Strawberry shortcake is one of my favorite desserts. I thought it would be great to capture all that wonderful flavor in a cookie. The pastry-like cookie is topped with pink strawberry frosting. —Allison Anderson, Avondale, Arizona

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Dash salt
• 2/3 cup cold butter
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
• Additional sliced fresh strawberries, optional

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine water and vanilla; stir into crumb mixture just until moistened. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness; cut with a floured 3-in. round cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
3. Bake at 325° for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, beat the butter, strawberries and milk until combined. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar; beat until blended. Spread over cookies; garnish with additional sliced strawberries if desired. Yield: 2 dozen.