Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (2024)

Lavender-Rosemary Shortbread Cookies image

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (1)

Credit: Whitney Ott; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

With clever twists and fresh interpretations, our shortbread cookie recipes take the classic treat in fun new flavor directions. We have plenty of traditional choices here, too. Bake up a batch for your next holiday get-together, or as an easy last-minute gift.

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Sheet Pan Scottish Shortbread

Sheet Pan Scottish Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (2)

Credit: Jeffery Cross; Styling: Kelly Allen

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There is shortbread, and then there's this shortbread, ultra-buttery with a light crunch. The secrets are rice flour for the sandy texture and a slow-and-low baking process to develop the flavor. It's a recipe that lends itself to easy, festive riffing (sprinkles! snowflakes!)--and one you'll be happy to have in your back pocket for years.

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Sesamillionaire's Shortbread

Sesamillionaire’s Shortbread image

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (3)

Credit: Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Robby Melvin

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A toasty twist on the traditional Millionaire's Shortbread, these decadent layered cookie bars feature toasted sesame seeds in the shortbread, a luscious tahini caramel, and more sesame seeds sprinkled over top for good measure.

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Grapefruit-Campari Bars with Shortbread Crust

Grapefruit-Campari Bars with Shortbread Crust

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (4)

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

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This grown-up treat embraces the bitterness in both grapefruit and Campari, balancing the flavor with a rich, buttery shortbread crust.

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Salted Chocolate-Topped Shortbread

Salted Chocolate-Topped Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (5)

Credit: Greg DuPree

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These whole-wheat cookies have the expected "short" texture of classic shortbread, plus an irresistible buttery flavor. Cultured butter is worth seeking out here; the richer flavor really comes through in a cookie like this where the butter is front and center. You can also use regular unsalted butter for a still delicious but slightly less complex flavor.

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Ginger Shortbread Cookies with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting

Ginger Shortbread Cookies with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (6)

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

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Leap for Spring with 6-ingredient, Ginger Shortbread Cookies. Look for minced crystallized ginger at your local grocery on the bottled spice aisle.

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Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Cranberry Shortbread Bars image

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (7)

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

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Freeze the shortbread dough, and then grate it in a food processor to get the most tender crust.

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Key Lime-Shortbread Icebox Cake

Key Lime-Shortbread Icebox Cake image

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (8)

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Blakeslee Giles

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Layers upon layers of fresh key lime, luscious cream cheese, and shortbread cookies make for a delicious no-bake cake witha show-stopping presentation. A thin layer of pistachiosadds a crunch to each creamy, bright bite. The taste is light and sweet, making it the perfect ending to a large holiday meal.If you can't find Key limes to juice, try Nellie & Joe's brand.

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Lavender-Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Lavender-Rosemary Shortbread Cookies image

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (9)

Credit: Whitney Ott; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

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These delicate, crispy shortbread cookies are incredibly impressive given how easy they are to make. With just the right balance of gentle herbaceous, floral flavor and saltiness, these not-too-sweet shortbread cookies are the perfect treat to pair with anything from coffee and tea to lemonade or rosé.

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Pecan-Cranberry Shortbread

Pecan-Cranberry Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (10)

Credit: Linda Pugliese, Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas, Buffy Hargett Miller

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Shortbread never tasted so good thanks to this decadent chocolate drizzle!

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Snowflake Shortbread

Snowflake Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (11)

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett

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Top with sparkling sugar so these shortbread cookies glisten like snowflakes at your next holiday party.

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Mexican Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Mexican Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (12)

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

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If you're a fan of Mexican Hot Chocolate, you will love the chile notes in these rich shortbread cookies.

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Shortbread Starter

Shortbread Starter

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (13)

Credit: Ryan Moriarty; Styling: JK Denim

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Once you master JK's easy, 5-ingredient shortbread dough, you're well on your way to creating and decorating incredible cookie characters.

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Butter Shortbread

Butter Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (14)

Credit: Leigh Beisch; Styling: Dan Becker

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The rich butter flavor and crumbly texture of this cookie makes it a staple of holiday baking, plus you can make it up to five days ahead of time.

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Mocha-Chocolate Shortbread

Mocha-Chocolate Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (15)

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Chocolate-covered shortbread is the yummy end to a wonderful meal. You're likely to have all of the ingredients for this recipe stocked in the pantry.

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Vanilla Bean Shortbread

Vanilla Bean Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (16)

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

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Use pantry staples and a flavorful vanilla bean to create these delicate cookies. Make them up to five days in advance, and store in an airtight container.

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Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Fingers

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Fingers

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (17)

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These cookies have a double dose of chocolate and are the perfect pickup party bites. And at only 65 cents per serving, you can make enough for your guests and your secret sweet stash (we promise not to tell).

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Brown Sugar Shortbread

Brown Sugar Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (18)

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr, Jan Gautro, Leigh Ann Ross

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An unusually thick shortbread with a hint of caramel flavor from the brown sugar used in the dough, these rich cookies are going to disappear in a flash. Be sure to tuck some away in the freezer to pull out for a quick holiday dessert or snack.

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Scottish Shortbread

Scottish Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (19)

Credit: James Carrier

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Tired of traditional Christmas cookies like sugar cookies and gingerbread? This super simple Scottish shortbread is the perfect cookie to enjoy with family or give as as a gift.

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Brown Sugar-Pecan Shortbread

Brown Sugar-Pecan Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (20)

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

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Dark brown sugar adds rich caramel notes to these shortbread cookies; turbinado sugar provides a crunch.

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Lemon-Chamomile Shortbread

Lemon-Chamomile Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (21)

Credit: Susie Cushner

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If you love lemon-chamomile tea, this shortbread cookie is for you.

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Maple-Walnut Shortbread

Maple-Walnut Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (22)

Credit: Evan Sklar

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A twist on the traditional, these cookies are flavored with maple syrup and strewn with walnuts that toast to a nutty-rich flavor as the shortbread bakes. Instead of worrying about scoring and shaping the dough, the shortbread bakes in a single layer and is cut after cooking.

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Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Shortbread Hearts

Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Shortbread Hearts

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (23)

Credit: Kate Sears; Styling: Toni Brogen

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Instead of the traditional triangle or square shapes, this easy shortbread dough is rolled and cut into heart shapes and then dipped in chocolate and nuts. It also looks spectacular cut into stars or trees with edges dipped in white chocolate and rolled in nuts or sprinkles.

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Raspberry Shortbread Sandwiches

Raspberry Shortbread Sandwiches

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (24)

Credit: James Carrier

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This variation, reminiscent of a Linzer torte, is a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie tray. The ingredient list is short, and the process is simple. Make the cookies in advance and freeze without the jam. Assemble just before serving.

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Cheddar Shortbread

Cheddar Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (25)

Credit: Oxmoor House

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Who says shortbread has to be sweet? Try this savory shortbread and you'll be seeing stars—cheddar stars.

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Chai Shortbread

Chai Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (26)

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

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The subtle spices of Indian chai tea flavor these small crispy shortbread rounds. Serve them with hot chocolate or for a light dessert. Really love the flavor of chai? Consider doubling the spices for a bolder tasting cookie.

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Espresso Shortbread Cookies

Espresso Shortbread Cookies

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (27)

Credit: David Prince

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Cacao nibs are bits of roasted cacao beans, the primary raw ingredient used to make chocolate. Look for them in specialty or gourmet grocery stores.

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Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (28)

Credit: Oxmoor House

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Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant quality to these delicate cookies. And because the herb traditionally represents remembrance, a batch of these treats is ideal as a thank-you.

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Pecan-Toffee Shortbread

Pecan-Toffee Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (29)

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

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These cookies make a great food gift for pecan lovers.

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Savory Spiced Shortbreads

Savory Spiced Shortbreads

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (30)

Credit: Annabelle Breakey

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World travelers and adventurous eaters will appreciate the sweet and spicy curry flavor that tints these shortbreads and takes the taste buds on an Oriental Express-style adventure.

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Butter-Mint Shortbread

Butter-Mint Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (31)

Credit: Oxmoor House

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A dash of mint extract gives these buttery shortbread cookies an extra splash of flavor. Choose peppermint or spearmint extract to give them the flavor twist you prefer; then serve them with hot mint tea or a tall glass of sweet tea and a slice of fresh lemon.

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Chocolate-Cherry Sugar-Crusted Shortbread

Chocolate-Cherry Sugar-Crusted Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (32)

Credit: Oxmoor House

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These bite-sized treats are a perfect holiday food gift. Pack in a decorative mug or basket.

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Raspberry Shortbread

Raspberry Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (33)

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Almond extract and raspberry jam give this classic shortbread cookie a rich upgrade.

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Toffee-Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Toffee-Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (34)

Credit: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Lynn Miller

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Toffee and chocolate give these shortbread cookies a sweet boost. Make a batch for your next cookie swap.

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Blueberry Shortbread Bites

Blueberry Shortbread Bites

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (35)

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Dan Becker

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These delicately textured blueberry shortbreads have a subtle orange flavor. Make a batch for your next brunch or festive gathering.

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Stone-Ground Cornmeal-Pecan Shortbread

Stone-Ground Cornmeal-Pecan Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (36)

Credit: Oxmoor House

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Cornmeal adds a great texture to these savory rounds. And parmesan cheese provides a pleasant change from traditional cheddar cheese straws.

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Chocolate Shortbread

Chocolate Shortbread

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (37)

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr, Jan Gautro, Leigh Ann Ross

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This rich chocolate shortbread recipe is easy to prepare and keeps for several days in an airtight container. Because this mixture is already dark, it's hard to tell when the shortbread browns. Check your oven temperature using an oven thermometer, and bake just until the shortbread is set.

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Granny Wallace's Shortbread Cookies

Granny Wallace's Shortbread Cookies

Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (38)

Credit: John Kernick

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These outstanding buttery, sugar-dusted cookies are a specialty of Granny Wallace, minister Matt Canlis's neighbor in Methlick. Matt calls her the "grandmother in residence," offering advice, baked goods and gardening tips.

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Our Favorite Shortbread Cookie Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making good shortbread cookies? ›

Tips To Make the Best Shortbread Cookies
  1. Choose High Quality Butter. No matter what brand of butter you buy, if it's real butter, you can rest assured that it's the best. ...
  2. Keep Ingredients Simple. ...
  3. Add Flavor. ...
  4. Don't Overwork. ...
  5. Shape Dough. ...
  6. Chill Before Baking. ...
  7. Bake Until Golden. ...
  8. Add Finishing Touches.

What are common mistakes when making shortbread? ›

The most common mistakes when making shortbread are over-working the dough, and incorporating too much flour. The less you work the dough, the more crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth your shortbread cookies will be.

What is the world's famous shortbread? ›

Royal Household. Walker's Shortbread is honoured to carry a Royal Warrant, granted by Her Majesty the Queen, for the supply of Shortbread and Oatcakes. Walker's Shortbread is a gift fit for a king, and a treat befitting any special occasion.

What happens if you add too much butter to shortbread cookies? ›

Butter is an emulsifier and it makes cookies tender. It also adds in the crispy-around-the-edges element. Adding too much butter can cause the cookies to be flat and greasy. Adding too little butter can cause the cookies to be tough and crumbly.

What is the difference between Scottish shortbread and regular shortbread? ›

actually, no. "Shortbread" is just Scottish shortbread; they're one and the same. While the recipe has changed throughout its history, and there is a version of shortbread from Ireland, the original shortbread you're familiar with comes from Scotland.

What is the best brand of butter for shortbread cookies? ›

Use a Good Butter for the Best Results

The whole point of these cookies is that you get a crisp, buttery experience where the sweet cream flavor of butter really comes through. My personal favorite choice is Kerrygold Irish Butter, which is readily available here in the US.

Should you chill shortbread dough before baking? ›

After shaping the cookies, don't rush to the oven! Instead, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so (overnight is OK, too). A short stay in the fridge will firm up the cookies and solidify the butter. This will help keep them from spreading too much.

What are the disadvantages of shortbread? ›

Sugar provides a fast source of energy. There are rarely any artificial additives. Cons: Shortbread is a weight watcher's nightmare because it is extremely high in saturated fat and calories.

What happens if you don't chill shortbread? ›

But in this shortbread cookie recipe, it really makes a difference. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape. If you don't chill your shortbread dough, the cookies will spread as they bake.

What is shortbread called in America? ›

Americans are the outlier on how we use "biscuit"

To most of the rest of the English-speaking world, a biscuit is what Americans would refer to as either a cookie or a cracker. Biscuits can be sweet (shortbread) or savory. They're baked in the oven, and they're crisp, not chewy.

What country makes the best shortbread? ›

Shortbread is generally associated with and originated in Scotland, but due to its popularity it is also made in the rest of the United Kingdom, and similar biscuits are also made in Denmark, Ireland and Sweden. The Scottish version is the best-known, and is widely exported.

Why is it called billionaire shortbread? ›

The name "millionaire's shortbread" appears to have originated in Scotland. The "millionaire" prefix to millionaire's shortbread or millionaires slice implies a level of decadence and wealth to the sweet treat, that it is an upgrade from regular shortbread.

Why do shortbreads poke holes? ›

The word "bread" comes from "biscuit bread" which was made from leftover bread dough that was sweetened and dried out in the oven to make biscuits. Why do you poke holes in shortbread? The holes allow the moisture to escape during baking and more even heat distribution. This helps dry out and crisp up the cookies.

Should butter be cold for shortbread? ›

Fine Cooking explains that the butter should be at refrigerator temperature. While many cookie recipes call for softened butter or at room temperature, if your butter isn't cold when making shortbread, it's likely to turn out greasy or be difficult to roll out.

How to tell if shortbread is done? ›

Bake the shortbread until it's a light golden brown across the top surface and a deeper golden brown around the edges, about 35 minutes. Remove the shortbread from the oven and turn it out of the pans and onto a clean work surface.

Should shortbread cookies be soft or hard? ›

Shortbread should always have a tender, melting texture, but be slightly crisp when you bite into it. It should not generally be damp or wet underneath. A classic shortbread recipe will also only have flour, butter and sugar as the ingredients (in a 3:2:1 ratio) and not egg, which could lead to excess moisture.

Why did my shortbread cookies come out hard? ›

These proportions make shortbread a lot more dense compared to cookies, which means you could easily end up with shortbread that's hard and crunchy rather than buttery and crumbly. Per Cooktop Cove, this can occur when the dough has either been overworked or not chilled for long enough.

How do you keep shortbread crust from sticking? ›

Shortbread Crust: Lightly butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, an 8 or 9 inch (20-23 cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.

How do you keep shortbread dough from crumbling? ›

To fix this, you can add more fat to the dough. This can be in the form of butter, shortening, or even olive oil. Just add a little at a time until the dough comes together and is no longer crumbly. You may also need to add more liquid, such as milk or water, to get the right consistency.

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