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20 Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipes That Impress with Zero Stress

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Easy shortbread cookie recipes are great when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend all day baking. These treats look fancy, but they’re actually super simple to make. Whether it’s a party or just a snack at home, shortbread cookies are always a good idea. I’ve rounded up 20 of the best recipes to help you enjoy that rich, buttery flavor without all the work. You’ll be surprised how quick and easy it is to bake cookies that taste amazing!

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Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

A close-up of Mexican shortbread cookies on a gold, round plate.
Hojarascas. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Hojarascas are soft, sweet, and covered in cinnamon sugar, making these Mexican shortbread cookies a batch you’ll want to make again and again.

Get Recipe: Hojarascas

Scottish Shortbread

A decorative plate filled with round, pale shortbread cookies, each with small fork holes on top. The cookies are arranged in a slightly overlapping pattern. Pinecones are visible in the background.
Scottish Shortbread. Photo credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

Scottish Shortbread sticks to tradition with a rich, buttery taste and soft texture that melts in your mouth, making it a timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Scottish Shortbread

Pan de Polvo (Mexican Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies)

A pile of pan de polvo cookies on a wooden platform.
Pan de Polvo. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pan de Polvo brings warm cinnamon spice and melt-in-your-mouth goodness to the table, making it one of the coziest Mexican shortbread cookies you can bake.

Get Recipe: Pan de Polvo

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Round shortbread cookies with scalloped edges are arranged on a gray surface next to a metal tin. A sprig of dried lavender is placed nearby, suggesting the cookies may be lavender-flavored.
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Ugly Duckling Bakery.

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies mix tangy citrus and soft floral notes into one buttery bite, giving you something fresh and fancy without the fuss.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Toblerone Shortbread Cookies

A white plate filled with almond cookie clusters, each featuring a chocolate chunk on top. A white and red striped cloth is partially visible on the left, all placed on a marble surface.
Toblerone Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Style and Grace.

Toblerone Shortbread Cookies are filled with chunks of creamy chocolate and nougat, taking your basic shortbread to a whole new level of delicious.
Get the Recipe: Toblerone Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

A plate with several round cookies featuring cranberries is set against a decorative black and red floral edge. The cookies have a light, golden-brown color and appear freshly baked.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are full of tart cranberries and fresh orange flavor, making them a bright and festive treat any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Buttery Shortbread Cookies – Easy No-Fail Recipe

A close-up of several rectangular pieces of shortbread stacked on a white plate. The shortbread is golden and has small fork marks on the surface. The background is blurred, highlighting the texture of the cookies.
Buttery Shortbread Cookies – Easy No-Fail Recipe. Photo credit: The Unlikely Baker.

Buttery Shortbread Cookies – Easy No-Fail Recipe gives you soft, rich cookies every time, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies – Easy No-Fail Recipe

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

A close-up of rectangular cookies with a smooth white icing. Each cookie is topped with small orange zest pieces scattered on the icing, set against a light, marble-like background.
Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze mix warm spice and sweet citrus for a bold flavor combo that’s still super easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

A chocolate chip cookie, inspired by easy shortbread cookie recipes, is partially dipped in chocolate and topped with chocolate sprinkles and orange zest on a white surface. Other cookies are nearby, some also dipped in chocolate.
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Fat Dad Foodie.

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies mix chocolatey richness with a hint of orange for a sweet and tangy twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread

A close-up of chocolate chip cookies, some partially dipped in dark chocolate. The cookies are round, with a light golden-brown color and visible chocolate chips, arranged in a slightly overlapping pattern.
Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread. Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread mixes buttery dough with chocolate chips for a cookie that’s simple to make and full of sweet flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Oatmeal Shortbread Cookies

A variety of shortbread cookies, partially dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with colorful sprinkles, are scattered with a cup of melted chocolate and a paper cup filled with more sprinkles.
Oatmeal Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: The Monday Box.

Oatmeal Shortbread Cookies give you that classic shortbread flavor with an added hearty crunch from oats—perfect for something a little more filling.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling

A close-up of Linzer cookies, featuring circular cookies with powdered sugar on top and a central round cutout filled with dark red jam. The cookies are arranged closely together on a white surface.
Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling. Photo credit: Ugly Duckling Bakery.

Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling look fancy but are easy to make, with a sweet fruity center and buttery cookie layers that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling

Rose Pistachio Cookies {Shortbread}

A bowl of cardamom cookies garnished with pistachios and dried rose petals, resting on a light cloth. The cookies are buttery with visible toppings, set against a white background.
Rose Pistachio Cookies {Shortbread}. Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

Rose Pistachio Cookies {Shortbread} are a fun and fancy twist, with floral rosewater and crunchy pistachios giving each bite something special.
Get the Recipe: Rose Pistachio Cookies {Shortbread}

Vanilla Spelt Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches

A close-up of round cookies filled with cream and strawberry slices on a dark surface. Some cookies are whole and one is partially eaten. Fresh strawberries are placed around, and all are dusted with powdered sugar. Forks lie nearby.
Vanilla Spelt Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches. Photo credit: The Spelt Kitchen.

Vanilla Spelt Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches are filled with creamy vanilla and made with nutty spelt flour for a unique cookie that’s both simple and fancy.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Spelt Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches

Lavender Shortbread Cookies You Can’t Resist

Round cookies with icing are placed on a light surface, accompanied by scattered sprigs of dried lavender.
Lavender Shortbread Cookies You Can’t Resist. Photo credit: Oh Lala It’s Vegan.

Lavender Shortbread Cookies You Can’t Resist have a gentle floral flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie base, great for something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Shortbread Cookies You Can’t Resist

Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Biscuits arranged on white parchment paper, sprinkled with lemon zest.
Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Plant-Based on a Budget.

Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies are bright and zesty, proving you don’t need butter or eggs to enjoy the soft and crumbly texture of classic shortbread. Perfect for those looking for vegan easy shortbread cookie recipes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Healthy Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies {Gluten-free}

A baking tray with star-shaped cookies arranged neatly on parchment paper. Nearby are small bowls and a bottle of milk. The scene is set on a light background with soft, pastel touches.
Healthy Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies {Gluten-free}. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Healthy Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies {Gluten-free} are a light and tasty option that’s perfect if you’re skipping gluten but still want that buttery shortbread flavor.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies {Gluten-free)

Shortbread Hershey Kiss Cookies

A white plate with five thumbprint cookies, each with a chocolate center, arranged in a circle on a gray background.
Shortbread Hershey Kiss Cookies. Photo credit: Smart Savvy Living.

Shortbread Hershey Kiss Cookies are topped with a chocolate kiss, turning a classic shortbread into a fun and tasty treat both kids and adults will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Hershey Kiss Cookies

Orange Shortbread Cookies

A close-up of a stack of lemon cookies, topped with a white glaze and sprinkled with small orange sugar crystals. The cookies are arranged on a white surface with several lemon slices partially visible in the background.
Orange Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Lane & Grey Fare.

Orange Shortbread Cookies add a sunny citrus flavor to the rich buttery base, making them perfect with tea or as a sweet snack any time of day. Great for those looking for easy shortbread cookie recipes.
Get the Recipe: Orange Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Cookie Recipe (Easy Recipe from Scotland)

Three rectangular pieces of shortbread stacked on a wooden surface, with a glass of amber liquid partially visible in the background. The shortbread has a crumbly texture and a light dusting of sugar on top.
Shortbread Cookie Recipe (Easy Recipe from Scotland). Photo credit: Christina’s Cucina.

The Shortbread Cookie Recipe (Easy Recipe from Scotland) has that classic buttery taste and crumbly texture that makes it feel extra special—even though it’s really easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookie Recipe (Easy Recipe from Scotland)

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About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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