Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread | Simple & Delicious Cookies

Some days call for something simple and sweet the kind of cookie that melts the moment it touches your tongue. This easy chocolate chip shortbread recipe is that kind of comfort. Buttery, crumbly, and just sweet enough, it feels like a quiet afternoon in your kitchen turned into dessert.

Why This Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Works

This shortbread works because it relies on real butter, not substitutes. The fat content gives that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. The brown sugar deepens the flavor with gentle caramel notes, while the mini chocolate chips sprinkle bursts of sweetness through every bite. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape, so they bake up crisp and perfect around the edges. And since the method is straightforward, both new and experienced bakers can enjoy success every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few basics, and each plays a role in texture and taste. Use real butter, softened to room temperature — margarine just won’t work. The brown sugar adds warmth, while flour provides the delicate structure shortbread needs. A pinch of salt sharpens all those sweet, buttery notes. Finally, mini chocolate chips distribute evenly and make the dough easier to cut. If you want an extra touch, melt a little chocolate or almond bark for dipping once they’ve cooled.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Start by creaming the softened butter and brown sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This step matters — it traps air and gives the shortbread its fine crumb. Next, mix in the flour and salt on low just until combined. If the dough looks crumbly, press it together gently by hand. Then stir in your chocolate chips until they’re evenly spread through the dough.

Press the dough into a zip-top bag and flatten it into a rectangle. Seal and chill for at least 1 hour. This resting time firms the butter so your cookies don’t spread. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 300°F and line baking sheets with parchment. Cut out cookies about 2 inches wide and place 12–15 on each sheet.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to firm up as they rest, developing that crisp bite you expect from great shortbread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 40 minutes total
Total Time: about 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Nutrition (per cookie): 147 calories, 16g carbs, 1g protein, 9g fat, 7g sugar, 89mg sodium

Optional Chocolate Dipping Instructions

If you’d like to dress them up, melt chocolate in the microwave using short 15-second bursts, stirring each time. Dip half of each cooled cookie, let the excess drip off, and lay them on parchment to set. To keep edges clean, allow the dipped cookies to rest at room temperature until firm. You can even chill them briefly if your kitchen is warm.

Flavor Variations and Easy Add-Ins

You can keep this recipe classic or play with flavor. Stir in crushed toffee bits for crunch, or add a little orange zest for brightness. A few chopped pecans or almonds add richness. Dried cherries or cranberries bring a tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar base. Just remember — keep mix-ins dry so the dough texture stays the same.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shortbread Every Time

Always start with softened butter, never melted. Mix gently and stop as soon as the dough forms. Press crumbly bits together rather than overmixing. Chill the dough thoroughly to keep the shapes clean and the texture crisp. Bake low and slow so the edges just turn golden without overbrowning. Finally, cool the cookies completely on the baking sheet — that’s the secret to keeping them tender yet crisp.

Storage and Freezing Guide

Once cooled, store your shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They keep their flavor best in a cool, dry spot. To freeze, wrap the unbaked dough or baked cookies tightly in plastic and store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature before baking or serving. Avoid microwaving, which can soften their delicate crumb.

FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Easy Cherry Blossom Cookies dessert recipe
• Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars creamy dessert
• Quick Gluten Free Brownies rich fudgy dessert
• Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups dessert idea
• Greek Yogurt Dessert no-bake treat
• Mini Cheesecakes New York Style dessert
• Air Fryer Churro Bites easy dessert

Conclusion

This easy chocolate chip shortbread recipe delivers buttery comfort in every bite. It’s quick to make, simple to bake, and perfect for both quiet evenings and festive gatherings. Bake a batch for gifting or just because and if you’d like to share your creations, you can tag me on Pinterest or join the fun on Facebook.

Print