Smart Cookie Strawberry Shortcakes

1. Stage

Crush about 1/4 of the strawberries with a fork. Mix together with the remaining strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Set aside to macerate for up to 1 hour.

2. Stage

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Stage

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Mix cream, eggs, and almond extract together in a separate bowl.

4. Stage

Cut cold butter cubes into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until texture resembles damp sand. Make a well in the center and pour in the cream mixture; fold it in gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

5. Stage

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until dough comes together. Pat out until 1/2-inch thick. Fold dough in half and then in quarters, and pat out into a 1/2-inch thickness again. Repeat folding one more time.

6. Stage

Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter and taking care not to twist the cutter in the dough, cut out 12 rounds and place at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with sanding sugar.

7. Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown on top, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

8. Stage

While the shortcakes are cooling, make the whipped cream. Combine heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla bean paste in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes.

9. Stage

Split the shortcakes in half and top with macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.