Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

Cupcake and Cookie Basics

Cupcakes and cookies are both baked goods that have become staples in modern baking, but they differ significantly in terms of texture, appearance, and preparation methods.

When it comes to cupcakes, they are essentially small cakes made with a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, butter or oil, and flavorings such as vanilla extract. They can be decorated with frosting, sprinkles, and other toppings, making them a popular choice for birthday parties and other celebrations.

Cookies, on the other hand, are flat, baked goods that typically consist of flour, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, and sometimes leavening agents like baking powder. They can be soft-baked, chewy, crunchy, or crispy, depending on the type of cookie and the baking time.

For a Strawberry Shortcake Cookies recipe, you’ll need some basic ingredients that are commonly found in most bakeries. These include:

• All-purpose flour, which provides structure and texture to your cookies
• Sugar, which adds sweetness and tenderness to the cookies
• Unsalted butter, which contributes flavor and moisture to the dough
• Eggs, which help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookies
• Strawberry jam or preserves, which adds natural sweetness and flavor to the cookies

To make a successful batch of cupcakes or cookies, it’s essential to have the right equipment and techniques. For cookies, this may include investing in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, as well as a mixing bowl and measuring cups for accurate measurements.

In addition to these basic ingredients and tools, you’ll also need some creativity and flair to make your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies stand out from the crowd. This may involve using colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cookies, or experimenting with different flavor combinations like adding a hint of lemon zest or vanilla extract.

The key to making great cupcakes and cookies lies in balancing flavors, textures, and presentation. By mastering these fundamental techniques and incorporating your own creative twist, you can produce baked goods that are both delicious and visually appealing.

• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

The first ingredient needed for this recipe is _unsalted butter_, specifically 1 cup of it at room temperature. The use of unsalted butter ensures that the cookies do not become too salty, while also allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

It’s worth noting that using room-temperature butter is crucial in this recipe, as it helps to create a smooth and even consistency when mixing the ingredients together. If the butter is too cold, it may not mix properly with the other ingredients, resulting in cookies that are dense or unevenly textured.

To prepare the butter for use, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before beginning the recipe. This will allow the butter to come to room temperature and be ready for use when needed.

• 1 cup granulated sugar

The **Granulated Sugar** plays a crucial role in this recipe, as it adds sweetness and tenderness to the Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. One cup of _granulated sugar_ is called for, which may seem like a standard amount, but its importance cannot be overstated. Granulated sugar is a type of white sugar that has been refined from sugarcane or sugar beets and then crystallized into small, white crystals.

The texture of the granulated sugar is what makes it so effective in baking. It dissolves easily and evenly, ensuring that every bite of the cookie has a consistent sweetness level. This is particularly important when working with delicate flavors like strawberries and vanilla, as you want to ensure that their natural sweetness doesn’t get overpowered by the sugar.

In terms of choosing the right granulated sugar for this recipe, it’s worth noting that some brands may have slightly different characteristics than others. Some may be finer or coarser, depending on how they’ve been processed. This can affect the texture and consistency of the cookies slightly, but in general, most granulated sugars will yield similar results.

It’s also worth considering the source of your granulated sugar. Some types of sugar are considered _organic_ or _fair trade_, which may be important to you if you’re a fan of sustainable and responsible consumerism. However, keep in mind that these distinctions may not significantly impact the quality of the cookies themselves.

In summary, one cup of granulated sugar is a staple ingredient in this Strawberry Shortcake Cookies recipe. Its importance lies in its ability to add sweetness and tenderness to the cookies without overpowering the delicate flavors of the strawberries and vanilla.

• 2 large eggs at room temperature

The ingredients list for this recipe includes **2 large eggs** at room temperature, which are essential for adding moisture and richness to the cookies. Using eggs at room temperature will also help them incorporate more easily into the other ingredients when creaming together.

It’s worth noting that using room-temperature eggs is crucial because cold eggs won’t mix properly with the sugar, resulting in a tough or dense cookie. To bring your eggs to room temperature quickly, you can submerge them in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes.

Once you’ve got your eggs ready, they’ll be combined with other essential ingredients like butter and sugar to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your strawberry shortcake cookies.

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

The recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Cookies requires a specific combination of ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Among these, vanilla extract plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the cookies.

Vanilla extract is a liquid ingredient that is extracted from the seed pods of the Vanilla Orchid, a type of orchid that is native to Mexico. The process of extracting vanilla involves several steps, including harvesting, fermenting, and curing the seed pods.

The resulting liquid is rich in flavor compounds, particularly vanillin, which is responsible for its distinct sweet and creamy aroma. This essence is then mixed with a solvent, usually ethanol or glycerin, to create the final product: vanilla extract.

In the context of baking, vanilla extract is used as a flavor enhancer in many recipes, including the Strawberry Shortcake Cookies recipe. The recommended amount of vanilla extract for this particular recipe is 2 teaspoons. This may seem like a small quantity, but it can make a significant difference in the overall taste and aroma of the cookies.

It’s worth noting that there are different types of vanilla extract available on the market, including pure vanilla extract, imitation vanilla extract, and vanilla essence. Pure vanilla extract is the preferred choice for baking as it contains high-quality vanillin and other flavor compounds that cannot be replicated with synthetic alternatives.

In conclusion, the use of 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in the Strawberry Shortcake Cookies recipe is a deliberate choice designed to enhance the flavors and aromas of the cookies. The unique properties of vanilla extract make it an essential ingredient in many baked goods, including this particular recipe.

The Strawberry Twist

The essence of any baked good lies in its ingredients, and the strawberry shortcake cookies recipe is no exception.

The star of the show, as far as flavor is concerned, is the strawberry puree or jam that’s used to infuse the dough with sweet-tart taste and aroma.

High-quality strawberry puree should be made from fresh, ripe strawberries and have a thick consistency to avoid thinning out the dough too much.

Ingredients Needed:

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (285g)
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons (10g)
• Kosher salt: 3/4 teaspoon (3.75g)
• , softened: 6 tablespoons (85g)
• : 1 cup (200g)
• : 2 tablespoons (25g)
• : 2 teaspoons
• : 1 large egg yolk (approximately 20 grams)
• : 4 ounces (115g) of your favorite strawberry puree or jam
• for dusting: about 2 tablespoons, approximately 25g.

Additional ingredients include unsalted butter for brushing the tops of the cookies and an egg yolk to add moisture and richness.

In terms of mixing methods, this strawberry shortcake cookie dough should be prepared with a pastry blender or your fingertips to combine cold butter with dry ingredients until you get a crumbly texture that resembles coarse crumbs.

For a smooth and well-balanced flavor experience, make sure you don’t overmix the batter.

A good strawberry shortcake cookie recipe often calls for baking at 375°F (190°C) with a baking time of approximately 18 to 20 minutes depending on size.

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

The first ingredient for this recipe is 2 cups of fresh strawberries that have been hulled and sliced. When selecting strawberries, look for those that are bright red in color and have a sweet aroma.

When it comes to hulling the strawberries, you will want to remove the green leaves at the top of each berry. This can be done by pinching off the leaf or cutting it off with a knife. The goal is to leave just the fruit behind.

Once the leaves have been removed, slice the strawberries into thin pieces. You can do this using a sharp knife or a pastry blender. Slice them as thinly as possible so that they cook evenly and quickly when combined with the other ingredients in the recipe.

The hulled and sliced strawberries are then ready to be used in the Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe. They will add natural sweetness, flavor, and moisture to the cookies, making them a delicious and refreshing treat.

• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

The ingredient that stands out in this recipe is the strawberry jam, which plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their distinctive flavor and aroma. Specifically, we are instructed to use 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam.

In terms of its functional properties, strawberry jam adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies, helping to balance out the flavors and textures. Its fruity flavor also complements the other ingredients in the recipe, such as the sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.

The use of strawberry jam is a key characteristic of traditional shortcake recipes, and its inclusion here helps to evoke the classic flavors associated with this dessert. By incorporating a sweet and tangy ingredient like strawberry jam, bakers can create a rich and satisfying flavor experience for those enjoying their cookies.

It’s worth noting that using high-quality strawberry jam is essential to achieving the best results in this recipe. Choose a brand that uses real strawberries and minimal added sugars to ensure that your cookies have the right balance of sweetness and flavor.

In addition to its role as an ingredient, strawberry jam also provides a convenient way to add flavor and moisture to these cookies without requiring extensive preparation or cooking time. This makes it an ideal choice for busy bakers who want to create delicious treats quickly and easily.

Instructions

Cookies Come Together

To make the most delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, you’ll need to follow these instructions carefully.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• 3/4 cup
• 1/2 cup (1 stick)
• 1 teaspoon
• 1 cup

Instructions:

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and mix until combined.
4. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.

Scoop and Bake:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

1. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are now ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

To begin making this delightful strawberry shortcake cookies recipe, it’s essential to start with a few simple steps that will set the stage for the rest of the process.

Step 1: Preheating the Oven

The first step is to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This is crucial in ensuring that your cookies bake evenly and at the right pace.

• In this case, we need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make sure you have a reliable oven thermometer handy to ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature. If you’re using a convection oven, consult your user manual for guidance on converting temperatures.

Step 2: Preparing the Baking Sheet

A well-prepared baking sheet is essential for achieving the perfect texture and appearance of our strawberry shortcake cookies.

• Lay a large piece of parchment paper on a flat surface.

• Carefully lift one corner of the parchment paper onto your baking sheet, then place the rest of the paper down evenly.

Step 3: Ensuring Cleanliness and Organization

A clean workspace is key to maintaining cleanliness throughout the recipe. Here’s a brief checklist:

• Ensure your workspace, including countertops and any tools or equipment you’ll be using, are free from crumbs, spills, and other debris.

• Organize all necessary ingredients, such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and baking powder, within easy reach.

Next Steps

With your oven preheated and your workspace ready, you’re now prepared to move on to the next steps in this strawberry shortcake cookies recipe. Let’s continue with the preparation of our dough ingredients…

2. Beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

The art of following instructions is a vital skill in baking, as it ensures that ingredients are combined and treated properly to achieve the desired outcome.

In this case, we need to beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. To do this effectively, we should consider the following steps:

1. Use room temperature ingredients: This means that the butter and eggs should be taken out of the refrigerator about an hour before you start baking.
2. Use the right mixing tool: A stand mixer with a whisk attachment is ideal for beating large quantities of batter. If you don’t have one, use a hand mixer or a whisk and a bit more elbow grease.
3. Beat in stages: Start by beating the butter until it’s light and fluffy. Then add the sugar gradually, beating well after each addition.
4. Add eggs one at a time: Beat each egg thoroughly before adding the next one. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter.
5. Beat in vanilla extract: Add this towards the end of the beating process to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Avoid overbeating, as this can result in a dense and tough final product. Aim for a light and fluffy texture that’s just set, but still retains some body.

Tips & Variations

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

To take your strawberry shortcake cookies to the next level, consider these tips and variations that can enhance their flavor and texture:

**Tips:**

Add a hint of lemon zest or lemon juice to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

Use high-quality vanilla extract for a deeper flavor profile.

Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the dough to firm up, making it easier to scoop and bake.

**Variations:**

Strawberry Basil Shortcake Cookies: Infuse the cookies with fresh basil leaves and use strawberry-basil jam instead of regular jam for a unique twist.

Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie before serving, or mix in heavy cream into the dough for an added richness.

Shortcake Sandwiches: Use the cookies as the “buns” and fill them with sliced strawberries and whipped cream, or even Nutella for a chocolatey twist.

**Enhancing Flavor:**

Strawberry jam can be replaced with fresh strawberry sauce made by cooking down fresh strawberries with a little sugar and water.

To deepen the flavor of the cookies, use browned butter instead of regular butter in the dough.

Cinnamon or cardamom can add warm and comforting notes to the cookies, especially during the winter months.

**Enhancing Texture:**

Chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts can provide a satisfying crunch to the cookies.

Add some chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

A sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie adds a touch of savory and can balance out the sweetness.

These tips and variations will help you create unique and delicious strawberry shortcake cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends!

• For a pop of color, sprinkle the tops with edible flowers or dried fruit

Adding a pop of color to your strawberry shortcake cookies can make them even more visually appealing and Instagram-worthy. To do this, consider sprinkling the tops with edible flowers or dried fruit.

Edible flowers such as violas, pansies, and roses come in a variety of colors and can add a delicate and whimsical touch to your cookies. They are also a great way to add a seasonal and spring-inspired element to your baked goods. Simply gently press the edible flowers onto the top of each cookie before baking for a beautiful and unique design.

Alternatively, you can use dried fruit such as cranberries or cherries to add a burst of color and flavor to your cookies. Dried fruit is easy to find in most grocery stores and comes in a variety of colors and shapes. You can simply sprinkle the dried fruit on top of each cookie before baking for a beautiful and tasty addition.

For an extra special touch, consider using edible glitter or dust to add some sparkle to your cookies. Edible glitter is available in a wide range of colors and can be sprinkled onto the tops of your cookies before baking for a fun and festive look.

If you want to get creative, you can also use cookie stamps or molds to create unique shapes and designs on your cookies. These can be made from materials such as silicone or metal and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Simply press the cookie stamp or mold into the dough before baking for a fun and custom design.

Finally, consider using different types of sprinkles or toppings to add a personal touch to your cookies. You can choose from a wide range of colors and flavors to match your theme or occasion. For example, you could use heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or red and green sprinkles for Christmas.

Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative with your cookie decorating! Try out different combinations of toppings and decorations to find what works best for you and your baking style.

• To add extra moisture, substitute 1 cup of strawberries with 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

The addition of Greek yogurt to this strawberry shortcake cookie recipe serves as an excellent example of how subtle variations can significantly impact its texture and flavor profile. By substituting 1 cup of strawberries with 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, you introduce a higher moisture content into the dough.

This adjustment has several implications. Firstly, it influences the overall texture of the cookies by making them slightly more tender and soft-baked. The fat content in Greek yogurt contributes to a better structure, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re aiming for chewy or slightly underbaked results.

From a flavor perspective, the addition of Greek yogurt subtly shifts the balance towards a creamier, sweeter taste experience without overpowering the delicate sweetness of strawberries. If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, it’s worth noting that this substitution will diminish its intensity slightly due to the introduction of another ingredient with a more pronounced taste.

In terms of the science behind this adjustment, Greek yogurt contains lactic acid and casein, which help to strengthen gluten networks in the dough. This can result in better cookie spread and a crisper exterior when baked properly. However, it’s essential to maintain a balance between ingredients to avoid overworking or over-developing the dough, which could negate these benefits.

Considering this variation, you might find that your cookies require slightly less leavening agents or liquid content, depending on your specific ingredient ratios and environmental conditions during baking. A closer examination of your recipe’s ratio of fat-to-dry ingredients is advisable to ensure optimal results with the incorporation of Greek yogurt.

This modification allows for an excellent opportunity to experiment with different types of Greek yogurt or add-ins, like vanilla bean paste, chopped nuts, or citrus zest, to further elevate this strawberry shortcake cookie recipe into unique flavor profiles and textures. By mastering this technique and adapting it to your taste preferences and ingredient availability, you’ll unlock new possibilities in creating memorable desserts.

Ultimately, the decision to incorporate Greek yogurt as a substitute for strawberries comes down to personal preference and desired outcomes in terms of texture and taste. If you find that this variation doesn’t quite suit your needs or expectations, you can always revert back to the original recipe or explore other modifications to achieve your ideal strawberry shortcake cookie experience.