Strawberry Basil Window Cookies

These window cookies prove some combinations are worth trying. The marriage of fresh basil and strawberries is awesome, and the peek-through design makes them look bakery-pretty with very little effort.
Strawberry Basil Window Cookies Strawberry Basil Window Cookies

Basil-strawberry is one of those combinations that might sound a little weird until you taste it – and you realize it absolutely just works. The fresh basil adds a subtle herbal flavor that makes the homemade strawberry filling taste even more like summer. 

The cookie dough is straightforward – butter, sugar, flour – but rolling it out and cutting windows in the center makes them look much fancier than they actually are. Fill the windows with homemade strawberry jam (which takes about 10 minutes to make) and you’ve got something that looks like it came from a bakery.

I have always loved window cookies, but instead of traditional short bread, I used my favorite sugar cookie recipe and simply added minced, fresh basil.

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Step by Step Guide to Making Strawberry Basil Window Cookies


1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a bowl, mash strawberries lightly with a mixer until partially puréed but still chunky.

Transfer to a small saucepan, add 2 tbsp cornstarch and 2 cups sugar, stir to combine.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat.

Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator (or freezer) to cool and thicken. Before using, whisk again until smooth.


2. Make the Cookie Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and 1?cup sugar on high until light and fluffy (~3min).

Add eggs one at a time on medium speed.

Lower speed to low, add flour and minced basil, mix until just combined—don’t overwork.

Roll dough into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes (optional for cleaner cutting).


3. Shape and Bake Cookies

Roll dough to ~¼-inch thickness on floured surface.

Cut out solid circles and matching circles with a smaller center hole for “window.”

Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Let cool completely.


4. Assemble the Window Cookies

Pair solid and holed cookies.

Spread about 1 tsp of filling on each solid cookie, then top with a holed one to form the “window.”

Press gently to seal. Let sit until firm to avoid sliding.


Recipe Notes

Fresh basil is key—don’t skip it; it adds a bright herbal note.

For deeper color, macerate strawberries beforehand with a bit of sugar and lime juice.

Filling consistency: should be thick enough to stay in place but soft, not gelatinous.


FAQ Strawberry Window Cookies

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first. You may need to cook down longer to remove excess moisture.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for flavor and color; if using dried, halve the amount and add with eggs—flavor will be milder.

How to store these cookies?
Place them in an airtight container layered with parchment. Store at room temp for up to 3 days.

Will the filling leak if not thickened enough?
Yes. Make sure the filling cools and thickens fully—warm jam will ooze and make cookies soggy.

Can I freeze the cookies?
You can freeze unfilled baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Fill them just before serving.


Strawberry Basil Window Cookies


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Strawberry Basil Window Cookies

Strawberry Basil Window Cookies


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Liz Swartz
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

These basil-strawberry window cookies are one of those combinations that sounds weird until you taste them. The fresh basil adds a subtle herbal flavor that makes the strawberry jam taste even more like summer.

The cookie dough is straightforward – butter, sugar, flour – but rolling it out and cutting windows in the center makes them look much fancier than they actually are. Fill the windows with homemade strawberry jam (which takes about 10 minutes to make) and you’ve got something that looks like it came from a bakery.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

12 tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp fresh basil, minced

Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (about 10 oz)

2 tbsp cornstarch

2 cups sugar


Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a bowl, mash strawberries lightly with a mixer until partially puréed but still chunky.

Transfer to a small saucepan, add 2 tbsp cornstarch and 2 cups sugar, stir to combine.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat.

Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator (or freezer) to cool and thicken. Before using, whisk again until smooth.


2. Make the Cookie Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and 1?cup sugar on high until light and fluffy (~3min).

Add eggs one at a time on medium speed.

Lower speed to low, add flour and minced basil, mix until just combined—don’t overwork.

Roll dough into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes (optional for cleaner cutting).


3. Shape and Bake Cookies

Roll dough to ~¼-inch thickness on floured surface.

Cut out solid circles and matching circles with a smaller center hole for “window.”

Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Let cool completely.


4. Assemble the Window Cookies

Pair solid and holed cookies.

Spread about 1 tsp of filling on each solid cookie, then top with a holed one to form the “window.”

Press gently to seal. Let sit until firm to avoid sliding.


Recipe Notes

Fresh basil is key—don’t skip it; it adds a bright herbal note.

For deeper color, macerate strawberries beforehand with a bit of sugar and lime juice.

Filling consistency: should be thick enough to stay in place but soft, not gelatinous.

Notes

Fresh basil is key—don’t skip it; it adds a lovely flavor to the cookies.

For deeper color, macerate strawberries beforehand with a bit of sugar and lime juice.

Filling consistency: should be thick enough to stay in place but soft, not gelatinous.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 70g
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 19g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

If you liked this, you are going to love these favorite cookie recipes:

Chocolate Dipped Chili and Lime Shortbread Cookies

Sea Salt Peanut Butter Cookies

Gluten Free Italian Dunking Cookies


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Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. This recipe is missing multiple steps and assumes too much knowledge on the part of the reader. I was keen to try it, but now I’m just discouraged.

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