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Shortbread cookies are a classic bake that bring rich, buttery flavor and a tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture to any dessert table. Simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour become something elegant whether you keep them plain or add chocolate, fruit, spices, or citrus. These cookies are easy to shape, cut, and bake, and they pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or holiday gatherings. From fruity twists to chocolate infusions and festive flavors, this list covers a range of shortbread ideas that are straightforward to make and delightful to share.

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe

A box of assorted chocolate shortbread cookies, some with ornate designs, on a rustic surface. A floral card and wrap are partially visible beside the box.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Buttery shortbread dough gets swirled or dipped in rich chocolate for a classic chocolate‑butter combo. The texture stays tender with a crisp bite. Chocolate brings depth without overpowering the buttery base. Serve with coffee or milk.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Easy Shortbread Cookies

A brown-rimmed plate on a wooden surface holds several pieces of crumbly shortbread cookies. A baking tray with more shortbread cookies is in the background.
Easy Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A simple three‑ingredient version that’s buttery, sweet, and tender. They bake to a soft golden finish. The texture is crumbly but holds its shape. Perfect for beginner bakers or anytime you want a classic.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shortbread Cookies

Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Recipe. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Mini chocolate chips folded into shortbread add pockets of sweetness and chocolate texture. The cookie stays crisp on the edges and tender inside. Chocolate chips keep each bite interesting. Great for kids or snack trays.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Lemon zest and juice give these shortbread cookies bright citrus flavor. The buttery base balances the tartness. Zesty and refreshing, they feel light and sweet. A sweet glaze enhances the lemon notes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Spiced Shortbread Cookies

A white plate of a line of Spiced Shortbread Cookies lined up.
Spiced Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger fold into the dough for cozy flavor. The spice layers beautifully with the buttery crumb. These are ideal for cooler months or holiday baking. Pair with warm drinks.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

A whipped dough yields ultra‑soft, airy cookies with a fine crumb. They melt on your tongue with buttery sweetness. The texture feels delicate yet rich. A sprinkle of sugar on top adds just the right finish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

A white plate with strawberry jam thumbprint cookies, placed on a striped napkin.
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Dried or freeze‑dried strawberry bits add sweet berry flavor and a pop of color. The fruity notes brighten the buttery dough. Each cookie tastes like a bite‑sized treat. Great for spring or summer.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tangy cranberry and bright orange zest balance sweetness in a buttery base. The texture is soft and slightly chewy with fruit pops throughout. Citrus and berry make this festive and fresh. Perfect for holidays or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Frosted Shortbread Cookies

Frosted Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Mama’s On A Budget.

A classic shortbread base gets a simple frosting or glaze on top. The sweet topping adds a smooth finish and visual appeal. Colors can match any season or celebration. A fun variation that’s still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies

A group of chocolate cookies is arranged on a surface near a white cup of coffee and a bowl of cocoa nibs. One cookie is partially bitten.
Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cacao nibs add crunch and deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness. The buttery base contrasts nicely with the chocolate bits. Each bite has textured interest. Great for chocolate lovers who want something less sweet.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies

Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

Espresso powder and chocolate chips elevate classic shortbread with coffee richness. The buttery base becomes just a bit deeper in flavor. Each cookie is crisp with warm coffee notes. A great pairing for morning or afternoon coffee.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Chef’s Pencil.

Ginger spice and chocolate combine for a sweet yet slightly spicy cookie. The warm ginger lifts the chocolate undertones. The shortbread stays tender and rich. A delightful pairing of bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Matcha adds a subtle earthy tone to chocolate‑marbled shortbread. The brittle, bright green flecks complement the chocolate richness. The buttery dough softens the matcha’s edge. A unique twist on classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate shortbread cookies with sprinkles on the edges in a white dish.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Rich cocoa blended into shortbread dough creates a deep chocolate cookie with a crumbly texture. The dough stays buttery even with added cocoa. Easy to shape and bake. A classic for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies

Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Crushed candy cane pieces add minty crunch to buttery shortbread. The peppermint brightens the sweet base. Each cookie tastes festive and cool. Great for winter or holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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