Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

There is something truly magical about the combination of buttery, crumbly shortbread paired with a burst of sweet and tangy strawberry jam. This Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a classic treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you are baking for a cozy afternoon tea or looking for a charming dessert to impress friends, these delightful cookies offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to bring you the perfect cookie. Each one plays a vital role in creating the rich, tender crumb and that irresistible hint of sweetness topped with luscious strawberry jelly.

• 1 stick butter, softened: Provides a rich buttery base that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, helping to balance the buttery flavor.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the tender texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Offers a delicate nutty note that deepens the overall flavor profile.
• 1 cup flour: The foundation of the cookie, creating structure without making it tough.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the butter’s richness.
• 10 teaspoons strawberry jelly: Adds a vibrant splash of fruity goodness in the heart-shaped centers.

How to Make Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Start by lining a large baking sheet with a silicone mat. This little tip prevents your cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them keep their charming shape. Make sure you clear some space in your fridge, as chilling the dough is key to success later.

Step 2: Beat the Butter Until Fluffy

Place the softened butter in a large bowl and use an electric mixer on high speed. As you whisk, you’ll notice the butter lighten from yellow to a pale cream color. This fluffiness creates the light texture that shortbread is loved for.

Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar Gradually

Slowly stream in the granulated sugar while beating the butter. This ensures the sugar dissolves well and helps produce that tender crumb in the final cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract thoroughly. These ingredients bring moisture, flavor, and a subtle complexity that lift the dough from simple to spectacular.

Step 5: Combine Flour and Salt With the Dough

Evenly sprinkle the flour and salt over the wet mixture. Use the electric mixer just until the dough starts to come together. It may seem crumbly initially but don’t worry—the warmth of your hands will bring it together beautifully when you roll it out.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies Into Hearts

Scoop 2 teaspoons of dough at a time, rolling each into a ball and placing them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Dip your pinky in flour and gently press it sideways onto each dough ball to create half of a heart. Repeat with a floured pinky to complete the heart shape—a sweet, personal touch that’s easier than it looks.

Step 7: Add the Strawberry Jelly

Using a 1/4 teaspoon measure, place a small dollop of strawberry jelly on each side of the heart-shaped dough. The jelly adds that signature sweet and tart flavor and bright red color that visually ties the whole cookie together.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

This step cannot be skipped! Chill the cookie sheet in the fridge for one hour. This cold rest helps the cookies keep their shape and makes baking more even so you’ll get that perfect buttery crispness.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, watching closely for the edges of the cookie bottoms to turn a gentle golden brown. This subtle color change is your sign that the cookies are perfectly baked—cool completely on the baking sheet, as they are delicate and need time to firm up before moving.

How to Serve Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

This recipe is stunning on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant, festive touch that makes the strawberry centers pop. For added texture, sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds around the jam or lightly press a tiny mint leaf at the base for a morning brunch look.

Side Dishes

Pair your shortbread cookies with a freshly brewed cup of tea or a cappuccino for an indulgent afternoon treat. Alternatively, a bowl of mixed berries or a light fruit salad complements the fruity jelly and the buttery cookie perfectly, turning your snack into a small celebration of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these heart-shaped cookies on a pretty platter for a charming display. For gifting, pack them in decorative tins with parchment paper or stack wrapped cookies in cellophane tied with a ribbon for a delightful handmade present. Layering vanilla ice cream between two cookies is an irresistible idea for a summer dessert twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally on a paper towel-lined plate to prevent sogginess. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for nibbling over several days.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. The strawberry jam becomes gooey and the cookie softens just slightly, reminding you of fresh-baked treats straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! The recipe pairs beautifully with raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite fruity combination to personalize your Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe.

Do I have to use almond extract?

Almond extract adds a lovely subtle depth, but if you’re allergic or don’t like the flavor, you can omit it or replace it with a little extra vanilla extract without sacrificing the cookie’s integrity.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps the flavors meld together and creates the distinctive crumbly texture of shortbread.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another stabilizer to ensure the cookies hold together properly.

How do I prevent the cookies from getting too hard after baking?

Make sure not to over-bake; remove them once the bottoms start to turn golden. Also, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple to maintain moisture if you’re keeping them for days.

Final Thoughts

Making this Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe is truly a joyful experience that rewards your effort with tender, buttery cookies bursting with fruity charm. It’s an inviting treat to share with family or friends, and once you’ve tasted these little hearts of happiness, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again. So go ahead, bake a batch and fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of homemade love!

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