Shortbread Cookies with White Chocolate and Strawberries – A Perfect Combination of Sweet and Fruity

Shortbread Cookies with White Chocolate and Strawberries – A Perfect Combination of Sweet and Fruity

Shortbread cookies with white chocolate and strawberries are the perfect combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with the rich sweetness of white chocolate and the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries. These cookies are not only simple to make, but they also make a beautiful addition to any dessert table. The addition of strawberries brings a burst of fruity freshness, while the white chocolate adds a creamy richness that complements the crisp, buttery shortbread.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves shortbread and wants to add a twist by incorporating the flavors of white chocolate and strawberries. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. The texture is light and crumbly, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the chocolate and fruit.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make these delicious shortbread cookies with white chocolate and strawberries, along with tips for customizing the recipe and serving suggestions to make your treats even more special.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (or freeze-dried strawberries for a more concentrated flavor)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Additional white chocolate (for drizzling on top)
• Extra fresh strawberry slices (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This will create the rich, buttery base for your shortbread. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results, or simply beat by hand with a whisk.

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing. Then, gradually add the flour and salt. Stir until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft, but not sticky.

2. Add the White Chocolate and Strawberries: Fold in the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate and the chopped strawberries. Be gentle when mixing to avoid mashing the strawberries too much, as you want some small chunks to remain in the dough for bursts of flavor in each bite.

3. Shape the Cookies: Once your dough is ready, use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. If you want a more uniform shape, you can flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon.

4. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. The cookies should be firm to the touch but still soft in the center.

Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Drizzle with Extra White Chocolate (Optional): If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and decoration, you can melt some additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Simply place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until it’s melted and smooth. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the chocolate over the cookies for a beautiful, glossy finish.

6. Garnish and Serve: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can top the cookies with a thin slice of fresh strawberry before serving. These cookies are perfect for a tea party, special occasion, or simply as a treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for Success

• Butter: Be sure to use softened butter for the best texture. Cold butter can make the dough harder to work with, and melted butter will change the texture of the cookies.

• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best, but they contain a lot of moisture. If you’re using fresh strawberries, make sure to chop them small and pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie dough. Alternatively, you can use freeze-dried strawberries for a more concentrated strawberry flavor without the extra moisture.

• White Chocolate: If you prefer a more intense white chocolate flavor, you can chop a high-quality white chocolate bar into chunks instead of using chocolate chips. This will give you larger pockets of white chocolate in the cookies.

• Cookie Texture: If you prefer a more crisp cookie, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking. For a thicker, softer cookie, leave the dough balls round.

• Storage: These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Strawberries: Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which support a healthy immune system and promote radiant skin. They are also high in fiber, which helps with digestion.

White Chocolate: While white chocolate is a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation, it contains cocoa butter, which has beneficial fatty acids. It also adds a smooth and creamy texture to the cookies that pairs perfectly with the fresh strawberries.

Butter: Butter adds richness to the cookies, and while it should be used in moderation, it provides essential fats that help support brain function and energy.

Variations and Customizations

• Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch, add chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts into the dough along with the white chocolate and strawberries. The nuts will add a complementary texture and flavor to the soft shortbread.

• Citrus Twist: To enhance the flavor, consider adding a little citrus zest to the dough, such as lemon or orange zest. The citrus will brighten up the sweetness of the white chocolate and strawberries.

• Spices: You can add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced note. These spices pair beautifully with the strawberries and chocolate.

• Gluten-Free Option: To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of flour depending on the blend you're using.

Conclusion

Shortbread cookies with white chocolate and strawberries are a deliciously indulgent treat that brings together the buttery richness of shortbread with the sweet, fruity freshness of strawberries and the creamy flavor of white chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just enjoying a sweet snack at home, these cookies will satisfy your cravings for something light, sweet, and decadent. Easy to make and highly customizable, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of fruit and chocolate. Enjoy the delightful textures and flavors in every bite!