Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and have a soft spot for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a rich chocolate twist, then this Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies strike the perfect balance — not too sweet, with a tender crumb that practically disappears on your tongue. When I first tried making these, I was hooked right away, and I promise that once you give them a go, you’ll see why everyone goes crazy for them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of buttery richness and deep chocolate flavor in your Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe. A few key tips will help you pick the best versions for the tastiest results.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but still cool — this gives you the best texture and prevents greasing the dough.
• Powdered Sugar: I love using powdered sugar for that silky sweetness that blends seamlessly into the dough without graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla really adds warmth that complements the cocoa perfectly.
• Egg Yolk (optional): This helps bind the dough while keeping it tender, but feel free to skip it if you want a slightly different texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and highlight the chocolate.
• Dutch Processed or Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides that rich, deep chocolate flavor — I swear by Dutch processed for its smoothness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie that keeps everything together while keeping the crumb soft.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe because it’s so forgiving and adaptable. Here are some fun spin-offs I’ve enjoyed myself — and you might too!

• Slice and Bake: I once made a log of the dough, chilled it overnight, and sliced it for perfectly shaped cookies whenever I wanted fresh batches. Super convenient for busy days.
• Chocolate Chips: Adding mini chocolate chips gives bursts of ooey-gooeyiness that my kids went wild over.
• Chocolate Glaze: Drizzling a simple chocolate glaze on top gives the cookies a glossy, elegant finish — perfect for gifting or special occasions.
• Nutty Twist: Tossing in chopped toasted nuts like pecans or hazelnuts adds great texture and flavor contrast.

How to Make Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by creaming the softened, cool-to-the-touch butter with the powdered sugar in your stand mixer or by hand. I usually set it on medium speed and let it go for about 3–4 minutes until it’s really light and fluffy. This step is key – if you don’t beat enough air into the mixture, your cookies won’t have that delicate, tender crumb that makes them so irresistible.

Step 2: Mix in the Flavors and Cocoa

On low speed, add the vanilla, egg yolk (if you’re using one — it makes the dough easier to handle), salt, and cocoa powder. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to keep everything evenly combined. Then, add the flour bit by bit on the lowest speed until just combined. Don’t overmix here — you want the dough to come together but stay tender.

Step 3: Chill and Roll Out the Dough

Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap or another parchment sheet, and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Don’t worry about shaping it perfectly; the goal is even thickness. Pop it in the fridge for 1-2 hours until it firms up — this step is what helps your cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 4: Cut and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s all ready when your dough comes out. Using a small biscuit cutter (2 to 2½ inches works perfectly), cut rounds from your chilled dough. If you love a bit of sparkle (like I do!), press the cookie tops lightly into sanding sugar before placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Re-roll any scraps and keep chilling as you go.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 12–14 minutes until you see the edges firming up and the centers puff just slightly – the glossy tops should lose their sheen and look matte. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Pro tip: sprinkling extra sugar on top while they’re warm gives a delightfully crunchy finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling these cookies with coarse sanding sugar just before baking and sometimes adding a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate look. On special occasions, I’ve even dipped half of them in melted dark chocolate for an elegant touch that makes them look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair these chocolate shortbread cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy treat. If it’s summertime, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside feels like dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I like arranging these cookies on a tiered stand with fresh berries and mint leaves. Wrapping a stack tied with twine makes a loving homemade gift. You can also sandwich them with a layer of chocolate ganache or raspberry jam for fun variations anyone will swoon over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay fresh and buttery for up to 5 days. I’ve found that placing parchment between layers keeps them from sticking together, which is super helpful.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, I pop them in a sealed freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. When you want a quick treat, just thaw them overnight on the counter — they taste just as fresh.

Reheating

If you want to revive that just-baked warmth, I heat them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This softens them slightly while keeping that iconic shortbread snap on the outside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Recipe has truly earned a permanent spot in my baking rotation. The balance of rich cocoa and buttery crumb is simply unbeatable, and I love how easy these are to customize for any occasion. From casual snack time to holiday baking marathons, these cookies always bring a smile. Give them a try—you’ll enjoy the process, and your family and friends will thank you for the deliciousness.

Print