Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2/3 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
Directions
1. **Strawberries Preparation:** In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to macerate.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. **Dry Ingredients Mixing:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
4. **Butter Incorporation:** Cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. **Wet Ingredients Mixing:** In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Forming Shortcakes:** Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and use a biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. **Baking:** Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
8. **Whipped Cream Preparation:** While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. **Assembling:** Once the shortcakes have cooled slightly, split them in half. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, and place the top half of the shortcake over the cream. Top with additional strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
10. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!