Name: Valentine's Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 g unsalted butter, softened; 120 g powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp strawberry powder (freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground); 350 g all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp cornstarch; Pink food coloring (optional); Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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Table of Contents: Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Melt hearts this Valentine’s Day with buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies kissed by sweet strawberry jam and a blush-pink glaze—a nostalgic homemade gift that whispers “I love you” in every bite.

Is there anything more charming than a plate of handcrafted Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies? Picture this: tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread hearts, filled with jewel-toned strawberry jam and drizzled with a naturally pink glaze made from fresh strawberries. These cookies aren’t just treats—they’re edible love notes. Perfect for surprising your sweetheart, packaging in pretty boxes for neighbors, or baking with grandchildren, this strawberry shortbread recipe turns simple ingredients into edible magic.

What makes these heart-shaped strawberry cookies extraordinary is their balance of simplicity and elegance. The shortbread base uses a classic 4-ingredient dough (butter, sugar, flour, and salt), while the strawberry filling and glaze add a playful, romantic twist. Fresh strawberry puree gives the glaze its vibrant color naturally—no food dyes required! Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day, a wedding anniversary, or just craving a pretty pink shortbread cookie with your afternoon tea, this recipe delivers buttery bliss in every bite. It’s also ideal for new bakers, with no fancy equipment needed—just a rolling pin, a heart-shaped cutter, and a dash of affection.

Alternate Names & Variations

Searching for similar recipes? These delicate treats are also known as:

Strawberry-Filled Heart Cookies
Pink Glazed Shortbread Hearts
Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

Variation Tip: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or cherry preserves, or add lemon zest to the glaze for a zingy twist on your strawberry shortbread recipe.

Ingredients for Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Basic Shortbread Dough

125 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
60 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
180 g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Strawberry Filling & Glaze

110 g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (from 2 large hulled strawberries, mashed)
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
30 ml whole milk (or heavy cream)
170 g high-quality strawberry jam

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough: In a bowl, beat room-temperature butter and caster sugar until creamy (3 minutes). Mix in vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt until dough forms. Chef’s Tip: Don’t overmix—this keeps shortbread tender!
Chill: Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 30 minutes. Shortcut: Freeze for 15 minutes if pressed for time.

Cut Hearts: Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut hearts with a 3-inch cutter, then cut smaller hearts from half of them to create “windows.”
Bake: Arrange cookies on parchment-lined trays. Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 12–15 minutes, until edges blush golden. Cool completely.
Fill & Glaze: Spread jam on whole hearts; top with windowed hearts. Whisk powdered sugar, strawberry puree, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. Let set 1 hour.

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

These cookies succeed because of thoughtful details: room-temperature butter creates airy shortbread, while caster sugar dissolves easily for a smooth texture. Using fresh strawberry puree in the glaze (not just jam) gives vibrant color and bright flavor without artificial dyes. For food-safe pink cookies, reduce the puree’s moisture by simmering it lightly before mixing. Ensure crispiness by chilling dough thoroughly and baking low-and-slow—this prevents butter from melting too fast, which answers the common woe, “Why is my shortbread not crisp?”.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (glaze may soften slightly).

Freezing: Freeze unglazed baked cookies for 2 months. Glaze after thawing.
Reheating: Warm cookies at 150°C (300°F) for 3 minutes to refresh crispness.

People Also Ask: Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Close-up of a pink-glazed strawberry shortbread cookie with jam filling — Fig.2 – These jam-filled beauties answer all your strawberry cookie questions

How Do You Make Strawberry Shortbread Cookies?

Strawberry shortbread cookies combine classic shortbread dough with strawberry jam filling and a fresh strawberry glaze. First, make buttery shortbread hearts, cut a “window” in half of them, bake, then sandwich with jam. The glaze—whisked from powdered sugar and real strawberry puree—adds sweetness and natural pink color. It’s easy to customize: use different shapes or swap strawberry jam for other fruits.

Can You Use Fresh Strawberries in Shortbread Cookies?

Yes, but strategically! Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture for the dough, causing sogginess. Instead, use them in the glaze: mash hulled berries into a puree, strain seeds if desired, and blend with icing sugar. For filling, opt for thick jam (excess water cooked off) to prevent soggy cookies. Reserve fresh slices for garnishing plates.

How Do You Make Cookies Pink Naturally?

To naturally tint cookies pink, avoid artificial dyes. Mash fresh strawberries into a vibrant puree, simmer to reduce moisture (prevents glaze from thinning), then mix into icing. For dough itself, add 1 tsp freeze-dried strawberry powder. Beetroot powder or raspberry puree also work. Note: Natural hues fade slightly when baked—adding glaze ensures vivid color.

Why Is My Shortbread Not Crisp?

Shortbread loses crispness if butter is too warm, dough isn’t chilled, or cookies are overbaked. Use room-temperature butter (not melted!), chill dough 30+ minutes, and bake low-and-slow (160°C/325°F). Overworking dough develops gluten, causing toughness. Store properly in airtight containers—stale shortbread softens in humidity. For revived crunch, rebake cookies briefly at 150°C (300°F).

Whether tucked into a lunchbox or gifted in a ribbon-tied box, these Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are guaranteed to delight. Their buttery richness, fruity sweetness, and rosy charm capture the spirit of the holiday—no fancy skills required. So preheat that oven, dust flour on your counter, and bake a batch of edible affection. I’d love to see your creations! Tag #CrystalRecipes on social media or comment below with your twists. Happy baking, and happiest Valentine’s Day! ❤️

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies: An Easy Heart-Shaped Treat Bursting with Love

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Alternate Names & Variations