Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Strawberry Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra

I have another delicious cookie recipe for you in time for holiday baking! Strawberry Shortbread Bars have a tasty shortbread crust, topped with strawberry preserves and a coconut macaroon-type topping. They are awesome indeed. Especially if you like ooey, gooey desserts.

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I am in the middle of our annual Christmas Cookie Extravaganza, and I am already whooped! I’ve baked 15 different goodies so far (250-300 each batch). (This has been done over a two-week period). I have about five or six more I still want to finish before we start divvying up the rest of the treats. I’m hoping that will happen sometime this coming week! Then I don’t want to see a cookie for a few weeks at least! 🙂 But I must share these delicious jewels with you.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars are perfect for Christmas Cookie Exchanges, holiday parties and baking, and to indulge yourself when you want a treat. If you enjoy strawberry flavored desserts, you need to give this recipe a whirl. You will find it very satisfying to the taste buds–in fact, you may find it so satisfying that you want to eat five or six of them in one sitting! No kidding. Enjoy.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Strawberry Shortbread Bars are ooey, gooey and delicious!

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

These are marvelous to bake for Christmas Cookie Exchanges and other holiday parties.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

We love the delicate coconut topping. It blends so well with the strawberries.

Here’s what I did.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

I used these ingredients for the crust and strawberry filling.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Combine flour and baking powder. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Coarse crumbs will form.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Add milk and an egg. I didn’t have any milk on hand so I used half-and-half.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Stir ingredients to combine.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Press crumbs into a greased 9×13″ glass baking dish. 

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Spread strawberry preserves carefully over top of crust layer.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

I used these ingredients for the topping.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Beat eggs lightly with a fork. Add sugar and melted butter.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Add coconut and vanilla extract.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Stir ingredients with a fork.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Dollop the coconut topping over top of the strawberry preserves.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Bake at 350 about 45 minutes until topping is set.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Strawberry Shortbread Bars will satisfy any sweet tooth craving you have!

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

These luscious bars will be the first to go at your office parties!

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

If you enjoy strawberries and coconut, you’ll love this dessert.

Here’s the recipe.

STRAWBERRY SHORTBREAD BARS

(Recipe inspired from my Raspberry Shortbread Bars)

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Strawberry Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra
Strawberry Shortbread Bars will knock your socks off! This lovely dessert has a shortbread crust, topped with strawberry preserves and a coconut topping. It's delightful for holiday parties and Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
2 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 157 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 spatula
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 whisk or fork

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 tbsp. milk (I used half-and-half)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold
  • 12 oz. strawberry preserves

TOPPING:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups coconut

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Spray a 9x13” baking pan or dish with cooking spray.
  • To make crust: mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Cut in blender with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add egg and milk (or half-and-half) and stir to combine.
  • Press mixture down very firmly into bottom of prepared pan with a fork or your hands.
  • Spread strawberry preserves on top of crust layer to within ¼ to ½ inch of border.

TOPPING:

  • To make topping: Beat egg with fork or whisk.
  • Stir in granulated sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut.
  • This is kind of like a macaroon layer.
  • Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
  • Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

NOTE: I usually freeze the bars for an hour or two before cutting. I invert the whole pan on a large cutting board, turn over in one piece, and then cut into bars with a heavy-duty pizza cutter for straight edges.
 
NOTE: Because I used half-and-half and it’s much thicker than 2% milk, I used between two and three
tablespoons instead of one.
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Keyword coconut, cookie, dessert, strawberries
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Strawberry Shortbread Bars are terrific treats any time of the year.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

You’ll be drooling after the first bite. 🙂

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Strawberry Almond Bars

Strawberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies

Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | super easy 4-ingredient #cookie recipe! It's ideal for #Christmas cookie exchanges and #holiday parties. #strawberry #chocolate #dessert
Strawberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fabulous #cookies have a shortbread crust, layered with #strawberry preserves & topped with a #coconut topping. They are terrific for #holiday parties & baking. #dessert

Strawberry Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra
Strawberry Shortbread Bars will knock your socks off! This lovely dessert has a shortbread crust, topped with strawberry preserves and a coconut topping. It's delightful for holiday parties and Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
2 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 157 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 spatula
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 whisk or fork

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 tbsp. milk (I used half-and-half)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold
  • 12 oz. strawberry preserves

TOPPING:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups coconut

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Spray a 9×13” baking pan or dish with cooking spray.
  • To make crust: mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Cut in blender with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add egg and milk (or half-and-half) and stir to combine.
  • Press mixture down very firmly into bottom of prepared pan with a fork or your hands.
  • Spread strawberry preserves on top of crust layer to within ¼ to ½ inch of border.

TOPPING:

  • To make topping: Beat egg with fork or whisk.
  • Stir in granulated sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut.
  • This is kind of like a macaroon layer.
  • Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
  • Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

NOTE: I usually freeze the bars for an hour or two before cutting. I invert the whole pan on a large cutting board, turn over in one piece, and then cut into bars with a heavy-duty pizza cutter for straight edges.
 
NOTE: Because I used half-and-half and it’s much thicker than 2% milk, I used between two and three
tablespoons instead of one.
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Keyword coconut, cookie, dessert, strawberries
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

4 Comments

  • Michelle

    December 23, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    The “topping “photo shows milk in a measuring cup but in the instructions AND ingredients list there is no mention of milk

    1. Teresa

      December 23, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      Hi, Michelle, that’s actually sugar in the photo. Not milk. Sorry my pictures are not clear enough.

  • Leah

    November 29, 2017 at 8:24 am

    My husband doesn’t like coconut – do you have any suggestions for an alternative topping for the strawberry bars? Other than that, they sound magnificent! Must try!

    1. Teresa

      November 30, 2017 at 10:07 am

      Hi Leah. I’ve heard of some people using grape nuts. You might try something like finely diced roasted macadamia nuts. It is going to change the consistency of the bar, but it may turn out great!

2 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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