Santa Hat Strawberry Shortcakes are a delightful and festive dessert that combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with a fun holiday twist. These adorable treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a festive treat for kids and adults alike. With their bright red strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, they resemble Santa’s iconic hat!

Ingredients List

For the Shortcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mini marshmallows (for the “fur” of the Santa hat)

Timing

Preparing Santa Hat Strawberry Shortcakes takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15–20 minutes of baking time. Total time is approximately 40 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Shape the Shortcakes

1. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
2. Cut Shortcakes: Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional shortcakes.
3. Brush with Cream: Brush the tops of the shortcakes with a little extra heavy cream for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Shortcakes

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

1. Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form.

Step 6: Assemble the Santa Hats

1. Slice Shortcakes: Cut each shortcake in half horizontally.
2. Layer Ingredients: On the bottom half of each shortcake, add a dollop of whipped cream and a few slices of strawberries. Place the top half back on.
3. Create Santa Hats: Pipe or spoon additional whipped cream on top of each shortcake to create a “hat” shape. Place a strawberry on top, point side up, to form the “hat.” Add a mini marshmallow at the base of the strawberry to represent the “fur” of the hat.

Step 7: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the festive treat!

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	3g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	1g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Substitute coconut cream for whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Hot cocoa or a festive holiday drink.
• A light fruit salad for a refreshing side.
• A sprinkle of crushed peppermint for an extra festive touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overworking the Dough: Be gentle when mixing and kneading the dough to keep the shortcakes tender.
2. Not Using Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold for flaky shortcakes.
3. Skipping the Cream Brush: Brushing the tops with cream helps achieve a beautiful golden color.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Santa Hat Strawberry Shortcakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The whipped cream may lose its texture, so it’s best to assemble them just before serving.

Conclusion

In just about 40 minutes, you can create delightful Santa Hat Strawberry Shortcakes that are perfect for holiday celebrations. With their charming presentation and delicious flavors, these treats will surely bring joy to your festive gatherings!

FAQs

Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the shortcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble the hats just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen strawberries can work in a pinch.

Can I substitute the whipped cream?

Yes! You can use whipped coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if you prefer a non-dairy option.

Are these suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These fun and festive treats are perfect for kids and can be a great holiday baking activity.