Shortbread cookies are a timeless classic—rich, buttery, slightly crumbly, and delightfully simple. With just three basic ingredients, you can create a versatile cookie dough that transforms into endless flavor variations. Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifting, or simply craving something sweet with tea, this guide covers everything from the base recipe to creative twists.
The 3-Ingredient Shortbread Base
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for a softer texture)
- *2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
How to Make It
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
- Add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a log for slice-and-bake or press into a baking tray.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Cut or shape into cookies and bake at 325°F / 165°C for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely—they set and firm as they cool.
Flavor Variations
Shortbread is a blank canvas. Add-ins and extracts can transform the flavor effortlessly.
| Variation | Add to Base Dough | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | 1 tsp vanilla extract | Classic bakery-style |
| Lemon Zest | Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Fresh & bright |
| Orange Chocolate Chip | Zest of 1 orange + ½ cup mini chocolate chips | Perfect with tea |
| Almond | 1 tsp almond extract + ¼ cup sliced almonds | Top with extra almonds |
| Coffee | 1 tbsp instant coffee mixed with 1 tsp hot water | Rich aroma |
| Chai Spice | 1 tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp cardamom + pinch clove | Warm & cozy |
| Salted Caramel | Caramel bits + flaky sea salt on top | Add salt after baking |
| Matcha | 1–2 tsp matcha powder | Lovely green color |
| Jam Thumbprint | Thumbprint indent + jam | Bake with jam inside |
| Chocolate-Dipped | Dip baked cookies in melted chocolate | Add sprinkles if desired |
| Nutella Swirl | Swirl 2–3 tbsp Nutella gently into dough | Don’t overmix |
| Coconut | ½ cup desiccated coconut | Toasted coconut topping optional |
Texture Tweaks
| For… | Try Adding |
|---|---|
| Extra crispiness | 2 tbsp cornstarch |
| Softer, tender texture | Use powdered sugar instead of granulated |
| Melting-in-mouth feel | ¼ cup rice flour |
Shaping Ideas
- Slice-and-bake round cookies
- Bars or finger shapes
- Thumbprint cookies
- Sandwich cookies (with chocolate or jam)
- Embossed or stamped designs
Shortbread dough holds shape beautifully—perfect for festive patterns or cookie stamps.
Creative Flavor Combinations
- Espresso + Dark Chocolate
- Lemon + Poppy Seeds
- Maple + Pecan
- Matcha + White Chocolate
- Chocolate + Sea Salt + Almond
Tips for Perfect Shortbread
- Don’t overmix — it can make cookies tough.
- Chill the dough — prevents spreading and makes cutting cleaner.
- Bake low and slow — helps develop buttery flavor and tender texture.
- Use quality butter — it’s the star of the recipe.
Conclusion
From a simple three-ingredient base, a whole world of flavors is possible. Shortbread cookies adapt to every season—citrus and florals for summer, spices for winter, chocolate and nuts anytime. Master the base once, and you’ll never run out of delicious variations.