious and spreadable, yet sturdy enough to set on the cookie.

Step 6: Dip, Fill, and Assemble

Divide the cooled cookies into equal numbers for tops and bottoms. Dip the “top” halves into the strawberry glaze, letting any excess drip off before setting them aside to set. On the underside of each “base,” spoon or pipe a teaspoon of strawberry jam, then gently sandwich together with a glazed heart. Press ever-so-lightly until you see a little jam peeking out. Allow to sit at room temperature until the glaze sets and the cookies become one heartfelt treat!

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-sweet finish, consider dusting your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe with a touch of powdered sugar or a few shimmering sprinkles while the glaze is still tacky. A tiny sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder will up the fruity flavor and give each heart a blushing flourish!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of chilled milk, a fragrant cup of tea, or even a flute of sparkling rosé for a grown-up twist. Fresh berries on the side can set off the strawberry theme beautifully, and a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser if you’re serving these for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your heart-shaped sandwich cookies in a pretty box lined with tissue for a gift, or nestle them on a tiered cake stand at your next celebration. For a special touch, tie individual cookies in cellophane with a ribbon and a handwritten note—everyone loves a little surprise treat! These are also wonderful for party favors or sealing in little cellophane bags as edible Valentine’s.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The jam and glaze keep the cookies soft inside while maintaining that signature shortbread crispness on the outside.

Freezing

The unglazed, unfilled shortbread cookies freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and they’ll keep for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight at room temperature before filling and glazing for the freshest possible flavor.

Reheating

There’s usually no need to reheat (they’re best enjoyed as-is), but if you want to freshen up the cookies, pop them in a low oven (about 120°C/250°F) for a couple of minutes. Let cool before handling, and avoid reheating once the jam and glaze are added, as the texture could soften too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a love letter to strawberries, raspberry, cherry, or apricot jams are all wonderful alternatives and will add their own unique twist.

Do I need a stand mixer to make these?

Nope! A simple handheld electric beater does the trick beautifully. The key is to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly—you can even do this step by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease.

What if I don’t have heart-shaped cutters?

No worries at all. Any shape you love will work (circles, stars, flowers), or even just a glass with a thin rim for classic rounds. The romance is in the flavor and the fun presentation, not just the shape!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. The dough for the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated, well-wrapped. Just let it warm up slightly before rolling so it doesn’t crack.

How can I get the glaze to set faster?

If you’re short on time, pop the glazed cookies in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help the icing firm up. Just be sure not to leave them too long, as sudden chilling can sometimes dull the color of the glaze.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, there’s nothing quite as joy-sparking as baking up a batch of the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe—especially when you get to see the delighted smiles they bring to the people you share them with. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite people (or bake solo if you need some cozy, creative me-time), and let your heart (and cookies) shine. Happy baking!