Best Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Light, soft, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these cookies taste just like classic strawberry shortcake—without the fuss of layers. They feature a fluffy base, cream cheese frosting, and a sweet macerated strawberry topping. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings!

Ingredients

For the cookies (makes 18):

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  
  

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  
  

• 2 large eggs
  
  

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
  

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  
  

• 1 tsp baking powder
  
  

• 1 tsp cornstarch
  
  

• ¼ tsp fine salt
  
  

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  
  

• 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
  
  

• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  
  

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
  

For the strawberry topping:

• 1 cup (150 g) finely diced strawberries
  
  

• 1 tbsp honey
  
  

• 1 tsp lemon juice
  
  

Instructions

1. Make the cookie dough
   
   

   • Cream together butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
     
     

   • Beat in eggs and vanilla until fully combined.
     
     

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
     
     

2. Scoop & chill
   
   

   • Form dough into balls (about 1–2 tbsp each) and place on a baking sheet.
     
     

   • Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
     
     

3. Bake
   
   

   • Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
     
     

   • Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers remain soft. Let them cool completely.
     
     

4. Make frosting
   
   

   • Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth.
     
     

   • Gradually add powdered sugar and whip until fluffy.
     
     

5. Prepare strawberry topping
   
   

   • Toss diced strawberries with honey and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
     
     

6. Assemble
   
   

   • Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies.
     
     

   • Spoon a bit of strawberry mixture on top of each cookie.
     
     

   • Serve immediately for best texture.
     
     

Serving Suggestion

These cookies are best enjoyed right after assembly, when the frosting is creamy and the strawberries are fresh. You can store the baked cookies (without topping) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add frosting and strawberries just before serving for best results.

Nutrition Information (per cookie, approx. 18 servings):

• Calories: 210 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 2.5 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 26 g
  
  

  • Sugars: 18 g
    
    

• Fat: 11 g