12 Buttery Shortbread Recipes That Melt in Your Mouth

Written by Camilla in Dessert

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You’ll find a dozen shortbread ideas that are easy to make and taste rich without fuss. Start with classic Scottish rounds, then try lemon twists, chocolate-dipped bars, or brown butter pecan. There are floral and savory options too, like lavender-honey or rosemary-sea salt, plus cocoa swirls and raspberry Linzer-style cookies. Each recipe gives clear steps, ingredient notes, and baking tips so you can pick one and get straight to the oven.

Classic Scottish Shortbread Rounds

Classic Scottish Shortbread Rounds — tender, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) rice flour or cornstarch (for extra crumbly texture)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or finely grated lemon zest

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and pale.
  3. Stir in the vanilla or lemon zest if using.
  4. Sift the all-purpose flour, rice flour (or cornstarch), and salt into the butter mixture.
  5. Gently mix until a soft, crumbly dough forms — don’t overwork it.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press it together into a disk.
  7. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thickness and use a 2.5-inch (6 cm) round cutter to cut rounds, or press into a 9-inch tart pan and dock the surface with a fork for a single large shortbread.
  8. Place rounds on the prepared sheet, spacing them slightly apart; prick each with a fork and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
  9. Chill the shaped dough in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help them keep their shape.
  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes (12–18 minutes for smaller rounds) until the edges are just beginning to color—shortbread should stay pale.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these classic rounds with a hot cup of tea — pure, buttery bliss.

Lemon Zest Shortbread Twists

Bright, buttery lemon twists with a crisp bite — perfect with tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 lemons (about 1–2 tbsp)
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2–4 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and slightly fluffy.
  3. Stir in the lemon zest, salt, and vanilla until evenly combined.
  4. Add the flour a little at a time and mix until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 6–8 inch rope.
  6. Twist each rope gently into a spiral or figure-eight and place on the prepared sheet about 1 inch apart.
  7. Chill the arranged twists in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are just turning light golden.
  9. Let the twists cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, and serve with your favorite tea.

Enjoy the bright, buttery crunch — these twists disappear fast!

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars

Crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread bars dipped in glossy chocolate—simple decadence.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or light corn syrup (optional, for shinier chocolate)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and powdered sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Add the flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms and no dry streaks remain.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with your fingers or a spatula.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  7. Let the shortbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Melt the chopped chocolate (and oil or corn syrup, if using) in a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water (double boiler) or in 20–30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
  9. Dip one end of each shortbread bar into the melted chocolate, or spread the chocolate over the top with a spoon for full coverage.
  10. Place the dipped bars on parchment and chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
  11. Slice into bars or fingers, serve, and enjoy every buttery, chocolatey bite.

Enjoy these chocolate-dipped shortbread bars with a cup of tea or a big smile!

Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread

Nutty, caramel-kissed shortbread with a crisp edge and melt-in-your-mouth center.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (55 g) confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling

How to Make:

  1. Cut butter into chunks and place in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally as it melts.
  2. Continue cooking, watching closely; butter will foam, then brown specks and a nutty aroma will form—about 5–8 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and let cool 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant; chop finely and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk granulated and powdered sugar together briefly.
  5. Stir the warm (not hot) brown butter and vanilla into the sugar until combined.
  6. Add flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms; fold in the chopped pecans.
  7. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a disk or log, and chill 30 minutes until firm enough to slice or roll out.
  8. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  9. If slicing: slice chilled log into 1/4–1/2‑inch rounds and place on sheet 1 inch apart. If rolling: roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut shapes, then transfer to sheet.
  10. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden. Rotate pan halfway if needed.
  11. Remove to a rack and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired; cool completely to firm up.

Enjoy the rich, toasty crunch—perfect with coffee or a sweet-tooth craving satisfied.

Lavender and Honey Shortbread

Light, floral shortbread kissed with honey — delicate and delightful with every buttery bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender, lightly crushed (adjust to taste)
  • Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.
  3. Mix in the honey and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Stir together the flour, salt, and crushed lavender in a separate bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently press into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle (or roll out to about 1/4-inch for crispier cookies).
  7. Cut into squares, fingers, or use a cookie cutter, and transfer to the prepared sheet, spacing a little apart.
  8. Prick each piece a few times with a fork and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar if you like.
  9. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden; watch closely so lavender flavor stays delicate.
  10. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  11. If desired, finish with a light drizzle of honey before serving.

Enjoy these tender lavender-honey shortbreads with tea or whenever you need a gentle, sweet treat.

Almond Crescent Shortbread

A tender, crescent-shaped shortbread with a hint of almond — crisp at the edges, melt-in-your-mouth inside.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (85 g) confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (55 g) ground almonds (almond meal)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup sliced or chopped almonds (optional, for rolling)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the confectioners’ and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until combined.
  4. Stir together the flour, ground almonds, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls; shape each into a small crescent by gently flattening and curving it into a crescent shape with your fingers.
  7. If using, roll the ends or edges lightly in sliced/chopped almonds for extra crunch.
  8. Place crescents on the prepared sheet about 1 inch apart and bake 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just golden.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cool, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Enjoy these delicate almond crescents with tea, coffee, or whenever you need a little buttery pick-me-up!

Orange Marmalade Thumbprint Shortbread

Bright, buttery shortbread meets bright citrus in these jammy orange thumbprints.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade (preferably slightly chunky)
  • Optional: 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the salt, vanilla, and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  4. Gradually add the flour and stir until a soft dough forms; don’t overwork it.
  5. Roll the dough into 1‑inch balls and place them about 1½ inches apart on the prepared sheet.
  6. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a shallow well into the center of each ball.
  7. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of orange marmalade, being careful not to overfill.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. If you like, dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy these tender, citrusy thumbprints with a cup of tea or as a sunny snack any time.

Earl Grey Tea–Infused Shortbread

A delicate, buttery shortbread lightly scented with bergamot — perfect with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 4–6 tea bags)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: extra granulated or sanding sugar for sprinkling

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add both sugars and the salt, and beat briefly until light and fluffy.
  4. Stir in the vanilla and the finely ground Earl Grey leaves until evenly distributed.
  5. Fold in the flour a little at a time until the dough just comes together; don’t overmix.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log (about 2 inches diameter) or press into a 9×3-inch tart pan for a shortbread slab.
  7. If using a log, chill 20–30 minutes until firm; if using a pan, chill 10–15 minutes.
  8. Slice the chilled log into 1/4- to 1/2-inch rounds and place on the prepared sheet, or prick the slab with a fork and score into wedges.
  9. Sprinkle tops lightly with extra sugar if you like.
  10. Bake 15–20 minutes for slices or 20–28 minutes for a slab, until very pale golden at the edges.
  11. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these fragrant, buttery bites with your favorite cup of tea — they’re small comforts with big flavor.

Salted Caramel Shortbread Squares

A rich, buttery shortbread square topped with gooey salted caramel — sweet, salty, and utterly addictive.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt (plus extra flaky sea salt for sprinkling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel topping:

  • 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) corn syrup or golden syrup (optional, for smoothness)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment, leaving some overhang.
  2. In a bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the vanilla and salt.
  4. Stir in the flour until the dough just comes together; don’t overwork it.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly in the pan.
  7. While the shortbread bakes, make the caramel: combine brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat.
  8. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  9. Remove caramel from heat and stir in salt and vanilla; taste and adjust salt if you like it saltier.
  10. Pour the warm caramel over the slightly cooled shortbread, spreading it evenly.
  11. Sprinkle a few pinches of flaky sea salt over the caramel.
  12. Let the pan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the caramel.
  13. Use the parchment overhang to lift the shortbread out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
  14. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
  15. Serve at room temperature so the caramel is soft and gooey.

Enjoy every buttery, caramel-packed bite — these squares are hard to resist!

Rosemary and Sea Salt Shortbread

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered (icing) sugar, sifted
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (about 1–2 teaspoons dried if that’s what you have)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for balance)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the vanilla (if using) and the finely chopped rosemary until evenly distributed.
  5. Add the flour and fine salt; mix gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log about 1½–2 inches in diameter, or press into a 8-inch square pan for sliceable bars.
  7. If using a log, wrap in plastic and chill until firm, 30–45 minutes (or chill the pan for 20–30 minutes).
  8. Slice chilled log into 1/4–1/2-inch rounds and place on the prepared sheet about 1 inch apart; or remove from pan and cut into squares.
  9. Sprinkle the tops lightly with coarse sea salt.
  10. Bake 14–18 minutes, until the edges are just starting to color and the centers look set; baking time varies by thickness.
  11. Let the shortbread cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these buttery rosemary shortbreads with a cup of tea or as a savory-sweet nibble — irresistible with their herb-kissed crunch!

Cocoa Swirl Shortbread Cookies

A chocolatey twist on classic shortbread — crisp, buttery, and marbled with cocoa for a beautiful finish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1–2 teaspoons milk (optional, if dough is too dry)
  • Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the vanilla.
  4. Whisk the flour and salt together, then add to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough in half; keep one half plain and stir the sifted cocoa into the other half until evenly colored. Add 1–2 teaspoons milk if either dough seems crumbly.
  6. Roll each half between sheets of parchment into roughly equal rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Place the cocoa rectangle on top of the plain rectangle and gently press to adhere.
  8. Starting at one short end, tightly roll the layered dough into a log. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
  9. Slice the chilled log into 1/4- to 1/2-inch rounds and transfer to the prepared sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  10. Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden.
  11. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if you like.

Enjoy these cocoa swirl shortbreads with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk — they’re buttery, tender, and oh-so-satisfying.

Raspberry Linzer-Style Shortbread

A tender, nutty shortbread sandwich filled with bright raspberry jam — elegant and irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seeded or smooth, your choice)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  4. Stir in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt just until a soft dough forms; don’t overmix.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  6. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches) to cut an even number of rounds. For half the rounds, use a smaller cutter or a decorative stamp to cut a small window in the center.
  7. Transfer cookies to the prepared sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Spoon a small teaspoon of raspberry jam onto each solid cookie, then top with a windowed cookie and gently press to sandwich.
  10. Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar, if desired.

Enjoy these buttery, jammy bites with tea or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!

Conclusion

You’ve got a dozen reliable shortbreads to try, so pick one and get baking. Measure butter and flour accurately, chill dough when the recipe says, and bake until edges are just golden. Cool on a rack before cutting or dipping. Store in an airtight tin to keep them tender. Treat each batch like a small craft project; with steady hands and simple steps, you’ll turn basic ingredients into crisp, buttery slices every time.

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