Best Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

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Few things say “I love you” quite like a delicate, buttery shortbread cookie shaped like a heart and filled with sweet strawberry jam. These Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are a romantic, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or just a sweet surprise for someone you adore.

The magic is in their simplicity. Made with a rich, buttery dough that bakes to golden perfection, these cookies are sandwiched with luscious strawberry preserves and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite offers a tender crunch followed by fruity sweetness, making them as delightful to eat as they are to gift.

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What Kind of Shortbread Dough Works Best?

For the cleanest heart shapes and that signature crumbly texture, use a classic shortbread dough with a higher butter-to-flour ratio. Avoid doughs with egg or leavening agents—they’ll puff and distort the shape. Chill the dough before and after cutting to help keep the sharp lines intact.

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Ingredients for the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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How To Make the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.

Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough.

Step 3: Chill and Roll

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.

Step 4: Cut and Bake

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, cut out a small heart window in the center. Place on a lined baking sheet and chill again for 10 minutes. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 5: Fill and Assemble

Once cooled, spread strawberry jam on the solid heart cookies and top with the cut-out ones to make sandwiches. Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

Serve these cookies on a platter for tea parties, holiday trays, or romantic occasions. They also make beautiful edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane bags with ribbon.

To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment between layers. For longer storage, freeze the unfilled cookies and assemble with jam after thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the heart shape from spreading?

Chill the dough before and after cutting the shapes. This helps the butter firm up and prevents spreading during baking.

Can I use other jam flavors?

Absolutely! Raspberry, cherry, or apricot jam are all delicious alternatives.

Do I have to make them heart-shaped?

Not at all. Feel free to use any cookie cutter shape you love. The shortbread and jam combo is versatile.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough a day ahead or bake and freeze the cookies (unfilled). Assemble just before serving for best texture.

Why are my cookies too crumbly?

Shortbread is naturally delicate, but if it’s falling apart too much, try letting them cool longer before handling, or reduce baking time slightly.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re obsessed with these strawberry-filled sweethearts, you’ll love diving into more cookie creativity:

• Try the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for festive cheer.
• Whip up some Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for a no-bake crunchy treat.
• Our Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies make cookie night quick and effortless.
• Go fruity with Raspberry Crescent Rolls in just a few steps.
• Or get cozy with Lemon Sugar Cookies that bring zing to your dessert tray.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this cookie recipe to your Pinterest dessert board for your next celebration or rainy-day bake.

And tell me in the comments how your batch turned out! Did you use homemade jam or something store-bought? Did you switch the shape or flavor?

Let’s inspire each other—baking is always better when shared. For more daily recipe ideas, follow along at Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

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