24 Shortbread Recipes with Bold Flavors

If you’re into buttery cookies that melt in your mouth, this list is all about shortbread with a twist. From the classic to the festive, these options bring in citrus, chocolate, spices, fruit, and even floral touches. Whether you like your cookies crisp, soft, or layered into a bar, you’ll find something to bake up. Some are simple with just a few ingredients, and others go big with bold add-ins.

Pecan Pie Magic Cookie Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust

These bars combine gooey pecan pie filling with a chocolate shortbread base. They layer sweet, nutty, and buttery all in one. Easy to cut and rich enough to serve small. They’re a holiday favorite and crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Magic Cookie Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Dried cranberries and orange zest add fruity brightness to the cookie dough. The tangy-sweet mix plays nicely with the buttery base. These cookies look festive with pops of red throughout. They’re a hit during the colder months but work year-round.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Cookies

The most traditional version with no extras added. Crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center make them timeless. They’re easy to shape and decorate. Try them with a sprinkle of coarse sugar or plain.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Zesty lemon juice and zest brighten up these simple cookies. The citrus cuts through the richness for a refreshing bite. You can glaze them or serve them plain. They’re popular for gifting and holidays.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

3 Ingredient Shortbread

This classic recipe keeps it as simple as it gets with butter, sugar, and flour. The result is a crumbly, rich cookie that highlights the flavor of each ingredient. It’s great for when you want something quick and foolproof. Serve them plain or add a dusting of sugar for a little sparkle.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread

Frosted Shortbread Cookies

A layer of icing turns a simple cookie into something more decorative. You can color and pipe the frosting any way you like. These hold up well for decorating parties. Let the frosting set completely before storing.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Shortbread Cookies

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A zesty lemon layer meets a buttery shortbread base in this simple dessert. These bars are tart, sweet, and crumbly all at once. They’re popular for spring and summer baking. Serve chilled for best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Rose Petal Shortbreads

These elegant cookies use dried rose petals and rose water for a floral note. They’re delicate with a soft crunch. Perfect for tea time or special events. The petals give them a beautiful, natural decoration.
Get the Recipe: Rose Petal Shortbreads

Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Earthy matcha powder pairs surprisingly well with dark chocolate in this colorful cookie. The green and brown contrast makes them look as good as they taste. The texture stays tender with a bit of bite. They’re a standout on any dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Easy Lemon Bars with Brown Sugar Shortbread Crust

These bars feature a tangy lemon topping on a toasty, brown sugar crust. The added richness from the brown sugar gives them a deeper flavor. They slice easily once chilled. Dust with powdered sugar to finish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Brown Sugar Shortbread Crust

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Apple cider reduction brings in fruity and spiced notes. These cookies are tender and slightly chewy. Great for fall baking with warm flavors. Dust with cinnamon sugar to finish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

These layered bars have a firm shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and smooth chocolate topping. Each bite is rich and satisfying. They slice neatly and are ideal for sharing. Chill them before cutting to get clean layers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Chai Shortbread Cookies

These cookies bring warm chai spices into a buttery dough. You get hints of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom in every bite. They go great with a cup of tea or coffee. The dough is easy to shape and bakes into a fragrant treat.
Get the Recipe: Chai Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies

Bittersweet chocolate and crunchy cacao nibs add depth to this twist on traditional shortbread. The nibs give a subtle crunch and deep cocoa flavor. These cookies strike a balance between rich and not too sweet. They’re excellent for chocolate fans who like things with texture.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cacao Nib Shortbread Cookies

Easy Shortbread Cookies

This no-fuss recipe makes traditional cookies with classic texture and flavor. They come out crisp with slightly golden edges. Use cookie cutters to shape them however you want. They hold their shape and freeze well.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shortbread Cookies

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Crushed candy canes or peppermint extract give these cookies a cool, sweet flavor. They look festive and smell even better fresh out of the oven. Try dipping half in chocolate for contrast. Great for winter bakes and cookie swaps.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove add warmth to this take on the classic. They’re cozy, aromatic, and great for cooler months. These spices blend smoothly without overpowering. Serve with coffee or hot cider.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Whipping the dough makes these extra light and soft. They still hold their shape but melt faster when eaten. Easy to pipe into pretty designs. A cherry on top or sprinkle adds flair.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Recipe

A shortcut recipe that adds chocolate chips to the classic base. The result is crunchy on the edges with a tender center. It’s a cookie that feels both familiar and different. Great for everyday snacking or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are rich, crisp, and full of cocoa flavor. The buttery base still shines through the chocolate. You can shape and dip them in melted chocolate for extra flair. They store well and are easy to batch bake.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies

Peppermint pieces dot these cookies for crunch and flavor. The dough bakes up buttery and crisp. They’re festive without being fussy. Pair well with hot chocolate or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Chip Espresso Shortbread Bars

These bars combine coffee and chocolate with a crumbly shortbread crust. The espresso enhances the richness of the chocolate. They’re firm enough to slice cleanly. A small square goes a long way.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Espresso Shortbread Bars

Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Freeze-dried strawberries or jam bring in fruity sweetness. The pink hue adds a pop of color. These cookies hold their shape and have a balanced flavor. They’re a hit at spring parties and brunches.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Buttery shortbread holds a layer of sweet-tart raspberry jam in these bars. The top layer crumbles like a streusel for extra texture. They’re colorful and easy to transport. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Shortbread Bars