There’s something magical about the holiday season, especially when buttery shortbread cookies are involved. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are a classic addition to any festive gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, these recipes will guide you through creating delicious shortbread that’s sure to warm your heart and home. Let’s dive into 13 delightful variations!
Classic Buttery Shortbread
A simple, traditional recipe that lets the buttery flavor shine.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in the flour, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
- Sprinkle with sea salt before baking for a savory touch.
Almond Shortbread
Rich and nutty, perfect for almond lovers!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in almond extract and chopped almonds. Add flour and mix until combined.
- Roll into logs, slice, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Swap almonds for hazelnuts for a different flavor.
- Drizzle with chocolate for an extra treat.
Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
A delightful twist with a chocolatey finish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for dipping)
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, stir in vanilla, and add flour until well mixed.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Once cooled, dip half in melted chocolate and let set.
Make it Unique:
- Use white chocolate instead for a sweeter flavor.
- Add crushed peppermint to the chocolate for a holiday twist.
Lemon Lavender Shortbread
A fragrant blend that’s both refreshing and buttery.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar, then add lemon zest and lavender. Mix in flour until smooth.
- Cut dough into desired shapes and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Use orange zest instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
- Incorporate a little Earl Grey tea for added depth.
Maple Pecan Shortbread
Warm maple flavor paired with crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar, mix in maple syrup and pecans, then stir in flour until a dough forms.
- Shape into rounds and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Replace pecans with walnuts for a different crunch.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread
A tart and citrusy counterpoint to the buttery base.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in orange zest and cranberries. Stir in flour until well combined.
- Shape into wedges and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries for a different flavor.
- Add a glaze of orange juice for sweetness.
Gingerbread Shortbread
Bring the flavor of gingerbread to your shortbread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and brown sugar, then mix in spices and flour until a dough forms.
- Roll out, cut shapes, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for an extra kick.
- Top with royal icing for decoration.
Matcha Green Tea Shortbread
A sophisticated treat with a hint of earthiness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar together, then mix in matcha, flour, and salt until well-combined.
- Roll out dough, cut shapes, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Incorporate chocolate chips for sweetness.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Cinnamon Roll Shortbread
Enjoy the delicious essence of cinnamon rolls in cookie form!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix in flour and cinnamon until dough forms.
- Shape into rounds and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Drizzle with icing sugar for sweetness.
- Add walnuts for a crunchy element.
Chocolate Chip Shortbread
An indulgent version with bits of rich chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugar together, mix in vanilla, then fold in flour and chocolate chips.
- Shape into logs, slice, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Substitute semi-sweet with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.
- Sprinkle with sea salt before baking.
Spiced Rum Shortbread
Bring the warmth of rum and spices to your shortbread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons spiced rum
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in spiced rum and flour with cloves until smooth.
- Cut into desired shapes and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Use dark rum for depth of flavor.
- Add a touch of allspice for an extra kick.
Peppermint Bark Shortbread
A refreshing and sweet holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla, then fold in flour and peppermint.
- Shape and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Dip in chocolate before adding peppermint for extra richness.
- Use crushed Oreos instead of peppermint for a fun twist.
Ready to bring some buttery goodness to your holiday table? Each of these shortbread recipes is crafted to melt in your mouth and warm your spirit. Try one or, better yet, share them all with family and friends this season! Happy baking!