Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Imagine biting into a cookie that tastes exactly like your favorite summer dessert—strawberry shortcake—but in handheld form. These Strawberry Shortcake Cookies with Cream Filling bring together tender, buttery cookies studded with fresh strawberries and a luscious vanilla cream filling that's impossibly light and sweet. Each sandwich cookie is a nostalgic tribute to lazy afternoons, garden parties, and the simple joy of fresh berries at their peak. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, these cookies deliver classic flavors with a delightful twist.

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The magic of these cookies lies in the balance between the soft, cake-like texture and the bright strawberry flavor. Unlike traditional shortcake, these cookies hold their shape beautifully while still melting in your mouth. The sour cream in the dough keeps everything incredibly moist, while the vanilla cream filling adds just the right amount of indulgence. They're fancy enough for a special celebration but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight when you're craving something sweet and satisfying.

Ingredients

• For the Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened), 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/3 cup (80 ml) sour cream, 1 cup (130 g) fresh strawberries (finely diced and patted dry)
• For the Cream Filling: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened), 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar (sifted), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Mix in the sour cream.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Filling

For the cream filling, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe cream filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to perfect strawberry shortcake cookies is ensuring your strawberries are as dry as possible before folding them into the dough. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels after dicing to remove excess moisture—this prevents the cookies from becoming soggy and helps them bake evenly. When creaming the butter and sugar, don't rush this step; beating them until truly light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes) creates the tender, cake-like texture that makes these cookies special. For the filling, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature so it whips up smooth and creamy without any lumps.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Want to customize these cookies? Add a hint of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy note that enhances the strawberry flavor beautifully. You can also substitute the fresh strawberries with freeze-dried strawberries ground into a powder for a more concentrated flavor and less moisture. For a different twist, try adding a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the cream filling for extra fruity sweetness. If you prefer a lighter filling, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese for a tangy, cheesecake-inspired center. During the holidays, add a drop of red food coloring to the dough for festive pink cookies.

Serviervorschläge

These strawberry shortcake cookies shine at garden parties, bridal showers, or spring brunches. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand alongside fresh strawberries and mint sprigs for an elegant presentation. They pair wonderfully with a glass of chilled rosé, sparkling lemonade, or iced vanilla tea. For a decadent dessert, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though they're best enjoyed within the first two days when the cookies are at their softest and the filling is perfectly creamy.

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There's something magical about transforming a beloved classic dessert into a new form, and these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies do exactly that. Every bite offers the perfect balance of fruity sweetness, buttery richness, and creamy indulgence. They're the kind of treat that brings smiles to faces and creates memories around the table. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your cookie journey, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and absolutely delicious. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with strawberry shortcake all over again—one cookie sandwich at a time.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to prepare the strawberries?

Finely dice fresh strawberries and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that can affect the texture of the cookies.

→ How should the cream filling be made?

Beat softened butter until creamy, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.

→ Can the cookies be stored after assembly?

Store assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

→ What baking temperature and time are recommended?

Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 13–15 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.

→ Are there any suggestions for flavor enhancement?

Add a hint of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrus note that complements the strawberries.