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    Home » Recipes » Holiday Recipes

    Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

    April 13, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

    1.7K shares
    strawberry shortbread cookies pin

    These strawberry shortbread cookies are the perfect sweet treat! Take a soft, buttery shortbread base and add sweet, tart strawberry jam and you’ve got these strawberry jam shortbread cookies!

    JUMP TO RECIPE RECIPE VIDEO PIN FOR LATER SAVE THIS RECIPE SAVED!
    strawberry jam shortbread cookies on a wire rack
    Strawberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    And if you love these strawberry butter cookies, try my Lemon Curd Cookies, my Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies, or my Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar!

    Strawberry Shortbread Cookies (Knotts Berry Farm Inspired)

    If you've had the Knotts strawberry shortbread cookies, this strawberry jam cookies recipe has all those flavors and then some! It's a soft, buttery shortbread cookie that comes together with just a few ingredients.

    Then, before baking, we'll add a bit of sweet strawberry jam to give them even more amazing flavor! And because they're so easy to make, you'll want to make these strawberry butter cookies over and over!

    stacked strawberry butter cookies
    Strawberry Butter Cookies Recipe
    Jump to:
    • Strawberry Shortbread Cookies (Knotts Berry Farm Inspired)
    • What is the difference between a butter cookie and a shortbread cookie?
    • What does cornstarch do to shortbread?
    • What is the trick to shortbread?
    • Strawberry Cookies Ingredients
    • Equipment Needed
    • Tips and F.A.Q.
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Strawberry Shortbread Cookies - Strawberry Jam Cookies Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is the difference between a butter cookie and a shortbread cookie?

    I sometimes call these strawberry butter cookies, because they've got more ingredients than a traditional shortbread cookie. Shortbread cookies traditionally have three ingredients: flour, butter, and granulated sugar.

    These strawberry shortbread thumbprint cookies also include a little lemon zest for added flavor, and they use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar.

    What does cornstarch do to shortbread?

    Though it's not a traditional ingredient, I use powdered sugar in many of my shortbread-based recipes, like my chocolate orange shortbread cookies or my cranberry white chocolate shortbread cookies.

    In my experience, the cornstarch and lighter texture of powdered sugar works so well in shortbread cookies to keep them from spreading in the oven. It also contributes to a soft, light texture that I love in these strawberry jam cookies!

    strawberry shortbread thumbprint cookies on a tray
    Strawberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

    What is the trick to shortbread?

    My #1 tip is to make sure that your ingredients stay cold all the way up until the cookies go into the oven. That's why for this strawberry jam cookies recipe, we're using cold butter to mix into our dough, then chilling the dough again to give the dough time to rest and make sure it's fully chilled.

    Then, once our cookies are formed, we'll add one more quick chill while the oven preheats. All this chilling keeps the butter from melting too quickly in the oven, which keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps us achieve the tender, buttery texture we want in these strawberry shortbread thumbprint cookies! And if you love strawberry desserts, you've got to try my Strawberry Blueberry Pie!

    ingredients for strawberry jam cookies
    Strawberry Jam Cookies Ingredients

    Strawberry Cookies Ingredients

    • powdered sugar - I like using powdered sugar because it gives these strawberry jam cookies a softer, lighter texture! Be sure you use a kitchen scale to measure your powdered sugar for best results, or use the spoon-and-level method.
    • lemon zest - this is optional, but a little lemon zest complements the sweetness of these strawberry butter cookies, and adds delicious flavor! For more lemony goodness, check out my full collection of recipes with lemon curd!
    • salted butter - your butter should be cold and cut into cubes. I like to cut it into cubes and then place it back in the fridge to chill. I use salted butter for this recipe, but if you prefer, you can use unsalted butter and then add ½ teaspoon of salt with your flour. For the best flavor, I recommend using a high-quality European-style butter -- I often use Kerrygold.
    • all-purpose flour - like your powdered sugar, it's important to use the accurate amount of flour. since scooped flour can have varying amounts depending on how much the flour is packed down, I recommend using a kitchen scale to measure it by weight, or using the spoon-and-level method.
    • strawberry jam - the best part of these yummy strawberry jam cookies! You can use any strawberry jam or strawberry preserves you like, preferably one made with almost all fruit! I like Smuckers Simply Fruit. You can also use a homemade jam like this Indian gooseberry jam!
    • white sparkling sugar - I like to add some sparkly coarse sugar to the tops of these strawberry butter cookies before baking to add sweetness and crunch!
    strawberry jam cookies recipe close up
    Strawberry Jam Cookies Recipe

    Equipment Needed

    I prepared these cookies with a food processor, which makes the dough much easier to bring together with cold butter. If you don't have a food processor, you can also use a stand mixer. You'll also need baking sheets, parchment paper, and a microplane grater to zest your lemon!

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    Should butter be cold for shortbread?

    You can make shortbread cookies with cold butter or with softened butter -- I use softened butter in my chocolate orange shortbread cookies. But for thumbprint-style cookies like these strawberry jam cookies I prefer using cold butter to make sure that the shape and texture of the cookie stays intact.

    What happens if you don't chill shortbread dough?

    It won't be the end of the world, but your cookies might spread a little too much and lose their shape. They also won't have the time to rest in the fridge, so the flavor and texture won't be as good.

    How do I store or freeze these strawberry jam shortbread cookies?

    These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week if kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen, well wrapped, for up to 3 months.

    Strawberry cookies stacked on a wire rack

    What other cookie recipes should I try?

    If you like this recipe, you'll love my Lemon Lavender Cookies and my Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies! Or check out my Lemon Blueberry Cookies for an easy cake mix recipe bursting with fresh berries!

    And if you love butterscotch, check out my Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies! Or, for LOTS of cookie ideas, check out my roundups of the Best Cookies for a Cookie Exchange and the Best Gluten Free Dairy Free Cookies Recipes!

    And for more strawberry goodness, check out my Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes!

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    📖 Recipe

    strawberry jam shortbread cookies on a wire rack

    Strawberry Shortbread Cookies - Strawberry Jam Cookies Recipe

    5 from 25 votes
    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    These strawberry shortbread cookies are the perfect sweet treat! Take a soft, buttery shortbread base and add sweet, tart strawberry jam and you’ve got these strawberry jam shortbread cookies! You’re going to love these strawberry butter cookies so much!
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 13 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 33 minutes minutes
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 26 cookies
    Calories: 128kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • food processor
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • food scale
    • mixing bowls
    • parchment paper
    • ¾ sheet baking pan
    • microplane grater/zester

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar - measured by weight or fluffed using the spoon-and-level method
    • 1 teaspoon (2 g) lemon zest
    • 1 cup (227 g) salted butter - cold, cubed
    • ½ teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract
    • 2 cup (250 g) all-purpose flour - measured by weight or fluffed using the spoon-and-level method
    • ⅓ cup (113 g) strawberry jam - or strawberry preserves
    • white sparkling sugar - for topping (optional)

    Instructions

    • Combine powdered sugar and lemon zest in the bowl of a food processor or stand mixer. Mix to combine and bring out lemon oils.
    • Add cold cubed butter and vanilla, and cream the mixture until well-combined and smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
    • Gradually add in flour, processing until fully incorporated and dough is well mixed. Place dough in refrigerator, covered, to chill for an hour.
    • Roll dough into smooth tablespoon-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Use the back of a utensil, your thumb, a teaspoon measuring spoon or a wine cork to press a shallow indentation in the center of each dough ball (about halfway down).
    • Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam and sprinkle each with white sparkling sugar (if using).
    • Place baking sheet in freezer to chill for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 13 minutes, or until edges of cookies are slightly golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet, then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Last Step!Click here to leave a review and a star rating! It helps spread the word and allows me to keep sharing free recipes! 🥰

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 128 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 19 mg | Sodium: 58 mg | Potassium: 16 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 7 g | Vitamin A: 218 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 5 mg | Iron: 1 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Last Updated on April 12, 2025 by Chenée Lewis

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    1.7K shares

    Comments

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    1. Therese says

      April 28, 2024 at 11:29 pm

      5 stars
      Can you freeze this dough recipe ? It’s so delicious

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        January 08, 2025 at 4:54 pm

        Absolutely! Just wrap it up well and freeze in a freezer bag, then let it thaw in the fridge before you make your cookies.

        Reply
    2. Traci says

      June 26, 2023 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      Every time I make these, I'm reminded of making Christmas cookies with mom. Great recipe for the occasion. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        July 18, 2023 at 2:30 pm

        Thank you! They're great holiday cookies.

        Reply
    3. Elizabeth says

      June 26, 2023 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy cookie recipe! Thanks for the tip on keeping the ingredients cold up until baking the dough. It definitely helps!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        January 02, 2024 at 3:36 pm

        Thanks so much! I'm glad it helped!

        Reply
    4. MINDY says

      June 26, 2023 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      This looks beautiful and would be such a hit at my home!!

      Reply
    5. Kim says

      June 26, 2023 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      OOH these look absolutely delicious! I am putting the ingredients on my grocery list now!

      Reply
    6. Sara Welch says

      June 26, 2023 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      Whipped up a batch of these this afternoon and they did not disappoint! Turned out perfectly moist, sweet and delicious! Exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        July 02, 2023 at 5:02 pm

        Awesome! That's always a great feeling 🙂

        Reply
    7. Amy says

      May 06, 2023 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      These are fantastic! - I love shortbread with jam! Even better in cookie form! I only had raspberry jam and used that.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 06, 2023 at 10:29 pm

        Yum! I love these with raspberry!

        Reply
    8. Teresa says

      May 06, 2022 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      So good! Even those who typically pass on dessert will take one (and come back for another)

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 17, 2022 at 2:02 am

        It's so true! They're always a big hit!

        Reply
    9. Cathleen says

      April 24, 2022 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      These are my ideal cookies!! My husband has actually been requesting these exact cookies, so I am so excited to make them tomorrow. Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 17, 2022 at 2:02 am

        Perfect timing! I hope you both enjoyed them!

        Reply
    10. Lauren Michael Harris says

      April 24, 2022 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      These cookies are so pretty! They remind me of strawberry jam cookies my mom used to make for us - my kids are going to love them!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 06, 2022 at 2:29 pm

        Yay! Hope you all enjoy!

        Reply
    11. Amita says

      April 24, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      I am saving the recipe to make for Mother's day. It is going to be so delicious with strawberries. I can tell it will be perfect for the brunch I have planned.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 06, 2022 at 2:29 pm

        I hope they work perfectly with your brunch!

        Reply
    12. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      April 24, 2022 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      Oh. My. GOODNESS! These were crazy delicious and so easy! I might have hidden the last 4 or 5 of these from my hubby so I didn't have to share! Definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        June 03, 2022 at 11:52 am

        So glad to hear it! Thanks!

        Reply
    13. Uma says

      April 22, 2022 at 5:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love to make shortbread cookies. These strawberry shortbread cookies are the perfect sweet treat!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        April 24, 2022 at 5:28 pm

        Thank you! I love shortbread cookies too!

        Reply
    14. Freya says

      April 22, 2022 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      My new favourite cookies! I loved the little crunch from the sparkling sugar too!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 17, 2022 at 2:02 am

        I love that part too! Thank you!

        Reply
    15. Leslie says

      April 21, 2022 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is just the most perfect dessert recipe. So cute and so easy to make as well! Love this!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        June 03, 2022 at 11:48 am

        So glad you liked them!!

        Reply
    16. Amanda Mason says

      April 20, 2022 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      So so good! You nailed the copycat so well! Not only are these really delicious and easy to make, but they are also so pretty! They were a huge hit here at our home!!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        April 24, 2022 at 5:29 pm

        Thank you! So glad you all liked them!

        Reply
    17. Amanda says

      April 19, 2022 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      These cookies were delicious! The cookie was so soft and buttery, and I loved that little fresh fruity burst of flavor with the jam.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        April 19, 2022 at 11:38 am

        Thank you so much! I love these cookies too.

        Reply
    18. Raksha Kamat says

      April 19, 2022 at 10:56 am

      5 stars
      These cookies look so good. I made them today and kiddo just grabbed few. Loved all the tips that you mentioned specially addition of cornstarch which prevents them from spreading in the oven.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        April 20, 2022 at 1:06 am

        Thank you so much! And yes I love that tip!

        Reply
    strawberry shortbread cookies pin

    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking and cooking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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