Chocolate shortbread

Chocolate shortbread combines the rich flavor of cocoa with a buttery texture, making for an easy and satisfying treat. With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers.

19 Dec 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1/3 cup dry cocoa powder

Chocolate shortbread is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavor of cocoa with the buttery texture of traditional shortbread. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Here's how you can make this delicious dessert at home.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the room temperature butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Vanilla Extract:
- Mix in the vanilla extract until it is fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder to ensure there are no lumps.

5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour and cocoa powder mixture to the creamed butter, sugar, and vanilla. Mix on low speed or by hand until a dough forms. The dough should be smooth and consistent, but if it seems a bit dry, you can add a teaspoon of water or milk to help it come together.

6. Shape the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to ensure it's well combined, then shape it into a disc. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.

7. Cut the Cookies:
- Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut the dough into shapes. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

8. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The cookies may seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once completely cooled, these rich, buttery chocolate shortbread cookies can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

There you have it, a simple and delicious recipe for chocolate shortbread. With its irresistible combination of buttery goodness and rich chocolate flavor, this treat will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert after a meal.

Chocolate shortbread FAQ:

What is the baking time for chocolate shortbread?

Bake the chocolate shortbread in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, and while the cookies may appear soft, they will firm up as they cool.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are set and they look slightly dry on the surface. They may still feel soft to the touch but will become firmer as they cool.

How can I store the chocolate shortbread cookies?

Store the cooled chocolate shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Can I substitute any ingredients in chocolate shortbread?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. For the cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa for a different flavor profile.

What size baking pan should I use for chocolate shortbread?

Use a standard baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to bake the cookies. Spacing the cookie cutouts about 1 inch apart is essential for even baking.

Tips:

- Ensure the butter is at room temperature before starting to make it easier to blend with sugar.

- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.

- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help the shortbread maintain its shape.

- Cut the shortbread into uniform shapes to ensure even baking.

- Store the baked shortbread in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crisp.

Nutrition per serving

12 Servings
Calories 110kcal
Protein 1.82g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 1.76g
Sugar 1.42g
Fat 8g

Chocolate shortbread