If you’ve been searching for the perfect combo of buttery richness and sweet chocolatey goodness, this Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies deliver that classic crumbly shortbread texture with a delightful sprinkle of mini chocolate chips in every bite, making them irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth treats. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, this recipe hits the sweet spot between simple ingredients and unforgettable flavor.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of pantry staples that each bring something special to the table—from the rich, creamy base to the subtle hints of vanilla and the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The star of the show, butter gives these cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and rich flavor.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: Finely milled sugar that blends smoothly into the dough, lending a delicate sweetness without graininess.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie’s flavor profile, enhancing the buttery notes.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and that iconic shortbread crumb.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance and amplify the sweetness and buttery flavors.
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of rich chocolate that melt just right and distribute evenly throughout the cookie.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by softening your butter until it’s perfectly spreadable, then mix it together with the powdered sugar until the blend is light, creamy, and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air into the dough that helps create a tender texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract

Next, stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition might seem simple, but it infuses the dough with that unmistakable warm, aromatic flavor that will shine through every bite of your finished cookies.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently just until everything comes together. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so be gentle! The flour gives these cookies their classic shortbread structure, while the salt balances the sweetness.

Step 4: Stir in the Mini Chocolate Chips

Once your dough forms, fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully. Mini chips are perfect here because they scatter evenly, ensuring every cookie has that lovely chocolate touch without overwhelming the delicate shortbread.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Roll your dough into a log shape about 2 inches in diameter, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice into clean rounds and helping to prevent your cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Slice and Bake

Once chilled, unroll and slice the dough log into thin, 1/4-inch rounds. Place each slice on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them just right to allow a little room to bake. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges develop a subtle golden hue. That’s your cue that the cookies are perfectly baked with that tender crunch.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

After baking, let your cookies rest on the tray for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This lets them set up just right without breaking apart, giving you that ideal shortbread texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to add a little extra flair, consider sprinkling a touch of flaky sea salt over the cookies right after baking to highlight the butter and chocolate contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also amp up the visual appeal and add a festive touch.

Side Dishes

These shortbread cookies pair beautifully with a cup of rich hot chocolate, a creamy latte, or even a simple glass of cold milk. The classic combination of chocolate and dairy helps balance the cookie’s sweetness and complements its crumbly texture perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the cookies on a platter alongside fresh berries or nuts for color and crunch. You can also sandwich them with a spread of chocolate ganache or your favorite jam to turn these simple treats into elegant little bites that wow at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store your Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for baking ahead of time for parties or gift-giving.

Freezing

If you want to extend the shelf life, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just place the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to avoid sticking. Thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just like freshly baked.

Reheating

To revive the cookie’s fresh-baked warmth, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that tender, buttery texture while slightly melting the chocolate chips for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! While mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly and give small bursts of chocolate, regular chips will work fine and add a nice gooey chunk of chocolate in each cookie.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling firms up the dough, which makes slicing easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they keep that signature shortbread shape.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening?

For the best flavor and texture that defines shortbread, unsalted butter is essential. Margarine or shortening will alter the taste and mouthfeel, often resulting in less flavorful and crumbly cookies.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies should stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them great for batch baking.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

Certainly! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before chilling the dough for an extra dimension of texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something truly comforting about a batch of homemade Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe ready to enjoy. The rich, buttery texture paired with sweet chocolate chips makes these cookies stand out as a timeless favorite. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting to loved ones, or simply treating yourself, I promise this recipe will become your go-to for those moments when you want a little bite of pure happiness. So go ahead and bake these irresistible cookies—you won’t regret it!

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 74 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 57-59 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of classic shortbread with melty mini chocolate chips for a delightful treat. Perfectly crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies ideal for holiday baking or any time you crave a sweet, buttery bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract for subtle aromatic flavor.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together to avoid overworking.
Mix in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to distribute chocolate in every bite.
Chill Dough: Roll the dough into a 2-inch diameter log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easier slicing.
Slice & Arrange: Remove the chilled dough, slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges start to turn lightly golden, ensuring a crisp texture.
Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set and develop full flavor.

Notes

For a crisper texture, bake the cookies for an additional 1 to 2 minutes beyond the recommended time.
Regular-sized chocolate chips can be used but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly for consistent chocolate flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American