These heart-shaped strawberry shortbread cookies are a delightful Valentine’s Day treat or a sweet indulgence for any occasion. The buttery shortbread cookies melt in your mouth, while the strawberry jam filling and strawberry glaze add a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. These cookies are not only delicious but also a charming way to show your love through baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery Perfection: The shortbread is rich, tender, and melts in your mouth.
Strawberry Bliss: Filled with jam and topped with glaze for a double dose of fruity flavor.
Festive Appeal: Heart shapes make them ideal for Valentine’s Day or romantic celebrations.
Customizable: Switch up the filling or glaze for different flavors.
Fun to Make: Perfect for involving kids or loved ones in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

125 g unsalted butter, softened
60 g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
180 g plain flour
¼ tsp fine salt
170 g strawberry jam
Strawberry Glaze:
- 2 tbsp strawberry puree
- 110 g powdered icing sugar
- 30 ml milk
- 1 tsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Make the Shortbread Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the plain flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Chill and Roll Out:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cut and Bake:
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- For half the cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to create a “window” in the center.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a small amount of strawberry jam on the solid cookies.
- Top with the cut-out “window” cookies, gently pressing them together.
Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together strawberry puree, powdered icing sugar, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Drizzle or dip the cookies into the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 sandwich cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Different Flavors: Use raspberry or apricot jam instead of strawberry.
Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies instead of the glaze.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Colored Glaze: Tint the glaze with food coloring for a festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unassembled cookies for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam?

Yes, store-bought jam works well, but homemade jam adds a special touch.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes.

3. How do I make strawberry puree?

Blend fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth, then strain to remove seeds if desired.

4. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day or two ahead and assemble them when ready to serve.

5. What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

Use any cookie cutter shape you have on hand or a glass to cut out circles.

6. How can I ensure my cookies don’t spread while baking?

Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.

7. Can I make the glaze thicker?

Yes, reduce the milk slightly for a thicker consistency.

8. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! Package them in decorative boxes or cellophane bags for a beautiful homemade gift.

9. Can I use salted butter?

If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the recipe.

10. How do I keep the cookies fresh longer?

Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate love or enjoy a sweet treat. Their buttery shortbread base, fruity jam filling, and luscious glaze make them irresistible. Try this recipe for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and charm!