The Best Strawberry Shortbread Biscuits

Strawberry Shortbread

One of my all time favorite snacks in the world are shortbread biscuits. I don’t always remember them. But when I do, I need them. Right away. Thankfully this recipe is perfectly timed for a delicious strawberry shortbread during strawberry season. Plus it is a very quick and easy one. It can be intimidating at first glance with the long list of ingredients. And, yes, there’s a lot of butter in them. But they’re so good.

Strawberry Season

Strawberry season is upon us. I am taking full advantage and you need to too, we need to take advantage of it in every way. There are so many things to bake, create, and enjoy during the short season they have. These biscuits may very well be my favorite though. 

The strawberry season also means that the weather is getting warmer. They are among the first fruits to ripen in the northeast and are one of the most popular fruits to cultivate in the world. They can be enjoyed fresh right off the vine, but I personally like a little honey and mint with them. The best part is that you can also cook with them in a variety of ways.

Circling back, because I can get a bit distracted. I definitely wrote in the June email about my love for strawberries right before this former sentence was written… It happens. If you want to know more definitely subscribe here. (Yes, I had to plug my newsletter). We all get distracted and have new ideas in the middle of sentences right?

Anyway! These strawberry shortbread cookies are the best. Hands down they are my favorite way to enjoy this seasons’ strawberries. Also, if you try out my recipe to make the jam from scratch, you can enjoy the season year round!

A Short Note on Shortbread

Shortbread for me is very much a mood. Any time I have shortbreads, I want the whole setup. What I mean is, they make me think of relaxing with some coffee or tea. There is a very relaxing quality to them that involves a ritual in my mind more than other types of cookies.

Food for me is very much about the memory and creating a memory in time. When I enjoy shortbread biscuits I think back to my childhood, drinking a cup of tea and having a shortbread jam biscuit with my family. Yes sure, it is still a treat to have them like any other.

But think about a chocolate chip cookie. They are more of a guilty pleasure after a long hard day to lift your spirits. Whereas the shortbread is more of a take-a-break cookie. Its like a 2 in the afternoon drink something to bring you back and have a snack type of cookie. Its that moment of peace in a busy lifestyle where all that needs to be on your mind is the moment you are in. Theres no thinking about the past or future, just the present.

Yes, I know I just said I remember being with family but not in like a fun reminiscing way, more like in a calm afternoon treat after a day of work but before the work has truly finished.

In Scandinavia, they may call this time Fika. It is a term from the Swedish tongue meaning “coffee and a cake break.” And it is a time to share a small bite and a drink with colleagues or ones self. I love this because it really promotes a happy life. Its not all about work 24/7, we need to take breaks to keep our minds healthy. Everyone needs that thing in life to keep a healthy mind and I personally suggest involving Fika into yours.

Strawberry Shortbread Biscuit

Let’s set up our mis en place!

By now I am hoping you read all about why mis en place is important, but if not, check it out by clicking the link above. Now, what do you need to make these delicious biscuits? Let’s start with what materials you will need. Okay so first, per usual, a stand mixer. I recommend the Kitchen Aid brand because they are reliable and last FOREVER! Yes, expensive, but totally worth it.

You will also need, per usual, a rubber spatula, a baking tray, and a silicone baking mat or parchment paper (never wax paper).

Next you need to set up your ingredients. First we need All purpose flour (500g), Baking powder, Sugar (220g), Unsalted butter (300g), and 2 Large Eggs. Finally, you will need jam, I made homemade strawberry jam, which I am working on writing for you lovely people, but for now you can always use your favorite, locally sourced is always best.

Now, to the baking!

Start with preheating your oven to 400°F. Next, set up your baking sheet with the parchment paper or silicone mat and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, add 4 cups of All purpose flour (500g), 1 tbsp. Baking powder, and 1 cup Sugar (220g). Knead all dry ingredients with the 21 tbsp. of Unsalted butter (300g). Yes, I know that is. alot of butter, but it is so worth the calories (or at least that’s what my girlfriend says after watching The Great British Baking Show). Ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Now, lightly beat your eggs and then add them to the butter mixture. Using the stand mixer, mix together on a low speed until they are just combined. DEFINITELY DO NOT OVERWORK THE DOUGH.

Now, shape the dough into approximately 20 golf ball size portions with your hands. Place them on the prepared baking tray about 1 to 2 inches apart. Make an indentation with your thumb into each of biscuit, this is to hold the jam. Put a little dollop of jam into each of the indents.

Time to Bake

The oven should be preheated to 400°F by now and with the baking sheets prepared, place the biscuits in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy your strawberry shortbread!

Eat and enjoy as soon as the strawberry shortbread biscuits are cool for the full effect! I like mine with a nice cup of tea.

If strawberry shortbread biscuits aren’t really your thing, (crazy) check out any other of my delicious recipes below, including my new strawberry donuts (recipe here).