Strawberry Shortbread

Classic Strawberry Shortbread Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Strawberry Shortbread is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.

History

Shortbread has been a popular treat in Scotland for centuries, with its simple ingredients of butter, sugar, and flour. The addition of strawberries to shortbread likely originated in the United States, where strawberries are abundant and widely enjoyed. This combination of flavors and textures has become a classic dessert that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 cup of softened butter or margarine
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 cups of flour
1 oz (28 g) of grated semisweet chocolate (about 0.33 cup)
1 cup of sweetened whipped cream
2 pt (946 ml) of fresh California strawberries, sliced
Whole fresh California strawberry, for garnish

How to prepare

In a mixer bowl, cream the butter and sugar.
On low speed, gradually mix in the flour and chocolate.
Form the dough into 2 balls, one slightly larger than the other.
On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 7 inches in diameter (one should be thicker than the other).
Using a board spatula, gently transfer each circle to a greased baking sheet.
Prick the surfaces generously with a fork.
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until just golden.
While still warm, cut the thinner circle into 8 equal wedges.
Transfer all to a rack to cool completely.
To serve, place the shortbread circles on a plate.
Top with whipped cream and sliced strawberries, reserving a dollop of cream for garnish.
Set the shortbread wedges into the cream at an angle, with the points toward the center.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a whole strawberry.
Cut into wedges.
Yield: 8 servings.
Note: The shortbread can be made ahead and stored for several days wrapped in plastic wrap, or frozen for longer storage.

Variations

Try using different fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of strawberries.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread dough for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well to ensure a light and fluffy shortbread.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough shortbread.

- Pricking the surface of the shortbread with a fork helps prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.

- Allow the shortbread to cool completely before assembling the dessert to prevent the whipped cream from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Shortbread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is key to a tender shortbread.

- Rolling the dough into circles and pricking with a fork helps the shortbread bake evenly and prevents air bubbles.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have semisweet chocolate, you can omit it or use milk chocolate instead.

Make Ahead Tips

The shortbread can be made ahead and stored wrapped in plastic wrap for several days, or frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the shortbread wedges in a circular pattern on a serving platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Strawberry Shortbread with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Shortbread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Shortbread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Shortbread contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Shortbread contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and manganese, which are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Strawberry Shortbread is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry Shortbread is a delicious and elegant dessert that combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Strawberry Shortbread. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Mary at her beautiful farmhouse in the countryside. Aunt Mary was known for her delicious baked goods, and I always looked forward to her sweet treats whenever I paid her a visit.

On this particular day, as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the enticing aroma of fresh strawberries and buttery shortbread filled the air. I couldn't help but ask Aunt Mary what she was baking. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a piece of her Strawberry Shortbread and said, "Try this, my dear. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

As I took a bite of the delectable dessert, I was immediately transported back to my childhood. The buttery shortbread was perfectly crumbly, and the sweet strawberries were bursting with flavor. It was love at first bite, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this delightful treat for myself.

Aunt Mary saw the look of determination in my eyes and laughed, saying, "I'll teach you how to make it, dear. But remember, this recipe is a well-guarded secret, so you must promise not to share it with anyone else."

I eagerly agreed and spent the rest of the afternoon in Aunt Mary's kitchen, learning the intricacies of making her famous Strawberry Shortbread. From selecting the ripest strawberries to kneading the perfect shortbread dough, Aunt Mary patiently guided me through each step of the process.

As the sun began to set, we pulled the golden-brown shortbread out of the oven and topped it with a generous layer of sweetened strawberries. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to dig into the finished dessert.

We sat down at Aunt Mary's kitchen table and savored each bite of the Strawberry Shortbread. As we enjoyed the fruits of our labor, Aunt Mary shared with me the story of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother many years ago.

According to Aunt Mary, the recipe for Strawberry Shortbread had been a family favorite for generations. It originated in the quaint village of Buttercup Hollow, where her ancestors had settled and established a thriving bakery. The secret to the recipe, she explained, lay in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care that went into making it.

As I listened to Aunt Mary's tales of days gone by, I felt a deep connection to my family's culinary heritage. I realized that cooking wasn't just about following a set of instructions; it was a way to preserve memories and traditions that had been passed down through the ages.

After that day, I made Aunt Mary's Strawberry Shortbread recipe my own. I practiced diligently, experimenting with different variations and techniques to perfect the dessert. Over time, I added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating a hint of lemon zest and a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the flavors even further.

Years passed, and I became known among my friends and family as the go-to person for delicious Strawberry Shortbread. I would bake batches of the sweet treat for special occasions and gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

As I grew older, I realized that the true beauty of cooking lies in the joy of sharing it with others. So, I passed on Aunt Mary's cherished recipe for Strawberry Shortbread to my own grandchildren, along with the stories and memories that accompanied it. I taught them the importance of cooking with love and passion, and how a simple dessert could bring people together and create lasting bonds.

And so, the tradition continues to this day. Every time I bake a batch of Strawberry Shortbread, I am reminded of Aunt Mary's farmhouse kitchen, the warm summer breeze, and the laughter and love that filled the air. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of where I come from and the rich culinary heritage that I am proud to carry on.