Strawberry Butter Cookies

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There’s something utterly delightful about a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, and when you add the sweetness of strawberries and a touch of velvety buttercream, you get a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Strawberry Butter Cookies elevate the classic butter cookie to new heights, transforming it from a simple snack to a beautifully indulgent dessert. With their light, crisp texture and irresistible jam filling, these cookies are sure to capture hearts and taste buds alike. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence, these cookies are the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity.The combination of buttery dough, sweet strawberry jam, and creamy buttercream makes for a stunning dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. With a minimal amount of ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cookies offer both charm and ease, making them a great option for beginner bakers or those looking to create a showstopper with minimal effort. From the rich aroma of freshly baked cookies to the burst of strawberry flavor with every bite, these Strawberry Butter Cookies will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

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IngredientsBefore diving into the process, let’s take a look at the simple yet essential ingredients that come together to make these Strawberry Butter Cookies shine.For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups cake or all-purpose flour

For the Jam Filling:

• ¾ cup strawberry jam (You can use store-bought or homemade; see notes on thickening if needed)

For the Buttercream:

• ¾ cup butter
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Step-by-Step InstructionsStep 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by placing the softened butter and sugar into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a soft, airy texture in the cookies. The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar.
2. Add the Flour: Sift the flour into the butter and sugar mixture. Gently mix until a soft dough forms. You may want to switch to a spatula or your hands towards the end to incorporate the flour fully. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.

Step 2: Rolling and Chilling the Dough

3. Divide and Roll: Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a disk, then place each disk between two large sheets of parchment or wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough to about 3/16″ (5mm) thickness. This ensures that the cookies will bake evenly and have a delicate texture.
4. Chill the Dough: Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or cutting board and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and maintains their crisp texture.

Step 3: Shaping the Cookies

5. Cut the Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge. Peel off the top layer of parchment paper, then lightly dust the dough with flour to prevent sticking. Use a 2″ round cookie cutter to cut out the bottom layer of cookies. For the top layer, use a smaller round cookie cutter to cut a window in the center of half of the cookies.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out dough shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. The goal is to achieve a light, crisp cookie.

Step 4: Assembling the Cookies

7. Make the Buttercream: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the buttercream. In a bowl, beat the butter for about 2 minutes until fluffy and softened. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat the mixture until it is smooth, creamy, and well-combined. If desired, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor.
8. Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, take the bottom halves and pipe a ring of buttercream along the outer edge. Then, gently place the top halves (those with the cut-out center) over the buttercream to create a sandwich. Lightly press down to secure the top and bottom layers together.
9. Fill with Jam: Using a piping bag or a disposable plastic bag with the tip snipped off, pipe the strawberry jam into the center of each sandwich cookie. You can opt to use jam as is or thicken it with cornflour if you prefer a firmer consistency. To thicken, heat the jam with cornflour on the stove until it thickens to your liking, then allow it to cool before filling the cookies.
10. Finishing Touches: Once the cookies are assembled, lightly sprinkle them with powdered sugar or caster sugar to give them a delicate, refined look.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: A Sensory Experience

The moment you take a bite of these Strawberry Butter Cookies, you’ll be met with the delicate crunch of the buttery cookie, followed by a creamy, smooth texture from the buttercream. The jam adds a vibrant, sweet contrast, while the powdered sugar sprinkle on top adds an elegant touch. The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweetness, butteriness, and fruitiness, making each bite a treat for the senses.The buttery cookie provides a crisp, slightly crumbly texture, which pairs perfectly with the smoothness of the jam and the lightness of the buttercream. The strawberries in the jam bring a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the buttercream. The aroma while baking is utterly irresistible, filling the kitchen with the scent of freshly baked cookies and sweet strawberry notes.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

1. Substitute the Jam: While strawberry jam is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot. Each variation will bring a unique twist to the cookies.
2. Buttercream Variations: You can add different flavorings to the buttercream, such as lemon zest, almond extract, or even a splash of liqueur for an adult twist. This will give the cookies a more personalized touch.
3. Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use one with a good binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to help the dough hold together.
4. Jam Thickness: If you prefer a firmer jam filling, follow the optional step of reducing the jam with cornflour. A thicker jam will prevent it from spilling out of the cookies, giving you a neater presentation.
5. Butter Substitution: If you’re looking to reduce the butter content, you can substitute part of the butter with shortening or a plant-based butter alternative for a lighter cookie that’s still rich in flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry Butter Cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Tea Parties or Afternoon Tea: These cookies make an elegant addition to any afternoon tea spread. Their delicate flavor pairs beautifully with a pot of black tea or Earl Grey.
• Gift Giving: Pack them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift. The beauty and flavor of these cookies make them a perfect present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
• Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a baby shower, or a family gathering, these cookies will add a touch of homemade charm and sweetness to any event.

ConclusionThese Strawberry Butter Cookies are the perfect balance of elegance, simplicity, and flavor. With their buttery, crisp texture, sweet strawberry jam filling, and creamy buttercream center, they are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply enjoy a delicious homemade treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking collection. Their delicate beauty and irresistible taste make them a true showstopper that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Happy baking!