12 Seasonal Shortbread Flavors to Try

Shortbread cookies are a timeless treat with a rich, buttery base that melts in your mouth. Their simple ingredients make them easy to bake, and their delicate texture holds up beautifully whether you keep them plain or add chocolate, citrus, spices, or festive touches. These shortbread ideas range from classic and elegant to playful and seasonal, giving you plenty of options for gatherings, holiday trays, or everyday snacking. Each one brings a little extra flavor while staying true to that tender shortbread crumb.

Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies

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Buttery shortbread gets festive with crushed candy cane folded in or sprinkled on top. The peppermint adds a cool, bright flavor. Every bite is crisp and sweet. Perfect for holiday dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies

Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Extra butter is whipped into the dough for an airy, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The texture is delicate yet rich. Simple sweetness shines here. A classic favorite any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate cookies with heart-shaped decorations and red, white, and pink sprinkles arranged in and around a white dish; a red rose is in the background. — Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Rich cocoa blended into shortbread dough creates a deep chocolate cookie with a crumbly, buttery texture. The chocolate flavor stays bold without being heavy. Easy to shape and bake. A go‑to for chocolate shortbread lovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

A stack of round sugar cookies with white icing and lemon zest on top, surrounded by more cookies on a light surface. — Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Bright lemon zest and juice cut through the buttery base with refreshing citrus notes. The crumb stays tender with a golden edge. A light glaze magnifies the citrus flavor. A perfect springtime or tea‑time treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon 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.

Earthy matcha meets chocolate in tender shortbread for a unique flavor pairing. The green and brown swirl looks beautiful on the tray. The buttery dough softens the distinct matcha aroma. Great for something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha 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.

Sweet strawberry pieces or flavoring add fruitiness to the buttery dough. The cookies bake golden, with bursts of berry taste. Tender and lightly sweet throughout. These bring a fresh twist to classic shortbread.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry 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.

Mini chocolate chips folded into shortbread add pops of sweetness in every bite. The texture stays crumbly with rich chocolate notes. Each cookie is simple yet indulgent. Great for kids or crowd pleasers.
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, surrounded by coffee cups, coffee beans, and a festive napkin on a pink surface. — Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Whisk.

Espresso powder and chocolate chips boost classic shortbread with coffee richness. The buttery base softens the coffee edge for balance. The chips add sweetness against deep espresso notes. Perfect with morning coffee.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove blend into the dough for cozy flavor. The butter base lets the spices shine. They’re soft and fragrant straight from the oven. Ideal for fall or winter baking.
Get the Recipe: Spiced 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.

Tangy cranberry and bright orange zest bring vibrant flavor to buttery shortbread. The texture is tender with fruit pops throughout. Citrus and berry make these festive and fresh. Wonderful for holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Frosted Shortbread Cookies

A classic shortbread base topped with simple frosting or glaze. The icing adds sheen and extra sweetness. Colors can match any season or event. Easy to decorate and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Frosted 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.

This version uses extra whipped butter for a light, airy dough that produces melt‑in‑your‑mouth cookies. They bake soft with a delicate crumb. A sprinkle of sugar on top adds sparkle. A timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies