Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Dessert & Treats Recipes
  5. Cookie Recipes
  6. Our Very Best Shortbread Cookie Recipes

Our Very Best Shortbread Cookie Recipes

kelly-vaughan-headshot-0419
By Kelly Vaughan Updated October 15, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
traditional scottish shortbread
Credit: Mike Krautter

From a traditional shortbread cookie to eye-catching renditions guaranteed to wow your family, our delicious recipes will become your new favorites.

Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
traditional scottish shortbread
Credit: Mike Krautter

The best things in life are simple and sweet, which is exactly why we love these shortbread cookie recipes so much. Brought stateside by Scottish immigrants, shortbread cookies (sometimes called biscuit, especially by our friends in the U.K.) are generally made from a combination of all-purpose flour, granulated or confectioner's sugar, and lots of butter. Flavorings such as vanilla or almond extract may be added to the dough, as well as chopped or ground nuts, fresh citrus zest, or cocoa powder. Here, we're sharing our best buttery and flaky shortbread cookie recipes.

While there are many delicious variations worth mastering, you'll want to start with our Classic Shortbread cookie recipe. The process is so simple—combine all of the ingredients together and mix to form a dough, press into a pan, refrigerate, then bake and enjoy! Whether you eat them on their own or pair them with a cup of tea, there's no mistaking just how good these cookies are.

If you're a chocolate lover, then you'll adore our recipe for Mocha Shortbread; a tablespoon of instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor. Looking for a subtler chocolate flavor? Try a batch of Oat-and-Spelt Shortbread, which are nutty cookies dipped in melted chocolate and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. The balance is just right. For the holidays, why not serve a batch of Meyer-Lemon Shortbread Wreath Cookies? Adorned with sugared thyme and rosemary—as well as red, white, and green sprinkles—they're the most stunning (and edible) holiday greenery.

Grab a few sticks of butter, cookie cutters or a tart pan, and get baking.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brown Sugar-Cornmeal Shortbread Cookies

brown sugar–cornmeal shortbread cookies served on a white platter
Credit: Con Poulos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With only 30 minutes of prep required to make these tasty cookies, you can make these sugary cornmeal shortbread cookies anytime you want. Pair them with after-dinner coffee or tea for a special treat. 

2 of 12

3 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shortbread Swirls

shortbread-swirls-102828336.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

How fun are these cookies? Classic shortbread just got a colorful upgrade. The dough is divided and dyed an array of bright hues (choose any colors that you like!), then pipe each cookie into the shape of "S."

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Classic Shortbread

petticoat-0207-mla102752.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A tried-and-true staple, this classic shortbread recipe is as dependable as it is delicious. Cut it into triangles like the traditional Scottish way for a buttery slice of heaven.

4 of 12

5 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almond-Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

almond cookie sandwich martha bakes
Credit: Mike Krautter
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Just like the nostalgic peanut butter sandwich cookie (but better!), this treat is made with an almond shortbread cookie base and a sweet almond butter filling. They're a delicious option for anyone with a peanut allergy.

5 of 12

6 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Meyer-Lemon Shortbread Wreath Cookies

meyer-lemon shortbread wreath cookies
Credit: Mikkel Vang
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

One of the prettiest treats we've seen, these delicate, aromatic wreath cookies are showstoppers. Meyer lemon juice is incorporated into both the dough and the glaze. They're also a great make-ahead dessert: Prep and freeze the dough up to a month before baking.

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oat-and-Spelt Shortbread

oatmeal spelt shortbread
Credit: Sidney Bensimon
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you or someone you know has a gluten sensitivity, these spelt flour and rolled oat-based cookies will hit the spot!

7 of 12

8 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mocha Shortbread

mocha-shortbread-0432-d111118.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For an easy, snackable bite, cut the dough for these chocolate and coffee-flavored shortbread cookies into individual bars. Cacao nibs add even more richness and texture.

8 of 12

9 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pistachio-Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

pistachio cookies
Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Thought your shortbread cookie had everything it needed? Think again. The addition of chopped pistachios to the dough adds very appealing crunch and color. Create a sweet sandwich by filling the cookies with jam (we used strawberry here, but use any kind you like!).

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peppercorn Shortbread

peppercorn shortbread
Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you don't have much of a sweet tooth then you're definitely going to enjoy snacking on these slightly spicy cookies. Buttery shortbread is topped with four varieties of peppercorns—white, black, pink, and green.

10 of 12

11 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walnut Shortbread

mld104930_0310_shortbreadcard.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Preparing these cookies couldn't be easier. The dough is pressed into a cake or tart pan, divided into eight sections, and pricked with a fork to create holes to let the steam escape while it bakes. Dust with confectioners' sugar for a pretty, picture-perfect finish.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Espresso Shortbread Cookies

la98471_1200_expresso.jpg
Credit: Anna Williams
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tastes of espresso ring throughout these crunchy, crumbly shortbread cookies. 

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kelly Vaughan

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 12
    2 of 12 Brown Sugar-Cornmeal Shortbread Cookies
    3 of 12 Shortbread Swirls
    4 of 12 Classic Shortbread
    5 of 12 Almond-Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
    6 of 12 Meyer-Lemon Shortbread Wreath Cookies
    7 of 12 Oat-and-Spelt Shortbread
    8 of 12 Mocha Shortbread
    9 of 12 Pistachio-Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
    10 of 12 Peppercorn Shortbread
    11 of 12 Walnut Shortbread
    12 of 12 Espresso Shortbread Cookies

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our Very Best Shortbread Cookie Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.