If you have a soft spot for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats that blend the classic charm of shortbread with the irresistible bursts of chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Each bite offers a tender crumb enveloped in rich, creamy butter and studded with mini chocolate chips that add just the right touch of sweetness. Simple to prepare but delightfully indulgent, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all to yourself with a warm drink in hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these perfectly tender and flavorful cookies, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in the final cookie’s texture, taste, and appearance.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Ensures a smooth sweetness and delicate crumb without grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely aromatic warmth that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies while keeping them tender and buttery.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup): Little pockets of chocolate that melt beautifully and add a delightful texture contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and release easily, saving you from any sticky situations later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that tender, crumbly texture we love in a great shortbread. The powdered sugar helps create a smooth, delicate bite, so don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract
Mix the vanilla extract into your creamed butter and sugar. This little addition infuses the dough with a subtle aroma that will uplift every cookie, making them smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, and we want tender, flaky shortbread every time.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now, the fun part! Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly so each bite contains that perfect little surprise of chocolate. Take your time to avoid smashing the chips.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Space them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Then, gently press each ball down with your palm or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly. This shape ensures even baking and those classic shortbread edges.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them: you’ll want the edges to just start turning golden brown, signaling that perfect tender crunch is ready. Resist the urge to overbake—these cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking; this helps them set without breaking apart. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. At this point, they’re ready to enjoy, or you can get creative with serving options.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of garnish takes these cookies from simple to special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look, or dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or a pinch of sea salt for added texture and flavor complexity. These little touches make your cookies stand out beautifully at any gathering.
Side Dishes
These buttery shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks. A rich cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate brings out their flavors beautifully, while a cold glass of milk provides a nostalgic contrast. For adults, try them alongside a glass of dessert wine or a smooth Irish cream for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn these humble cookies into a centerpiece. Arrange them on a festive platter or stack them with ribbons tied around for gifting. You could even serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a light, elegant dessert plate that invites sharing and smiles all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying over several days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. To freeze dough, place balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly and store in a sealed container. When ready, thaw overnight at room temperature, or bake frozen dough directly with a few extra minutes added.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. The chocolate chips get delightfully melty, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. The goal is to balance flavors, so tasting the dough before baking can help.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Regular-sized chocolate chips work just fine—though using minis helps distribute chocolate more evenly in every bite. You can also chop your favorite chocolate bar into small chunks for a homemade feel.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for 20 to 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and can improve texture, but it’s not absolutely necessary. If you’re in a hurry, bake directly—just keep an eye on the baking time.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain texture. Results may vary slightly, but the cookies will still be deliciously buttery and rich.
How long do these cookies last?
Properly stored, these cookies last up to a week at room temperature. If frozen, they maintain their best quality for up to 3 months. Just be sure to keep them airtight to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about baking and sharing these Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Their tender crumb and luscious pockets of chocolate make them a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies offer a delightful project and a delicious reward. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Print
Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chocolate chip shortbread cookies are a delightful blend of buttery, tender shortbread with sweet mini semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed throughout. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft inside, they make an ideal treat for holidays or any time you crave a classic, rich cookie with a chocolate twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with its fragrant flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until the dough starts to come together into a cohesive ball.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into balls. Place them spaced on the prepared baking sheet, and gently flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass to form cookie discs.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, maintaining their delicate texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape better during baking.
- For an extra festive touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or a pinch of sea salt.
