Chocolate Shortbread Cookies | Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipe

PUBLISHED December 17, 2025· MODIFIED December 17, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1204 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of the rich, buttery goodness of shortbread combined with the indulgent taste of chocolate, you’re in for a treat! Learn how to make the easiest Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. These delightful cookies achieve that perfect balance between a tender crumb and a deep cocoa flavor, making them an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love These Cravable Cookies

Simple Ingredients. Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
Easy to Make. Minimal steps and no complicated techniques.
Versatile. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or an everyday treat.
Delicious. Rich chocolate flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

With these Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, you’ve got a go-to recipe that’s both impressive and straightforward. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

What Do Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Taste Like?

Chocolate shortbread cookies are a delightful twist on the classic shortbread. They combine the simplicity and buttery richness of traditional shortbread with the deep, satisfying taste of cocoa.

The result is a cookie that’s not overly sweet but packed with flavor, offering a sophisticated treat that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Why Are They Called Shortbread Cookies?

Shortbread cookies derive their name from the term “short,” which is a traditional baking term that refers to a crumbly texture.

In baking, “short” describes pastries and biscuits that are tender and break easily due to a high proportion of fat to flour. The “bread” part of the name harks back to the cookie’s origins and historical naming conventions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Unsalted Butter -Softened at room temperature.
Powdered Sugar -For a smooth sweetness.
Vanilla Extract -Enhances the chocolate flavor.
All-Purpose Flour -Provides structure.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder -Gives a rich chocolate taste.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.

How To Make Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Sift Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
Mix Together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape and Wrap. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate. Chill the dough logs in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Set the Oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice the Cookies. Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds with a sharp knife.
Arrange on Baking Sheet. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Bake. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set. The cookies will be soft but will firm up as they cool.
Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips And Tricks

Making the perfect Chocolate Shortbread Cookies is easy with these helpful tips:

Use Quality Butter. The flavor of the butter shines through in shortbread, so choose a good quality unsalted butter.
Don’t Overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill Thoroughly. Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking.
Uniform Slices. Use a sharp knife and cut evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
Watch the Oven. Shortbread can go from perfect to overbaked quickly. Remove them when they are just set.

Variations

Experiment with these variations to customize your Chocolate Shortbread Cookies:

Espresso– Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha flavor.
Nutty– Mix in finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch.
Spiced– Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a subtle kick.
Orange Zest- Incorporate grated orange zest for a citrusy contrast to the chocolate.

What To Enjoy With Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate shortbread cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your indulgence to a whole new level.

Here are some delicious suggestions to enhance your experience with these rich and buttery delights:

Coffee or Espresso– The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Tea– Enjoy with a cup of Earl Grey or peppermint tea.
Milk– A classic pairing that never disappoints.
Dessert Wine– Serve with a sweet dessert wine for an elegant touch.

How Long Do They Last?

At room temperature, these cookies remain fresh for up to two weeks if kept in an airtight container. This prevents them from absorbing moisture or odors from the environment, which can affect their taste and texture.

If you wish to extend their freshness beyond two weeks, refrigerating the cookies is an effective option. When placed in the refrigerator, chocolate shortbread cookies can last for up to three weeks.

Can You Freeze Them?

For long-term storage, freezing is an excellent method to preserve chocolate shortbread cookies for up to three months.

To freeze them properly, place the cookies in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

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