17 Shortbread Cookie Recipes to Make for Buttery Goodness
Shortbread is the cookie equivalent of a cozy blanket. Buttery, soft, and just the right amount of crumbly, it’s a classic for a reason. This roundup has 17 ways to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture with some fun twists. From holiday-ready bites to cosmic-colored cuties, there’s something here for every craving.
Fairy Shortbread Bites
Tiny but tasty, these Fairy Shortbread Bites are as charming as they sound. Buttery dough turns into bite-sized cookies that are sweet and simple. Serve them at parties or keep them for yourself because you won’t want to share.
Get the recipe: Fairy Shortbread Bites
Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
These two-tone cookies are ready for their holiday close-up. Candy Cane Shortbread brings together buttery dough and peppermint flavor in a red and white swirl. A fun, no-fuss recipe to dress up your cookie tray.
Get the recipe: Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
Grinch Bites Mini Shortbread
Bright green and full of cheer, these mini shortbread bites channel major Grinch vibes. Perfect for kids, cookie swaps, or anyone who needs a little holiday mischief.
Get the recipe: Grinch Bites Mini Shortbread
Galaxy Shortbread Bites
Crumbly cookies with a cosmic twist. Galaxy Shortbread Bites are made for space-themed parties or just a night in with a sci-fi movie. Sweet, simple, and totally stellar.
Get the recipe: Galaxy Shortbread Bites
Mermaid Shortbread Bites
Colorful and beach-party ready, these Mermaid Shortbread Bites are a sea-sparkle dream. Great for summer birthdays or any day you want dessert to make a splash.
Get the recipe: Mermaid Shortbread Bites
Elf Bites Mini Shortbread Cookies
Tiny cookies, big flavor. Elf Bites are classic shortbread but in mini form. They’re quick to make and even faster to disappear. Perfect for gifting, parties, or late-night cravings.
Get the recipe: Elf Bites Mini Shortbread Cookies
Unicorn Poop Shortbread Bites
Ridiculously fun and full of color, these cookies are a hit with kids and the unicorn-obsessed. Buttery shortbread gets a rainbow glow-up.
Get the recipe: Unicorn Poop Shortbread Bites
Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Easy to batch and perfect for cookie exchanges, these red-and-green sprinkle shortbread cookies are holiday-ready. No rolling, no cutters. Just scoop, bake, and share.
Get the recipe: Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Santa’s Button Shortbread Bites
These button-topped cookies look festive and taste buttery-rich. They’re tiny, cute, and fit perfectly into holiday tins or snack bowls.
Get the recipe: Santa’s Button Shortbread Bites
Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Soft, buttery cookies meet cool peppermint and rich chocolate. This one’s a crowd-pleaser for winter parties and after-dinner treats.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Classic shortbread gets a sweet center. Fill these cookies with jam or lemon curd for a pop of flavor in every bite. Easy to make and hard to resist.
Get the recipe: Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Classic Shortbread Cookies
No frills, just flavor. With only three ingredients, this recipe proves shortbread doesn’t need bells and whistles to be great.
Get the recipe: Classic Shortbread Cookies
Slice and Bake Shortbread Cookies
Prep the dough, slice it up, and bake when ready. These are perfect for make-ahead baking sessions and still deliver that buttery goodness.
Get the recipe: Slice and Bake Shortbread Cookies
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Add a bright citrus twist to your shortbread lineup. These cookies are zesty, buttery, and perfect with a cup of tea or a sunny afternoon.
Get the recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery cookies with a chocolate-filled center, sign me up! A slightly different version than the other thumbprints, but equally tasty.
Get the recipe: Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Rich cocoa meets crumbly cookie. These chocolate shortbreads are bold, buttery, and a fun change from the usual vanilla version.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Sweet cranberries and tart orange zest bring big flavor to this buttery base. They’re holiday-friendly, but honestly, too good to save for just once a year.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
