Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
These Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly crumbly with an intense chocolate flavor. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, they’re easy to make and perfect for holidays, cookie boxes, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Unlike chewy chocolate cookies, these have the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional shortbread with just enough cocoa to satisfy every chocolate lover.
I’ve always had a soft spot for shortbread cookies. There’s something special about their simple ingredients and delicate, buttery texture that never goes out of style. Adding chocolate was an easy decision because it turns an already wonderful cookie into something even more irresistible.
These chocolate shortbread cookies are one of the recipes I make when I want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re rich enough to satisfy any chocolate craving but still have that classic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture I love. I often make an extra batch during the holidays because they keep well, package beautifully for gifts, and disappear quickly from every cookie platter.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
- Rich chocolate flavor. Made with cocoa for a deep chocolate taste.
- Classic shortbread texture. Buttery, tender, and perfectly crumbly.
- Simple ingredients. Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
- Easy to customize. Add chocolate chips, espresso powder, orange zest, or chopped nuts.
- Perfect for gifting. Great for holiday cookie boxes, parties, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients and Substitutes
- Butter – Gives the cookies their rich flavor and classic crumbly texture. Use unsalted butter for the best results.
- Powdered sugar – Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
- Cocoa powder – Use a good-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure. A good-quality gluten-free flour blend can be substituted if needed.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cookies.
- Optional add-ins – Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, espresso powder, or orange zest are all delicious additions.
Step-by-step Chocolate shortbread cookies
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap well, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough to ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. If it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.
- Cut out the cookies with your favorite cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are just set. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Melt the chocolate until smooth. If needed, stir in 1 teaspoon neutral oil to thin it slightly.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie into the chocolate and place on parchment paper. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, orange zest, flaky sea salt, or dried rose petals before the chocolate sets.
- Let the chocolate harden completely before storing or serving.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate chocolate shortbread cookies experience. With a simple addition or substitution, you can transform this classic favorite into a delectable masterpiece that will have everyone craving for your recipe.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) Unsalted butter softened. room temperature
- ⅔ cup (80 g) Powdered sugar or ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cup (250 g) All purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (30 g) Cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- ½ cup (90 g) Melted chocolate (for coating)
- 2 tbsp Rose petals dried
- ¼ cup Crushed nuts I used pistachios and pecans.
Method
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Pro tip – If you use granulated sugar, this process usually takes 2-3 minutes and can be done with a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.1 cup Unsalted butter, ⅔ cup Powdered sugar
- Incorporate Vanilla Extract (Optional): If desired, add the vanilla extract to the dough and mix until evenly distributed. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor but is optional if you prefer a more traditional shortbread taste.1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, followed by the all-purpose flour and salt, to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed (or stir by hand) until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; stop once the dough is combined.⅓ cup Cocoa powder, 2 cup All purpose flour
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows it to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F /160°C/ Gas Mark 3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-12mm). Use rolling pin guides or parchment paper to maintain even thickness. You can roll the dough on a lightly floured surface, but it is easier when you roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Cut into Shapes: Cut the dough into your preferred shapes with cookie cutters. Classic shortbread shapes include rectangles, squares, or traditional rounds. Re-roll and cut any leftover dough until it's used up.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Shortbread cookies only spread a little during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 – 14 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the baked shortbread cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Dipping the cookies in chocolate is optional but a great way to take these cookies to the next level. Melt your preferred type of chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. If the chocolate is too thick, add a tablespoon of cooking oil to lighten it.½ cup Melted chocolate
- Once melted, dip each cookie into the chocolate, coating about half the cookie. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them on parchment paper.
- If desired, sprinkle some chopped nuts, zest, or crushed rose petals while the chocolate is wet. Once the chocolate has hardened, these scrumptious chocolate-coated shortbread cookies are ready to be enjoyed!2 tbsp Rose petals, ¼ cup Crushed nuts
Notes
- Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
- Decorate the chocolate with chopped nuts, flaky sea salt, sprinkles, or orange zest before it sets.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie boxes and edible gifts.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Tips for the Best Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
- Use good-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough or the cookies can become tough.
- Chill the dough before rolling and cutting to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Roll the dough to an even thickness so the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake just until the edges are set. Shortbread should not brown too much.
- Let the cookies cool completely before dipping them in chocolate.
more shortbread recipes
- Shortbread Cookies – 3 Ingredients
- Ginger Shortbread with Molasses
- 3 Ingredients Candied Fruit Shortbread
- Melting Moments Cookies
- Whipped Short Bread Cookies Recipe
Frequently asked questions
When stored properly in an airtight container, these chocolate shortbread cookies can stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, it’s unlikely they will last that long before being devoured!
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for dark chocolate, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your taste. Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination of chocolates can all work well in these cookies.
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. If you’d like to freeze the dough, shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, slice the frozen dough into rounds and bake as directed. As for the baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. This allows you to have fresh, homemade chocolate shortbread cookies ready for any occasion without the hassle of last-minute preparations.
If you or someone you’re baking for has dietary restrictions or allergies, you can make a few modifications to accommodate them. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. To make them nut-free, omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds or dried fruit. Additionally, if you need to make these cookies dairy-free, you can use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Shortbread cookies have a good shelf life as dough and cookies. If wrapped well, the dough can stay in the fridge for three days before rolling and baking. You can even cover the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined tray, wrapped well with cling wrap, for about 3 to 4 days.
You certainly can. I wanted to keep these cookies white, so I omitted any color from the spices. But 1/2 tsp cinnamon, gingerbread spice, and chai spice would work. You can even add 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts. You may need to add a tablespoon of water to bring the dough together if you add nuts.
more chocolate cookies
- Fudgy Chocolate Cookies
- Chocolate Linzer Cookies
- Best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Stuffed Brownie Cookies
- Gooey Brownie Cookies
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I wouldn’t mind these short bread cookies with a cup of tea. Love your version as it looks absolutely gorgeous.
Absolutely, Jyothi. Perfect with tea.
I’ve made lots of cookies in my lifetime but I think this is the first time I’ve seen cornstarch as an ingredient. How very interesting. I’ve never had shortbread cookies and you’ve piqued my interest. I’m definitely going to make the vanilla and chocolate variety.
Seriously Marisa? I have made many shortbread cookies with cornstarch. It’s so wonderful. Gives it that melt in the mouth feel.
My family absolutely loves shortbread cookies! I never thought to be chocolate in them though, these look delicious! We will be baking these this week, so yummy!
Thank you, Alexis. Yes, chocolate shortbread is rare but very delicious.
Cookies are my favorite dessert and these chocolate shortbreads would be perfect with a cup of hot cocoa! Nothing says time for fall/winter like a good dessert and hot drink
Absolutely, Nothing better than shortbread with a cup of cocoa. Thank you, Michelle.
you are a true genius when it comes to baking who would have thought of chocolate shortbread? wow I love this and will go on my Christmas Baking list!
Thank you so much, Claudia. I hope you try these. Really easy to make.
Such a simply perfect cookie! Can’t wait to try these with tea! I’ll be making the white version also … because, why not?!
Thank you, Noel. Yes, these two are so addictive. Why not make both.
I love shortbread cookies, they’re one of my favorite treats of the holiday season. Your chocolate cookies look great.
Mine too Valerie. Thanks
Oh shortbread cookies are the best! Buttery and crispy and so so addictive. I can’t stop eating them.
Absolutely Dahn. Buttery and crispy is very addictive.
I can’t wait to get my hands on these cookies. I don’t make cookies often but when I do my kids always go crazy for them. I am sure these shortbread cookies will be just the same. Can’t wait to try them.
Thank you, Mirlene. Yes, these are so easy they take only five minutes – Gets the kids to make them with you. They love this dough.
Love that this is only made with 6 ingredients. I can’t resist shortbread cookies. Saving this for Christmas cookie baking 😉
Thank you, Cathleen. Yes, it’s only six simple ingredients which makes holiday cookies a pleasure.