It’s amazing what you can do with just butter, sugar, and flour.
That simple combination creates one of the BEST cookies in the world: shortbread.
A perfect shortbread is buttery, crumbly, and just melts in your mouth. It is SERIOUSLY good.
But the real magic of shortbread is that it’s the perfect starting point for so many other delicious ideas.
You can add a little bit of chocolate, some zesty lemon, nuts, or a swirl of caramel. The options are basically ENDLESS.
I’ve put together a list of some of the very best shortbread cookie recipes out there.
This collection has everything from easy, no-fail classics to unique flavor combinations you’ll be excited to try.
1. Scottish Shortbread Cookies
Scottish Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly crisp with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Just a few simple ingredients come together to make these classic shortbread biscuits irresistible.
2. Slice and Bake Key Lime Shortbread Cookies
Slice and Bake Key Lime Shortbread Cookies offer a bright, zesty twist on a timeless favorite.
They’re easy to make, deliciously sweet, and packed with that perfect key lime flavor for spring and summer.
3. Lemon Lavender Cookies – Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Glaze
Lemon Lavender Cookies with Lemon Glaze bring a refreshing herbal touch to classic shortbread.
These soft, buttery cookies are ideal for spring and summer and come with vegan and gluten-free options.
4. Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies – Easy Cookie Recipe!
Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies are wonderfully soft and rich, with a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Only three ingredients are needed to create this simple yet satisfying cookie recipe.
5. Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies combine dark chocolate chunks and zesty orange zest for a festive treat.
If you love the flavor of Terry’s chocolate orange, these shortbread cookies are a must-try.
6. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crisp, and just the right balance of sweet and rich.
With only six simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
7. Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies
Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies have a deep, nutty flavor from the browned butter.
Simple to make with just three ingredients, these cookies are a holiday favorite.
8. Gluten-Free Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Gluten-Free Matcha Shortbread Cookies are soft, creamy, and beautifully flavored with earthy matcha.
They’re chocolate-dipped, dairy-free, and perfect for a festive treat that everyone can enjoy.
9. Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These pecan shortbread cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with a warm, nutty crunch.
Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a simple, satisfying treat.
10. Shortbread Cookies
These shortbread cookies are a cozy copycat of Ted Lasso’s favorite biscuits, with a flaky, golden finish.
Easy to make with just a few pantry staples, they’re a hit at any gathering.
11. Strawberry shortbread cookies
Strawberry shortbread cookies bring a sweet, fruity twist to the classic buttery base.
Light, soft, and subtly sweet, they’re ideal for summer afternoons.
12. Chocolate Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate chocolate chip shortbread cookies deliver a rich, buttery crunch with every bite.
They’re deeply chocolaty and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
13. Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Lavender shortbread cookies offer a gentle floral note wrapped in a smooth, buttery crust.
They’re a delicate treat with just the right hint of earthy sweetness.
14. Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Vanilla Icing
Slice and bake lavender shortbread cookies with vanilla icing are soft, sweet, and perfect for spring.
The floral aroma and light sugar glaze make them a standout treat.
15. Keto Almond Shortbread Cookies
Keto almond shortbread cookies are a creamy, low-carb alternative to traditional sweets.
Buttery and crisp, they’re great for a quick, satisfying bite.
16. Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate shortbread cookies are ultra-chocolaty and melt in your mouth at first bite.
A simple recipe that delivers serious flavor with every chew.
17. Slice-and-Bake Shortbread: one dough, three cookie flavors
Slice-and-Bake Shortbread: one dough, three cookie flavors
One simple dough turns into three delicious kinds of shortbread cookies.
Perfect for sharing or baking a little of everything.
18. Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Warm cinnamon and a hint of cayenne bring depth to rich chocolate shortbread.
These buttery slice-and-bake cookies are cozy and satisfying in every bite.
19. Keto Shortbread Cookies
Keto Shortbread Cookies
Crisp, buttery, and made with keto-friendly ingredients, these shortbread cookies taste indulgent.
They’re the perfect low-carb treat that feels rich without the guilt.
20. Coconut Shortbread Cookies
Coconut Shortbread Cookies
Soft coconut shortbread cookies with a touch of lemon and toasted coconut finish.
These buttery, sweet treats are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
21. Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
These low carb and keto-friendly shortbread cookies are packed with chocolate chips.
They’re buttery, tender, and perfect for a quick snack or coffee dunker.
22. Ghraybeh (Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies)
Ghraybeh (Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies)
Ghraybeh cookies are soft, sweet, and melt in your mouth with every bite.
Made with just three simple ingredients, they’re an easy and delicious Middle Eastern treat.
23. Jam Thumbprint Shortbread Cookies
Jam Thumbprint Shortbread Cookies
Sweet shortbread cookies with a soft center filled with your favorite jam.
Easy to make and always a hit with a simple, satisfying flavor.