STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE COOKIES

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are all about simple, classic ingredients—rich butter and vanilla in a soft sugar cookie, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and fresh, juicy strawberries on top. Familiar strawberry shortcake flavor in an easy, handheld treat!

These strawberry cookies are one of those treats that disappear fast in my house, especially in the spring and summer when strawberries are sweet and juicy. My family loves them because they have all the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake, but in an easy, handheld cookie form (less mess, more fun). They’ve become a go-to dessert for family get-togethers, backyard days, and anytime we want something sweet that everyone agrees on.

Recipe Highlights

• Classic Strawberry Shortcake Flavor, Cookie-Style: You get all the nostalgic flavors of traditional strawberry shortcake—soft cookie, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh strawberries—without needing forks or plates.
• Soft, Buttery Cookies That Stay Tender: The sugar cookie base is rolled to its final thickness and baked just until puffy, giving you a soft, chewy texture that perfectly supports the toppings.
• Fresh & Light with Just the Right Sweetness: Real whipped cream and fresh strawberries balance the sweetness, making these cookies feel light and refreshing instead of heavy or overly rich.

Strawberry Shortcake Ingredients

Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds rich flavor and creates a soft, tender sugar cookie base.

Sugar (½ cup, granulated) – Sweetens the cookies while helping them bake up light with a delicate crumb.

Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) – Enhances the buttery flavor and gives the cookies a classic, warm sweetness.

Egg White (1) – Binds the dough together and keeps the cookies soft without making them too dense.

Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Provides gentle lift so the cookies bake up slightly puffy and tender.

Flour (1½ cups) – Forms the structure of the cookie, giving it enough stability to hold the toppings.

Cookie Toppings

Fresh Strawberries – Bring natural sweetness, freshness, and that classic strawberry shortcake finish

Butter (¼ cup) – Creates a smooth, rich base for the whipped cream frosting.

Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups) – Sweetens the frosting and helps it stay light and creamy.

Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds depth and enhances the flavor of the whipped cream frosting.

Milk & Heavy Whipping Cream (1 TBSP milk, ½ cup cream) – Milk smooths the frosting while the whipped cream adds volume and a light, airy texture.

Tips for making Frosted Strawberry Cookies

Use Whipped Cream Frosting for Authentic Flavor
You can use any frosting you like, but the whipped cream frosting included in this recipe truly mimics classic strawberry shortcake and makes these cookies extra special.

Choose Fresh, Whole Strawberries
Fresh strawberries you slice yourself work best—freeze-dried berries are chewy, and frozen strawberries tend to release too much moisture, which can make the cookies soggy.

Wash Strawberries Properly
After checking for imperfections or mold, rinse strawberries in a colander under running water (don’t submerge them), then let them dry on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Slice for the Perfect Fit
Hull the strawberries, then slice them lengthwise for heart shapes or into smaller pieces—just keep the slices cookie-sized so they’re easy to top and eat.

Storage, Shelf Life & Freezing Tips for Frosted Cookies

Strawberry shortcake cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but when stored properly, they will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Over time, the whipped cream frosting and fresh strawberries will soften the cookie base, making them a bit messier to eat. Store fully decorated cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, layering them with parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking.

While the unfrosted cookie bases can be frozen, freezing fully assembled cookies isn’t recommended—the frosting and strawberries don’t freeze well and can result in a soggy texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookie bases 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container, then add the whipped cream frosting and strawberries just before serving.

Do I have to use the whipped cream frosting?

You can use a different frosting if you prefer, but the whipped cream frosting gives these cookies their classic strawberry shortcake flavor and keeps them light and fresh

Why did my cookies turn out dry?

These cookies should be removed from the oven before they start to brown; overbaking will make them dry and crackery instead of soft and tender.

Enjoy more Cookie Recipes with Fruit here:

• Raspberry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are fudgy delights filled with sweet-tart raspberry jam. Elegant enough for holidays or Valentine’s Day, yet easy enough to bake whenever you need a chocolatey, fruity treat!
• These Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor! Your new favorite spring treat is just a bake away.
• Cherry Cheesecake Cookies are totally irresistible—think mini cheesecakes in cookie form! Topped with sweet cherry pie filling and graham cracker crumbs, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert.
• Our recipe for Blueberry Cream Cookies create soft, tender treats, bursting with fresh blueberry flavor! White chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness, making each bite a dreamy, creamy treat.
• This Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza is a show-stopping dessert everyone will fight over! A soft cookie crust topped with creamy frosting and fresh berries makes it as fun to eat as it is delicious.
• Lemon Raspberry Crinkle Cookies are packed with fresh citrus flavor, with sweet raspberry swirls and a crackly powdered sugar topping. Perfectly tart and fruity, they’re ideal for spring or anytime you want a cookie that feels extra special.

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are soft sugar cookies topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh, juicy strawberries. Bursting with classic flavors, they’re so irresistible you’ll have trouble stopping at just one!