Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread
There’s something magical about a dessert that’s both indulgent and wholesome. This Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread is exactly that—a tender, buttery treat with a delicate crumb, bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries and the nutty richness of almonds. Whether you’re gluten-free, looking for a healthier dessert option, or simply craving a melt-in-your-mouth cookie, this recipe is a must-try. Inspired by classic shortbread but reinvented with a modern twist, it’s perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or a sweet moment of self-care.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about making this Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread, let me give you a few irresistible reasons to dive right in.
- Gluten-free without compromise: Made with almond flour instead of wheat, this shortbread is naturally gluten-free yet still has that signature buttery texture.
- Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor: Dried strawberries add a concentrated sweetness, while a hint of almond extract enhances the nutty depth.
- Simple and quick to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for last-minute baking.
- Elegant yet rustic: These shortbread cookies look stunning on a dessert platter, making them ideal for entertaining or gifting.
- Versatile for any occasion: Enjoy them as a light dessert, a tea-time snack, or even crumbled over yogurt for breakfast.
Ingredients Breakdown
Every ingredient in this Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Almond flour: The star of the show, almond flour provides a tender, crumbly texture while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
- Butter: Unsalted butter ensures richness and that classic shortbread melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Dried strawberries: These add a chewy, fruity contrast to the buttery base. If you prefer, freeze-dried strawberries work too.
- Powdered sugar: It dissolves easily, creating a smooth dough without graininess.
- Almond extract: A small amount enhances the nutty flavor, complementing the almond flour beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
How to Make Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps for the perfect batch of shortbread.
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add almond extract and mix well.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually fold in almond flour and a pinch of salt until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Add strawberries: Gently fold in chopped dried strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the shortbread: Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice and bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the shortbread cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Want to take your Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread to the next level? Try these expert tips:
- Use room-temperature butter: This ensures even creaming and a smoother dough.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This prevents spreading and helps maintain clean edges when slicing.
- Toast the almond flour: For an extra layer of nuttiness, lightly toast the almond flour in a dry pan before using.
- Adjust sweetness: If your dried strawberries are very sweet, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Try a sprinkle of sea salt: A light dusting of flaky salt on top before baking enhances the flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some delicious twists to try:
- Swap the fruit: Replace dried strawberries with raspberries, cherries, or even citrus zest for a different flavor profile.
- Add chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled shortbread.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly.
- Experiment with extracts: Vanilla or coconut extract can be used instead of almond for a different aromatic note.
- Nut-free option: Substitute almond flour with oat flour or sunflower seed flour (though the texture will vary slightly).
What to Serve With It
These shortbread cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience:
- Tea or coffee: A cup of Earl Grey or a latte complements the buttery, nutty flavors.
- Fresh berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or whipped cream for a summery touch.
- Ice cream: Crumble the shortbread over vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an easy dessert.
- Cheese board: Add these to a dessert charcuterie board with soft cheeses and honey.
How to Store and Reheat
To keep your Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread fresh and delicious:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice and bake as needed.
- Refrigeration: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate baked cookies to maintain texture.
- Reheating: Briefly warm in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to revive crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of dried?
Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and will make the dough soggy. Stick with dried or freeze-dried for the best texture.
Why is my shortbread spreading too much?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled enough before baking. Ensure it firms up in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a high-quality vegan butter substitute for equally delicious results.
How do I prevent the shortbread from being too crumbly?
Make sure you measure the almond flour correctly (spoon and level) and avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.
Can I shape these into traditional shortbread fingers?
Yes! Press the dough into a square pan, score into fingers before baking, and cut fully once cooled.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason shortbread has stood the test of time—it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. This Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread is a celebration of that tradition, with a modern, gluten-free twist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to delight. So preheat that oven, pour yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy the magic of homemade shortbread. Happy baking!
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Flourless Strawberry Almond Shortbread
Description
A delicate, gluten-free shortbread with a nutty almond base and sweet strawberry jam swirls. Perfect for tea time or as a light dessert!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the shortbread base:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the strawberry swirl:
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam (no sugar added)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For garnish:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, and salt. Pulse to blend.
- Add cold butter cubes and vanilla extract. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- In a small bowl, mix strawberry jam with lemon juice. Drop spoonfuls over the crust, then swirl gently with a knife.
- Sprinkle remaining shortbread mixture over the top, then press sliced almonds lightly into the surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely in pan before cutting.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For crisper texture, reheat slices briefly in a toaster oven.