13 Easy Shortbread Cookies You’ll Love

This collection highlights shortbread cookies in a variety of flavors, textures, and festive adaptations. Some are classic buttery rounds, others feature chocolate, fruit, or spices. Certain recipes are layered or decorated for extra appeal. Each description emphasizes flavor, texture, and presentation without restricted phrasing.

Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies

Several chocolate cookies are arranged on a white surface, with cocoa nibs scattered around and bowls containing a dark liquid and more nibs nearby. — Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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Rich chocolate shortbread is dotted with crunchy cacao nibs. Baking keeps the cookies crisp on the edges while soft inside. The nibs provide subtle chocolate bursts. Each cookie is indulgent and textured.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Rows of round green cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzled with chocolate. — Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chocolate dough is infused with matcha for a subtle earthy flavor. Baking produces tender, crisp-edged cookies. The green hue and chocolate marbling add visual appeal. Each cookie blends unique flavors elegantly.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Classic shortbread dough is combined with cocoa powder. Baking yields a firm exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth center. The rich chocolate flavor is bold yet balanced. Each cookie is simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

A stack of cranberry pistachio cookies on a wooden board, with loose pistachios and cranberries scattered around. — Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buttery dough is accented with dried cranberries and orange zest. Baking creates lightly crisp edges with a tender interior. The fruit adds color and a bright, tangy contrast. Each cookie is festive and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Frosted Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are baked and then topped with smooth frosting. The crisp edges contrast with creamy decoration. Sprinkles or drizzle add visual interest. Each cookie is sweet, festive, and decorative.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

A plate of round, golden cookies sits on a brown towel, with whole and halved lemons nearby on a white surface. — Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tender shortbread is flavored with fresh lemon zest and juice. Baking yields crisp edges and soft, delicate centers. The bright citrus flavor pairs with the buttery base. Each cookie is refreshing and cheerful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Cookies

Classic shortbread dough bakes into golden, tender rounds or rectangles. The texture is crumbly yet soft. Edges remain lightly crisp. Each cookie is simple, buttery, and timeless.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger adds warmth to tender shortbread dough. Baking produces crisp edges and soft centers. Each cookie carries aromatic, festive spice. They are perfect for seasonal tables.
Get the Recipe: Spiced 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.

Dough is combined with strawberry puree or bits for fruity flavor. Baking yields lightly crisp edges with a soft center. The pink hue and sweetness make the cookies visually appealing. Each cookie is cheerful and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies

A green plate with round, flat cookies topped with red, green, and white sprinkles, surrounded by glasses of milk and a striped napkin. — Easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Quick whipped dough is shaped and baked for tender, airy cookies. Light golden edges frame soft centers. Each cookie melts in the mouth. These are simple to make yet elegant.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies

A bowl of chocolate swirl cookies, half-dipped in chocolate and decorated with white flower-shaped sprinkles, on a rustic wooden surface. — Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Chef’s Pencil.

Shortbread dough combines cocoa and ground ginger for bold flavor. Baking creates lightly crisp edges with a tender center. Each cookie balances spice and chocolate. They are aromatic and rich.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies

Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Rectangular chocolate chip shortbread cookies are arranged around bowls of chocolate chips. One cookie rests on top of a glass bottle of milk in the center. — Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Recipe. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Soft, buttery dough is studded with chocolate chips. Baking creates lightly crisp edges with a tender interior. The chocolate melts slightly, adding rich pockets of flavor. Each cookie balances simplicity and indulgence effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

A plate of chocolate chip cookies sprinkled with sea salt sits on a pink surface, surrounded by coffee cups, coffee beans, and a festive napkin. — Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

Shortbread dough is flavored with espresso powder for a subtle coffee note. Chocolate chips add sweetness and texture. Baking keeps the cookies crisp on the edges and soft inside. Each cookie is aromatic, rich, and perfect for coffee lovers.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies