Welcome to Sticky Fingers Candy, where we're excited to share a delightful recipe that will elevate your springtime baking experience. Our Sparkly Strawberry Shortbread Cookies are the epitome of sweetness and charm, combining the delicate flavors of strawberries with the buttery richness of shortbread. Get ready to indulge in a burst of berry goodness and a satisfying crunch. Let's dive into this sensational recipe!
Strawberry Cookies: A Rare and Irresistible Treat:
When was the last time you enjoyed a strawberry cookie? Chances are, it's a rare find. Incorporating juicy strawberries into a crunchy cookie can be quite a challenge. But fear not, because we've discovered the secret to creating a cookie that not only looks demure in its pretty pink hue but also packs a remarkable burst of fresh berry flavor. Brace yourself for the ultimate strawberry cookie experience!
The Magic Ingredient: Freeze-Dried Strawberries:
The key to achieving the luscious berry taste in our Strawberry Shortbread Cookies lies in freeze-dried strawberries. By removing all the moisture, these berries transform into a concentrated delight that can be effortlessly transformed into a fine powder. This strawberry powder becomes the star of our shortbread dough, infusing it with a soft pink hue and a bright, juicy flavor. And the best part? Freeze-dried strawberries are simply strawberries, with no artificial flavors commonly found in commercial products. Prepare yourself for the authentic taste of fresh strawberries in every bite!
How to Make Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder:
Now, let's dive into the process of creating your own freeze-dried strawberry powder. Follow these simple steps:
1. Start with freeze-dried strawberries. We recommend using brands like Trader Joe's, which offer high-quality freeze-dried fruit.
2. Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blitz them until they transform into a fine powder. Within seconds, you'll witness the magic happen as the strawberries turn into a delightful dust of pure flavor. If you prefer, a food processor can also be used, although the resulting powder may not be as fine.
3. A 1.2-ounce bag of freeze-dried strawberries typically yields approximately 3-4 tablespoons of delicious strawberry "dust." Keep this measurement in mind for the perfect balance of flavor in your cookies.
Finding Freeze-Dried Strawberries:
You can easily find freeze-dried strawberries in the dried fruit section of your local market or explore online options. These flavorful gems are a convenient addition to your pantry for various baking adventures.
Sparkle and Crunch: The Perfect Finishing Touch:
To add a touch of pizazz and an appealing sweet crunch to our Sparkly Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, we recommend rimming them with a sprinkle of sparkling sugar. This coarse sugar boasts a super shine that elevates the visual appeal of the cookies. It's not just about looks—this sparkling sugar contributes to the overall texture and taste, making each bite an exquisite experience.
With our Sparkly Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, you'll unlock the perfect combination of fresh berry flavor, buttery richness, and delightful crunch. Thanks to the magic of freeze-dried strawberries, you can now savor the authentic taste of strawberries in a cookie like never before. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are bound to captivate your taste buds. We can't wait for you to try them and share your feedback. Get baking and enjoy the essence of spring in every bite!
Recipe:
Strawberry cookies are a rare delight, and with our Sparkly Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, we've created a recipe that captures the essence of fresh strawberries. These pretty pink treats are packed with a burst of berry flavor and a delightful crunch. The secret ingredient? Freeze-dried strawberries! Let us guide you through the process of creating these delectable cookies, step by step.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: Makes 20+ cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 Tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder (See Cook's Notes for instructions on making your own)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Sparkling sugar
- 1 egg white, beaten (pasteurized egg can be used)
Instructions:
1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In the bowl of a food processor or stand mixer, combine the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract (if using). Sift in the freeze-dried strawberry powder to avoid lumps and cream the mixture until well incorporated and streak-free.
3. Add the flour to the mixture and pulse about 10 times in the food processor or mix on low speed with a stand mixer. Process or mix until the dough comes together into a lump or lumps.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly to ensure a smooth consistency. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for approximately 2 hours or until firm.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a cookie cutter of your choice (approximately 2 inches) to cut out cookies. For best results, refrigerate the cut cookies for 15-20 minutes before baking.
6. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg white and sprinkle sparkling sugar on each one for added sweetness and crunch.
7. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crunchiness. Avoid browning the cookies; they should remain a light golden color.
Cook's Notes:
- To make your own strawberry powder, start with freeze-dried strawberries (e.g., Trader Joe's brand). Place them in a high-speed blender or food processor and blitz until they turn into a fine powder. A 1.2-ounce bag of freeze-dried strawberries will yield approximately 3-4 tablespoons of strawberry "dust."
- Freeze-dried strawberries can be found in the dried fruit section of your local market or purchased online.
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of fresh strawberries with our Sparkly Strawberry Shortbread Cookies. The unique combination of freeze-dried strawberry powder and buttery shortbread will delight your taste buds. These cookies are perfect for springtime, special occasions, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. We can't wait to hear what you think of these delightful creations—be sure to share your feedback with us!