0 Shares

As the first blooms of spring unfurl, I find myself yearning for a sweet treat that embodies the vibrant season. That’s when these delightful Flower-Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies swooped in to save the day! With their soft, buttery shortbread petals kissed by freeze-dried strawberries and filled with fluffy lemon buttercream, they capture the essence of spring in every bite.

Picture this: a sunny afternoon, laughter filling the air as family and friends gather around a table adorned with colorful treats. It’s the perfect moment for these cookies to shine, offering a charming presentation that’s reminiscent of delicate French macarons. And the best part? You don’t need a degree from culinary school to whip these up; they are surprisingly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a tea party, or simply treating yourself after a long week, these cookies are here to elevate any occasion. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a treat that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor!

Why You’ll Love Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Delightful Presentation: These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Their charming flower shape adds a festive touch to any gathering, making them perfect for spring celebrations.

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and fluffy lemon buttercream creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s sheer perfection for spring.

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are easy to prepare for bakers of all levels.

Versatile Occasions: Ideal for Easter, tea parties, or simply as an everyday treat, they are sure to impress. If you enjoy delightful cookies, be sure to check out more delightful options in our cookie collection.

Quick to Assemble: You can whip these up quickly, providing a time-saving treat that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Wow Factor: Your friends and family won’t believe how delicious they are, making them a crowd favorite that’s bound to leave everyone wanting more!

Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure needed for these delightful cookies; spoon and level for accuracy.
Powdered Sugar – Delivers sweetness while making the cookies tender and delicious.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries – Enhances the flavor and adds a lovely pink hue; substitute with strawberry extract if necessary.
Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly; use half the amount if choosing table salt.
Cold Unsalted Butter – Ensures richness and structure; cut into small pieces for even blending.
Vanilla Extract – Optional but recommended for a deeper flavor.
Red or Pink Gel Food Coloring – Adds an aesthetic pop; use if you want to enhance the cookie color.
Whole Milk – Helps hydrate the dough; you can adjust the amount to achieve the desired consistency.

For the Lemon Buttercream

Unsalted Butter – The base for the frosting; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Meringue Powder (optional) – Stabilizes the buttercream, resulting in a better texture and appearance.
Lemon Zest – Offers fresh lemon flavor and aroma that brightens the frosting; can substitute with lemon extract if needed.

With these ingredients at hand, you’re ready to create stunning Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies that will bring joy to your spring gatherings!

How to Make Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a food processor, pulse together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, and kosher salt until well combined. Gradually add the cold unsalted butter, pulsing until the mixture becomes crumbly. Incorporate the vanilla extract and, if desired, the gel food coloring before mixing in the whole milk until a dough forms. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Roll and Shape Cookies:
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 – 1/4 inch. Use mini flower cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place the cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the chilled cookies for about 8 minutes, or until they are just barely golden on top. Allow them to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Buttercream:
In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, meringue powder (if using), and lemon zest, mixing until the buttercream is fluffy and light.
Assemble Sandwich Cookies:
Pipe a generous amount of the lemon buttercream onto the bottom of half of the cooled cookies. Gently press the remaining cookies on top to form delightful sandwiches.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Cold Butter is Key: Ensure your cold unsalted butter is used as directed; it helps achieve that soft, buttery texture essential for the cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when mixing the dough. Overworking can result in tough cookies that won’t puff up nicely during baking.
Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip chilling the cookie shapes before baking. It helps maintain their beautiful flower shape and prevents spreading.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven. Bake until just barely golden on top for the perfect soft and tender cookie.
Perfect Buttercream Consistency: If your lemon buttercream is too thick, add a tablespoon of whole milk at a time until you reach the desired fluffiness for easy piping.
Store Properly: For the best taste and texture, store filled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 2 weeks.

Make Ahead Options

These Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients, wrapping it tightly in plastic, and refrigerating it. The cookies can also be cut out and chilled for up to 3 days before baking; simply place the cutouts on parchment-lined sheets and refrigerate them. To maintain quality, avoid overbaking, as they should be just barely golden. When you’re ready to serve, bake the cookies as directed, make the lemon buttercream filling, and assemble the sandwiches for delightfully fresh cookies that taste just as marvelous as if they were made that day!

Variations & Substitutions for Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful cookies!

Fruit Fusion: Substitute freeze-dried strawberries with other fruit powders like raspberry or blueberry for a colorful twist. A fruity medley is just as refreshing!
Citrus Zing: Use orange zest in place of lemon zest to create a tangy buttercream. The bright flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie.
Dairy-Free Delight: Replace unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter. These cookies will remain wonderfully soft and tasty!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Ensure it’s a 1:1 swap for best results.
Nutty Texture: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the dough for extra crunch and flavor. The contrast in texture will elevate your cookies!
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the assembled cookies or fold mini chocolate chips into the dough. A rich chocolate layer adds luscious decadence.
Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the buttercream for an unexpected spicy kick. The heat perfectly complements the sweetness!

Let your imagination run wild! These variations ensure your Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies can be personalized to your taste and occasion.

What to Serve with Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies?

Picture a sunny spring gathering where these charming cookies are the centerpiece, ready to charm your guests.

Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea complements the bright flavors of the cookies, adding a delightful quench to your sweet palate.
Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade enhances the citrus notes in the buttercream while providing a cool, tart contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Mini Fruit Tarts: Serving mini fruit tarts along with the cookies creates a beautiful dessert table that celebrates the bounty of spring. Each bite offers a medley of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses and fresh fruits pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors and making for a sophisticated tasting experience.
Sparkling Water: Add a splash of elegance with sparkling water infused with fresh mint or lemon. It cleanses the palate and keeps the mood light and refreshing.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side elevates the cookie experience, inviting a lovely creaminess that ties together the sweet and tangy elements.
Fresh Strawberries: A simple bowl of fresh strawberries brightens the table and allows for a burst of natural sweetness with each cookie bite, making a delightful and healthful pairing.
Coffee: For those who enjoy a warm drink, a cup of coffee pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with its rich, robust flavor profile.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist; the creamy coolness enhances the cookies’ delightful textures and flavors.
Meringue Cookies: Light and airy, meringue cookies add a whimsical element to your dessert spread and provide a nice contrast in both taste and texture.

Storage Tips for Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Fridge: Store filled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to keep them fresh and maintain their delightful texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3-6 months. Fill with buttercream before serving.

Airtight Containers: Always use airtight containers to protect the cookies from moisture and maintain their flavor. Avoid using non-airtight containers, as they can lead to stale cookies.

Reheating: If desired, enjoy the cookies slightly warmed in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a melty buttercream experience.

Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best freeze-dried strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing freeze-dried strawberries, look for packages with vibrant colors and intact pieces. Avoid any that appear to be discolored or have dark spots, as these can indicate aging or spoilage. If freeze-dried strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of strawberry extract, although the visual appeal won’t be the same.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Flower Shaped Strawberry Lemon Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Can I freeze the cookies? If so, how?
Very much! To freeze your cookies, first place unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be stored for up to 3-6 months. Just fill with buttercream before serving for a fresh taste!

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly or dry?
If your cookie dough seems too crumbly or dry, don’t worry! You can easily fix it by gradually adding a little more milk—about one tablespoon at a time—until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to overwork the dough, but ensure everything comes together nicely for that perfect cookie texture.

Are these cookies safe for people with allergies?
It’s essential to consider dietary needs! These cookies contain gluten (from all-purpose flour) and dairy (from butter and milk). If you need to make them gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, if anyone has a dairy allergy, try using dairy-free butter and almond or coconut milk instead. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet dietary restrictions.

How long can I keep unfilled cookies in the freezer?
You can keep unfilled cookies in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. This is perfect for preparing in advance for spring gatherings! Just ensure they are well-wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.