Shortbread cookies are the perfect treat that combines simplicity with rich flavors. These buttery delights practically dissolve in your mouth, making them irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying tea time or looking for an easy dessert, these 13 recipes will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Dive in to discover a world of delicious shortbread variations!
Classic Buttery Shortbread
Melt-in-your-mouth perfection that never goes out of style.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in flour and salt until dough forms.
- Shape dough into a log, chill, then slice and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique: Add a tsp of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
Decadent chocolate meets classic buttery goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Process:
- Prepare and bake classic shortbread as above.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave.
- Dip cooled cookies halfway and let set.
Make it Unique: Sprinkle with crushed nuts before chocolate sets.
Lemon Zest Shortbread
A burst of citrus flavor brightens this classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in lemon zest.
- Add flour until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique: Drizzle with lemon glaze for added tang.
Coconut Shortbread
Tropical goodness in your favorite treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar together.
- Mix in shredded coconut and flour.
- Shape into rounds, bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
Make it Unique: Substitute with toasted coconut for a deeper flavor.
Almond Shortbread
Elevate your snack time with a nutty twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup ground almonds
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Stir in ground almonds and flour.
- Roll and cut into desired shapes, bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique: Use almond extract for an extra almond taste.
Lavender Shortbread
A floral touch brings a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
Process:
- Beat butter and sugar, incorporating lavender.
- Add flour until crumbly dough forms.
- Shape, chill, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique: Substitute lavender for chamomile for a similar effect.
Matcha Shortbread
Green tea goodness meets buttery bliss.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar together.
- Mix in matcha and flour until smooth.
- Roll, cut, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique: Top with white chocolate drizzle for a sweet contrast.
Peanut Butter Shortbread
Peanut butter lovers rejoice with this delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
Process:
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar together.
- Mix in flour until well combined.
- Shape and bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
Make it Unique: Add chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
Orange Shortbread
Citrusy delight that warms your palate.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- Zest of 1 orange
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar, mixing in orange zest.
- Combine with flour until dough forms.
- Roll, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique: Use a light orange glaze for extra sweetness.
Raspberry Shortbread
Fruity filling gives these shortbread an exciting twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Process:
- Make classic shortbread, rolling thin.
- Cut out shapes and make a well for jam.
- Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
Make it Unique: Substitute with any berry jam of your choice.
Maple Cinnamon Shortbread
Warm flavors perfect for chilly afternoons.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Process:
- Cream butter, sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Mix in flour to form a dough.
- Roll, cut, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique: Drizzle with more maple syrup before serving.
Sea Salt Caramel Shortbread
Rich and salty-sweet for an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Process:
- Make classic shortbread.
- Cool and drizzle with caramel, then sprinkle with sea salt.
- Let set before serving.
Make it Unique: Swap caramel for chocolate sauce if desired.
Hazelnut Shortbread
Nutty goodness adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts
Process:
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Mix in chopped hazelnuts with flour.
- Shape and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique: Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder for chocolate flavor.
Strawberry Shortbread
Indulge in a fruity twist that’s perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup pureed strawberries
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar, then fold in strawberry puree.
- Add flour until dough forms.
- Shape and bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
Make it Unique: Serve with extra whipped cream for indulgence.
Spiced Chai Shortbread
Spice up your coffee break with these flavorful cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon chai spice mix
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in chai spices and flour to form a dough.
- Shape, chill, then bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
Make it Unique: Drizzle with a chai tea glaze for a sweet finish.
Ginger Shortbread
A zing of spice that creates a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
Process:
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Mix in flour and ginger until well combined.
- Roll, cut out, and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Make it Unique: Add candied ginger pieces for extra texture.
These buttery shortbread recipes are not only easy to make but also promise to impress friends and family. Whether you choose a classic flavor or explore a unique twist, each bite is sure to bring comfort and joy. So, gather your ingredients and start baking—treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful cookies!