Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe moment I unroll the dough for these Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits, a wave of warmth washes over me, instantly transporting me to cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. These delightful treats are perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike, allowing anyone to whip up a batch in just 30 minutes. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich cocoa flavor, these biscuits strike the ideal balance between a sweet indulgence and a comforting snack. Whether you’ll serve them at a holiday gathering or tuck them into lunchboxes, these versatile cookies promise to please everyone. Curious about how to shape them using different techniques? Let’s dive into the delicious world of chocolate shortbread! Why is Chocolate Shortbread a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor: Each bite delivers a rich, chocolaty experience that’s sure to delight chocolate lovers. Beginner-Friendly: With simple steps, anyone can create these elegant treats—perfect for novice bakers looking to impress. Multiple Shaping Options: Choose between slice and bake, log cutting, or cookie cutters to personalize your shortbread. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether paired with a cup of tea or given as a gift, these biscuits are always a hit! Unique Twist: Add a hint of orange zest or substitute flavored extracts for a customized flavor profile everyone will adore. Great for Storage: Keep them fresh for up to two months, making them ideal for meal prep or last-minute party planning. For more delightful cookie options, check out my Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe! Chocolate Shortbread Ingredients For the Dough • Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and a tender texture; ensure it’s softened for better creaming. Substitute with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. • Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and creates a smooth texture; there’s no direct substitute; granulated may alter texture. • Fine Salt – Enhances flavors; you can use kosher salt as a substitute if needed, just adjust the amount. • Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; almond extract can be used as a substitute for a different aromatic profile. • Optional Orange Zest – This ingredient provides a citrusy aroma that complements chocolate; it’s okay to omit if not desired. • All-Purpose Flour – The primary structure builder; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free shortbread. • Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder – Essential for deep chocolate flavor; regular cocoa powder can be used for a milder taste. For Optional Coating • Dark Cooking Chocolate – Used for coating, adding richness; replace with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. • Vegetable Oil – Helps thin the chocolate for dipping; coconut oil can be used for a different flavor. Enjoy making these Chocolate Shortbread delights, perfect for any occasion! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Shortbread Step 1: Prep the Dough In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and optional zest of one orange. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes pale and fluffy, creating a light and airy base for your chocolate shortbread biscuits. Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of Dutch processed cocoa powder to the creamed mixture. Blend on low speed until just mixed, ensuring not to overwork the dough. If your dough feels too soft and sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to make shaping easier and improve texture. Step 3: Shape the Biscuits Depending on your preference, choose one of three methods to shape your chocolate shortbread. For “slice and bake,” press the dough into a lined dish, bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then cut into bars. For “log cutting,” form the dough into a log, refrigerate for 1-2 hours, then slice 1 cm-wide pieces, and bake until they’re golden. Alternatively, roll out the dough for cookie cutter shapes. Step 4: Bake to Perfection Transfer your shaped biscuits onto a parchment-lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; when they slightly firm up and start to turn golden, they’re ready! Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Step 5: Optional Chocolate Coating For an indulgent finish, melt 1 cup of dark cooking chocolate with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Dip the cooled biscuits into the chocolate mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to set; this adds an extra layer of richness to your chocolate shortbread creation. Step 6: Serve and Store Once your chocolate shortbread biscuits are completely cooled and set, enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two months, ensuring their delightful texture and flavor remain intact, ready to be relished at any moment. Expert Tips for Chocolate Shortbread Perfect Butter: Ensure your butter is adequately softened to cream with the sugar effectively, creating that dreamy texture. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, don’t skip refrigerating it. This essential step helps achieve the right consistency for shaping your chocolate shortbread. Mind the Time: Pay attention to baking times! Over-baking can lead to dry biscuits, especially for thinner varieties. Even Slices: When cutting for log cookies, use a sharp knife for cleaner cuts, ensuring even baking for your chocolate shortbread. Custom Flavoring: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Adding a touch of orange zest or swapping extracts can elevate your biscuits to a new level of deliciousness. What to Serve with Decadent Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits Indulging in these rich biscuits opens up a world of delightful pairings that can elevate your snacking experience. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a burst of freshness that balances the chocolate’s richness beautifully. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside warm biscuits creates an enticing contrast of textures and temperatures. Espresso: The bold flavors of a steaming cup of espresso enhance the chocolate notes, making for a heavenly pairing that coffee lovers will adore. Sweet Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture, transforming your biscuits into an elegant dessert perfect for gatherings. Red Wine: A glass of fruity red wine harmonizes with chocolate, offering a sophisticated flavor contrast for an after-dinner treat. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your biscuits brings a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the chocolatey goodness. Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea infused with mint or chamomile provides a calming warmth, making it a lovely accompaniment for afternoon snacking. Each pairing enhances the homemade charm of these Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits, creating unforgettable moments of indulgence to share with loved ones. Variations & Substitutions for Chocolate Shortbread Customize your Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits and discover new flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with plant-based butter for a creamy, vegan-friendly version. Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe accessible for gluten-sensitive friends. Cocoa Twist: Use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed for a lighter chocolate flavor; it’s a great way to adjust intensity! Flavorful Extracts: Try almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for a warm, nutty profile that adds a unique twist to the rich chocolate. Textured Additions: Roll the shaped biscuits in finely chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles before baking for added crunch and a vibrant flair. Zesty Notes: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter to brighten the chocolate flavor, creating an uplifting citrus essence. Spicy Kick: For a surprising heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough; it’s a bold way to elevate your biscuits! Decadent Coating: Instead of dark cooking chocolate, use a combination of white and milk chocolate for a sweeter, more indulgent finish. Feeling inspired? For more delightful treats, don’t miss out on my scrumptious Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe or try the cozy and whimsical Pink Hot Chocolate for a fun beverage pairing! How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Shortbread Airtight Container: Store baked chocolate shortbread biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy them later. Thawing: To thaw frozen chocolate shortbread, simply remove desired pieces from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. Reheating: If you prefer them warm, briefly heat the thawed biscuits in an oven set to 300°F for 5-10 minutes, reviving that melt-in-your-mouth experience! Make Ahead Options These delightful Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it up to 3 days in advance, ensuring flavors meld beautifully. To do so, simply follow the steps through forming the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping into biscuits and baking. Alternatively, you can shape the biscuits and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have fresh, high-quality treats on hand with minimal effort! Chocolate Shortbread Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best ingredients for Chocolate Shortbread? Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients for Chocolate Shortbread, ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar. Look for a high-quality Dutch processed cocoa powder, which provides the rich chocolate flavor. Freshness is key—use powdered sugar that hasn’t clumped and make sure your vanilla extract stands out for depth in flavor. What’s the best way to store leftover Chocolate Shortbread? To keep your Chocolate Shortbread fresh, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay tasty for about 1 to 2 weeks. If you’re not planning to enjoy them quickly, consider freezing them. Just wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Can I freeze Chocolate Shortbread, and how do I do it? Yes, you can definitely freeze Chocolate Shortbread! After baking and cooling the biscuits completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the number of biscuits you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. What if my Chocolate Shortbread dough is too sticky? If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! This can happen sometimes, especially in warmer conditions. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up before shaping. If it remains too soft, adding a bit more flour gradually can help achieve the desired consistency for cutting or rolling. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for Chocolate Shortbread? Definitely! If you or someone enjoying these biscuits has dietary restrictions, you can make several adjustments. To create a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Always check labels for potential allergens, especially if these are being served to pets or individuals with allergies. Can I alter the flavor of my Chocolate Shortbread? Very! The beauty of Chocolate Shortbread lies in its adaptability. You can add a teaspoon of orange zest or opt for flavored extracts, like almond, for a unique twist. Remember to taste the dough before baking to ensure the flavor profile is balanced and to your liking! Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chocolate Shortbread That's So Easy to Make These Chocolate Shortbread biscuits melt in your mouth, offering a rich cocoa flavor and a comforting snack perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 24 biscuitsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Unsalted Butter softened1 cup Powdered Sugar1/4 teaspoon Fine Salt or kosher salt1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or almond extract1 tablespoon Optional Orange Zest can omit if not desired2 cups All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour blend1/2 cup Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder or regular cocoa powderFor Optional Coating1 cup Dark Cooking Chocolate or milk chocolate1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or coconut oil Equipment Mixing bowlElectric MixerBaking TrayParchment paperrefrigeratorOven Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate ShortbreadIn a mixing bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, fine salt, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.Gradually add in flour and cocoa powder, blending on low speed until just mixed. Chill if the dough is too soft.Shape using preferred method: slice and bake, log cutting, or cookie cutters.Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until slightly firm and golden.Melt dark chocolate with vegetable oil, dip cooled biscuits, and set on parchment paper.Store in an airtight container for up to two months. Nutrition Serving: 1biscuitsCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure proper chilling of the dough for better shaping and baking results. Experiment with flavors according to personal preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!