Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
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Chocolate shortbread cookies are made with just four simple ingredients and absolutely melt in your mouth. Cookie heaven!
This chocolate shortbread cookie recipe is a must-have on your holiday cookie platter! Rich in cacao flavor, light, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a favorite in our home.
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Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
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Chocolate Shortbread Cookie Ingredients
- Flour – All purpose flour.
- Butter – Salted butter is my personal preference, but unsalted works too.
- Sugar – Confectioners sugar (also called powdered sugar). Granulated or brown sugar will also work. If you prefer coconut sugar, you can use that as well. Tips below!
- Cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder.
How do you make chocolate shortbread cookies? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, cream together sugar and butter, then slowly beat in flour and cocoa powder.
⭐ Next, use a cookie scoop to portion dough, form into balls, then flatten with your hand or a fork.
⭐ Then, bake until just starting to turn golden on the bottom.
⭐ Finally, allow to cool first on the cookie sheet, then on a wire rack.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make chocolate shortbread dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator or 3 – 4 months in advance if kept in the freezer. Make sure the dough is wrapped in plastic wrap or freezer paper before storing for best results.
Should you chill chocolate shortbread before baking?
Shortbread doesn’t spread much when baking, but if you’d like it to keep its shape exactly then chill the dough in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes before baking.
What kind of sugar for chocolate shortbread cookies?
The cookies pictured are made with powdered sugar (also sometimes called confectioners sugar).
You can also use brown sugar or granulated sugar – they will give you a different texture and flavor (but still delicious). Try them all and see which one you like best!
If you prefer to use coconut sugar, you can as well. You can even make powdered coconut sugar by putting your coconut sugar in the food processor before adding to the recipe. The ratio is 1:1 for granulated to powdered.
Leftovers and storage
How long do chocolate short bread cookies last?
They will keep for up to four weeks if kept in an airtight container. The cookies do not require refrigeration, but can be kept chilled if that’s your preference!
What’s the best way to store chocolate shortbread cookies?
Keep shortbread in a sealed airtight container at room temperature, or chilled.
Can you freeze baked chocolate shortbread cookies?
If you make extra or have leftovers, they can be stored in the freezer for several months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
Why shortbread is called shortbread?
Shortbread cookies are named after their texture, meaning it they have a short crumb. The crumbly texture (as opposed to a more chewy texture like in other cookies) is due to the lack of egg.
What does chocolate shortbread taste like?
These cookies are buttery, sweet, crumbly, and melt in your mouth in the very best way. They have a lovely gentle chocolate flavor that lingers in the best way.
Do I have to whip the sugar and butter first?
Technically I’m supposed to say yes, but honestly, more often than not I just toss it all in the the bowl and mix.
They key if you’re going to do it this way is to make sure you mix it long enough that you’re absolutely sure the dough is fully mixed. So, even after the ingredients come together as a dough, mix another 2 – 3 minutes.
What to eat with chocolate shortbread cookies (serving suggestions)
Try enjoying these cookies after a yummy and healthy meal of butternut squash salad and honey mustard salmon. Try our air fryer asparagus on the side!
Try these yummy shortbread recipes next!
- Classic shortbread cookies
- Lemon bars with lemon shortbread crust
- Salted caramel chocolate shortbread bars
More delicious cookie recipes
- Edible cookie dough recipe
- Chocolate chip covered cookies
- Red velvet cake mix cookies
- Snickerdoodles recipe
- Sprinkle cookies
- See all our easy cookie recipes
Other awesome chocolate recipes to try
- Classic chocolate cake
- Homemade chocolate frosting
- Cosmic brownies recipe
- Chocolate chip banana bread
- See all our recipes with chocolate!
Tools we love
- Bakers half sheet – It’s cool, we only have about six of these bakers half sheets because they’re good for absolutely everything!
- Silicone baking mats – Nothing sticks to these! Whaaaa?! Like magic.
- Electric mixer – I love love love love love (x’s 100) my stand mixer. Really and truly. But my daily work horse is this handheld electric mixer. It even comes in allll the colors. Which, yay!
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How to Make Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 3½ cups flour all purpose
- 2 cups butter softened/room temp
- 1 cup sugar confectioners/powdered
- ½ cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Cream together butter and sugar, then slowly beat in flour and cocoa powder.
- Using a medium sized cookie scoop, portion dough onto a lined baking sheet. Roll the dough into balls and then press flat with your hands, a fork, or a cookie press. Dip the fork or press in cacao powder or powdered sugar first so it doesn't stick to the dough.
- Bake at 350F for 10 - 12 minutes until turning a slight golden brown on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pan for 10 minutes. Move to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
Nutrition
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Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
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Disclosure: This was originally published as a partnered campaign with Earth Echo for Cacao Bliss.
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I LOVE Cacao Bliss! What a great, healthy product! It tastes so good in everything but I feel so good about using it because it’s so stinking healthy! Turmeric, Cinnamon, Monk Fruit, Raw Cacao and so much more awesome healthy ingredients! I’m looking forward to all the incredible ways I can use this and pump up my health while still ENJOYING my dessert! <3 Love this recipe! Thank you!
These chocolate shortbread cookies are truly amazing! They are so easy to make and are loaded with flavors!
These cookies were amazing, I took your advice and drizzles them with chocolate melts, they made for the most delicious dessert! The kids loved them too, will definitely be making them again.
That equals one whole pound of Butter that seems like a lot.
Okay?