The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the sun-kissed island of Crete in Greece. When I was a little girl, my grandmother used to make soft, buttery biscuits with fresh berries picked from her garden. The aroma of sweet strawberries and vanilla would fill the air, and I’d sneak little bites before she could even frost them.
Today, I’ve taken that sweet memory and turned it into something playful Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting. These cookies capture the taste of summer in every bite: tender, buttery shortcake biscuits, filled with a creamy vanilla frosting and bright strawberry flavor.
They’re simple to make, absolutely gorgeous, and the kind of treat that makes people smile before they even take a bite. Whether you’re baking for family, a get-together, or just treating yourself, these strawberry shortcake sandwich cookies are pure happiness in cookie form.
Let’s bake something sweet, a little nostalgic, and filled with love just like we do in Crete.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy ingredients just fresh, simple ones that bring the magic together.
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a delicate twist)
- ½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- Extra strawberry slices for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes this keeps the cookies tender and prevents spreading.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare your vanilla frosting. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla, cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
If you want extra flavor, add a spoonful of strawberry puree or a touch of lemon zest.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread or pipe a generous layer of frosting on the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich it with another. Press gently until the filling just reaches the edges.
For a pretty finish, roll the sides in crushed freeze-dried strawberries or add a small strawberry slice on top.
Serving Ideas
Serve these cookies at room temperature with a glass of milk, afternoon tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re ideal for spring picnics, brunches, or as a lovely edible gift.
To keep them fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
In Greece, I love serving them on a pretty ceramic plate with wildflowers — they look like little bites of sunshine!
Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting
These Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting are buttery, tender, and filled with real strawberries and creamy vanilla frosting. A perfect balance of fruity sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture ideal for spring picnics, afternoon tea, or a sweet homemade gift
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries
For the Vanilla Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add dry ingredients and fold in diced strawberries. Chill dough for 30 minutes.Shape and Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, and bake on parchment-lined trays for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.Make the Frosting:
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla, cream, and salt until fluffy.Assemble the Cookies:
Spread or pipe frosting on one cookie, top with another, and gently press. Roll edges in crushed strawberries for decoration.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve with tea or milk. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a spoonful of strawberry puree to your frosting.
Ensure strawberries are finely diced and patted dry to prevent soggy dough.
Chill the dough it makes the cookies perfectly soft and chewy.
These cookies freeze well (unfrosted) for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with a Cretan twist
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie sandwich
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
Every bite of these strawberry shortcake sandwich cookies with vanilla frosting feels like a little celebration — sweet, creamy, and bursting with flavor. They remind me of those carefree afternoons in Crete when baking wasn’t just about food, but about joy, laughter, and connection.
Baking should always feel like that — easy, comforting, and full of love. Try these cookies once, and they’ll become your go-to for every special occasion (or cozy weekend treat).
Because when you bake with heart, you don’t just make desserts — you make memories.
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! These Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Frosting are my modern take on my grandmother’s summer desserts. Buttery cookies, creamy vanilla frosting, and real strawberries come together for a delicious, nostalgic treat. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Each bite tastes like sunshine and joy — the kind of cookie that brings everyone to the table. Simple, sweet, and full of love — just how baking should be!