Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
This page contains affiliate links. For more information please read my Disclosure Policy.
Chocolate shortbread cookies are a quick and easy dessert to satisfy that chocolate craving. Cut them out or slice them for a fast, no-chill chocolate snack.
Here we are again, another shortbread cookie recipe. What can I say? They’re my husband’s favorite cookie and once I mastered the secret ratio that I shared in my 3 ingredient shortbread post, they’re my go to whenever I want a quick cookie and feel like experimenting.
This chocolate shortbread recipe was actually a bit more difficult than some of my others, like the espresso chocolate dipped ones or the winter spiced version. Cocoa powder isn’t an exact replacement for flour, and needs the perfect balance of sweetness to taste good instead of bitter.
I finally found the perfect balance of cocoa to flour and then it was easy to make a soft, chocolatey cookie that was just as easy as any of my other shortbread recipes.
Ingredients for Chocolate Shortbread
The ingredients to make chocolate shortbread are almost exactly what I like for my traditional ones. It includes the 3 essential ingredients, flour, sugar, and butter, but also vanilla and salt for flavor.
To make them chocolate, you’ll also need cocoa powder. You can use either Dutch processed or natural cocoa powder for this, but just make sure you choose a brand you like. I like the Guittard red rogue cocoa powder.
How to Make & Shape Them
I always use the creaming method for shortbread because I find it produces a softer, consistent cookie that I can either choose to bake crispy (my husbands fave) or leave soft (my preference).
With the butter, sugar, and vanilla creamed, then it’s just adding in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until a soft dough forms. I usually do this by hand, because overmixing leads to crumbly and dry cookies.
When the dough is formed, you have choices! Here are my best tips for shaping them.
- Roll them into a log in cling film or parchment paper, and chill for 30 minutes, then slice and bake.
- Roll the dough out right away to ¼-½” thickness. Gently reform the excess by pressing it together and rolling it out once more.
- I never need to flour my rolling pin, I’m just gentle, and I roll on a silicone baking mat to eliminate the need for flouring my surface and drying out the dough.
- Bake them for 1-2 minutes longer, or roll them thinner if you prefer a crisp shortbread.
We like to roll and cut them, because my 3 year old has mastered the cookie cutters finally, and I don’t have to wait to eat them.
If you’re looking for a chocolate shortbread crust, I wouldn’t recommend this particular dough. I’ve tested it and I found that the melted butter method I used in my Chocolate Custard Tart was much better for crust applications.
FAQ’s
I’ve tried my best to predict the questions a home baker might ask about a recipe like this, but if I missed yours, ask in the comments and I’ll be sure to answer!
You should measure cookie ingredients, or really any baking recipe, by weight whenever possible. It is the most consistent way to ensure the cookies turn out the right way every time because volume measurements can be affected by how compacted your flour is, how level your scoop is and more.
You can use either salted or unsalted butter in a shortbread recipe, but don’t add the extra salt called for in the recipe if you’re using salted. Likewise, if you use unsalted butter when a recipe calls for salted, add a pinch or two to make up for it.
Chocolate shortbread dough does not need to be chilled if you’re rolling it out and using cookie cutters. If you’re rolling it into a log to slice it, chill it for at least 30 minutes to help the log firm up and give you even slices.
Shortbread cookies, including chocolate shortbread, are best when kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll last up to 2, but they can become drier and more crumbly the longer they sit.
I hope you love this quick and easy chocolate cookie recipe, and don’t forget to check out the other chocolate recipes on the blog for the next time that craving strikes!
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 135 grams all-purpose flour 1 cup, spooned and leveled
- 25 grams cocoa powder 3.5 tablespoons
- 4 ounces butter, softened 1 stick
- 56 grams granulated sugar 1/4 cup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Beat the sugar, butter, and vanilla together until just combined in a smooth paste.
- Add in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt and fold or mix in by hand until a soft dough begins to form.
- Dump it onto parchment, a cutting board, or silicone baking mat when there are still some crumbs loose and press it gently together like pie dough, until uniform.
- Either roll it into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes, or roll it out into sheets 1/4"-1/2" thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
- If you rolled it into a log, remove and slice 1/4-1/2" thick rounds and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 7 minutes, or until the edges look set and the middle no longer looks wet.*
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information and cooking times are provided as a best estimate. Values may vary based upon ingredients and equipment.
I made these cookies for a party recently. I used a square cookie cutter and then I made a vanilla cream filling using your recipe for maple cream filling and everyone raved over the cookies.
Monica one of the reasons shortbread cookies are a go to for me is just how versatile they are. Have fun using many shapes, flavors and fillings.
I love how quick, easy and fuss free this recipe is. They cookies are delicious and great for having around for drop in guests and dinner parties.
Kristina thanks, you’re right simple, easy and quick. I use these and also Spiced Shortbread Cookies A LOT when I know someone is coming to visit!
These cookies are perfect!! I love shortbread, and my husband finished these so quickly! Thank you so much for this recipe 🙂
I’m so happy he liked them so much, thankfully they are a quick recipe so you can make them again.
We love shortbread but have never made it with chocolate before. Such a great and easy recipe. My chocoholic hubby devoured them!
That is great, love when someone devours a dish or dessert I make. I’m happy to have added a new flavor to your shortbread cookie love!
These chocolate shortbread cookies are simple, soft, and sweet enough to satisfy my intense sweet tooth. I love that I don’t have to refrigerate the dough before baking!!
Lakita, yes no refrigeration required is great isn’t it. I’m thrilled you loved the the taste as well.
So happy I found your recipe! These chocolate shortbread cookies were so yummy! I loved the hint of vanilla in them. It was a beautiful combination of flavors and the perfect treat.
Thanks so much Natalia, I do enjoy hearing how much others enjoy my recipes. I love tasting the hints of vanilla and making my own vanilla adds an extra layer of flavor too! recipesHomemade Vanilla Extract.
These cookies are so easy! I took mine out and they crisped up perfectly. Thanks for a great recipe.
Megan, a quick easy cookie is always a win isn’t it and I’m so glad you enjoyed eating them as well!
This is such a simple cookie to make. I love shortbread cookies but didn’t have a recipe for a chocolate version so I am glad I found this recipe that has that perfect melt in your mouth texture.
Shortbread cookies are among my favorite too. I’m happy you found the recipe and that you enjoyed the flavor and texture. There are so many variations you can make with a basic shortbread cookie recipe. My family also loves the Spiced Shortbread Cookies.
Chocolate shortbread is so delicious but I didn’t think it would be easy to make. Actually it was a d the dough was easy to handle and roll out!
I agree, chocolate shortbread is great and a favorite of mine. I’m happy to hear that your found the dough easy to work with and were able to enjoy your cookies!
These were absolutely fantastic. They were a hit with my cousins when we made them together.
I love that you made them with your cousins and that you all enjoyed them so much!