30 Melt-In-Your-Mouth Shortbread Recipes

Updated on November 23, 2018 by Melissa Girimonte

With the holidays just around the corner, it's about time we get baking — and what better way to enjoy classic holiday flavours than with buttery, crumbly shortbread! Here are 30 ways to bake this classic Christmas treat, from mini linzer cookies to cardamom crumble shortbread squares.

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Anna Olson's Shortbread Cookies

This recipe makes a shortbread that's soft and tender, unlike the typically firm and crumbly version. For an extra treat, press a piece of chocolate nougat candy into the centre of each cookie. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shortbread-cookies/5498/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Vanilla Bean Spritz Shortbread

These lovely cookies are sure to impress your guests. The star shape can be achieved with a star-shaped tip on a piping bag or with a cookie press. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vanilla-bean-spritz-shortbread/12770/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Vanilla Bean Spritz Shortbread</a>
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The Ultimate Shortbread Cookie

What makes this your go-to recipe for years to come? Behind every soft and sweet cookie is the power of fresh vanilla beans, delivering a subtle aroma to each buttery bite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-ultimate-shortbread/20810/" target="_blank">The Ultimate Shortbread Cookie</a>
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Citrus Shortbreads

Seasonal citrus becomes a delightful dessert that brings the bright, festive flavours of tangerines to the holiday table. Grating citrus skin releases the oils and flavour without adding extra moisture to the cookie recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/citrus-shortbreads/19274/" target="_blank">Citrus Shortbreads</a>
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Light-As-Air Whipped Shortbread Cookies

The secret to these light-as-air shortbread cookies is whipping the butter, sugar, cornstarch and vanilla until fluffy, then carefully mixing in flour until just combined. To achieve the decorative stripe pattern, roll the batter into balls, then flatten them with tines of a fork that have been dusted with flour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/light-as-air-whipped-shortbread-cookies/14040/" target="_blank">Light-As-Air Whipped Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Scottish Pan Shortbread

Why settle for one shortbread cookie when you can have a whole pan! This recipe bakes one giant shortbread cookie that can be sliced into wedges to be enjoyed over a few days. Although, it probably wouldn’t last that long! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/scottish-pan-shortbread/12771/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Scottish Pan Shortbread</a>
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Peanut Butter Shorties

These bakery-quality treats get their name from their buttery shortbread base. Believe us, these shorties at stacked with flavour, from the melt-in-your-mouth cookie to the creamy, white chocolate and peanut butter ganache to the salty, crunch of roasted peanuts. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-baker-sisters//recipe/peanut-butter-shorty/20813/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Shorties</a>
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Pecan and Chocolate Shortbreads

Shortbread cookies are spiked with a hint of rum, and jazzed up with roasted pecans and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Be sure to make extra because it's impossible to eat just one! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pecan-and-chocolate-shortbreads/17568/" target="_blank"> Ricardo's Pecan and Chocolate Shortbreads</a>
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Cardamom Shortbread Torte

Common in European holiday spice mixes, cardamom brings a warm, yet floral aroma to these delicate cookies. Layered with a sweet, cinnamon prune sauce, this delightful stacked cookie cake is a feast for the eyes and the palate Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cardamom-shortbread-torte/2638/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Cardamom Shortbread Torte</a>
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Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Seasonal citrus and Christmasy rosemary find a the perfect home in sweet shortbread. Each buttery bite releases the beautiful and bright medley of fresh flavours. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rosemary-lemon-shortbread-cookies/19731/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli’s Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Mini Linzer Cookies

Sweet and tart raspberry preserves are sandwiched between two buttery shortbread cookies. Heart-shaped cutouts are the key to this standout dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-linzer-cookies/17439/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Mini Linzer Cookies</a>
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Flourless Shortbread with Apple Pie Preserves

This recipe swaps plain white flour for brown rice flour, giving it a nuttier taste and making it gluten free! Chopped dates and grated cheddar cheese are also added to the batter for a sweet and savoury flavour combination. Serve with zesty apple pie preserves. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/flourless-shortbread-with-apple-pie-preserves/12697/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Flourless Shortbread with Apple Pie Preserves</a>
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Chocolate Shortbread and Raspberry Napoleons

Juicy raspberries and rich swirls of pastry cream are layered between pieces of chocolate shortbread, forming a decadent napoleon stack. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar for a truly show-stopping dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-shortbread-and-raspberry-napoleons/12772/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Chocolate Shortbread and Raspberry Napoleons</a>
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Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Tender, buttery and speckled with chunky chocolate chips, this tasty shortbread cookie will be the dessert that steals the show at your next festive get-together. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-chip-shortbread-cookies/13836/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Cardamom Crumble Shortbread Squares

Bold cardamom lifts up the sweet berry flavours of cherry, blueberry and blackberry in this spiced crumble shortbread. Dust with icing sugar before serving and enjoy with a piping hot cup of coffee for the perfect after-dinner treat. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cardamom-crumble-shortbread-squares/17490/" target="_blank">Cardamom Crumble Shortbread Squares</a>
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Maple Shortbread

Light, buttery shortbread gets a Canadian twist with a hint of maple syrup. Bonus points if you have maple leaf cookie cutters! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-shortbread/4916/" target="_blank">Maple Shortbread</a>
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Daisy Shortbread Cookies

Ina Garten’s sweet shortbreads are perfect for a summer party, or break out the red icing to create a tray of festive poinsettia cookies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/daisy-shortbread-cookies/20033/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Daisy Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Ricardo's Shortbread

Thin, crisp and full of buttery goodness, this tasty shortbread recipe makes an irresistible and tasty dessert that your guests are sure to love. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ricardos-shortbread-cookies/17578/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Shortbread</a>
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White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Sub in white sprinkles for the rainbow variety to keep with the Labour Day theme. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-chocolate-shortbread-cookies/15610/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Strawberry Shortbread Jammy Bars

These shortbread bars are a far better use for classic strawberry jam than your morning toast. Sweet, homey and super-buttery, they offer a taste of summer, anytime of year. Switch up the jams with what you love and make these your own. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/strawberry-shortbread-jammy-bars/" target="_blank">Strawberry Shortcake Jammy Bars</a>
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Matcha Shortbread Leaves

The slightly bitter flavour of the matcha powder perfectly offsets the sweetness of the shortbread. Plus, the powder gives this dessert a beautiful green colour. Use a cookie cutter to shape them into leaves and a small knife to etch in the leaf veins. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/matcha-shortbread-leaves/15093/" target="_blank">Matcha Shortbread Leaves</a>
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Ina Garten’s Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies are dipped in silky melted chocolate and left to harden for the perfect bite. Dip them into the chocolate at an angle or drizzle the melted chocolate over top for a pretty dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-shortbread-cookies/17446/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Decorated Shortbread Cut-Out Cookies

Chocolate shortbread cookies are given a fun twist with cookie cutters and colourful icing. This is one dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/decorated-shortbread-cut-out-cookies/12773/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Decorated Shortbread Cut-Out Cookies</a>
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Peppermint and Chocolate Shortbread

A sweet candy and crumbly cookie are packed into one decadent square. To serve, top the shortbread with silky white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy or candy canes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peppermint-and-chocolate-shortbread/11471/" target="_blank">Peppermint and Chocolate Shortbread</a>
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Salted Chocolate-Chunk Shortbread

Buttery shortbread slices are studded with chocolate chips and sprinkled with fleur de sel for that sweet-salty flavourful combination we all know and love. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/salted-chocolate-chunk-shortbread/12127/" target="_blank">Salted Chocolate-Chunk Shortbread</a>
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Lemon Thyme Shortbread

Fresh thyme, lemon zest and ginger take these classic cookies to a tasty new level. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-thyme-shortbread/2612/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Lemon Thyme Shortbread</a>
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Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

With bold chocolate flavour and studded with chewy bits of dried cherries, these tender and addictive shortbread cookies will become your go-to treat when entertaining. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-cherry-shortbread-cookies/18962/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Ginger Shortbread

Cut into star shapes for a festive feel, a hint of spice is the perfect addition to these party-worthy cookies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ginger-shortbread/17636/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Ginger Shortbread</a>
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Greek Shortbread Cookies (Kourabiedes)

These bright white crescent cookies are the Greek version of shortbread, featuring the same buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture but adding almonds to the mix for a hint of nutty flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/greek-shortbread-cookies-kouriabiedes/6157/" target="_blank">Greek Shortbread Cookies (Kouriabiedes)</a>
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Pecan Shortbread

These buttery shortbread cookies from Ina Garten are ready in no time at all, making them perfect for any last-minute holiday baking. They also make a great homemade gift ... just wrap them in festive cellophane and add a bow! Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pecan-shortbread/21595/" target="_blank">The Barefoot Contessa's Pecan Shortbread</a>
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