Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate Chip Shortbread is a delightful twist on the classic buttery cookie, bursting with sweet mini chocolate chips. Its crisp edges and tender crumb make it perfect for tea time or a simple homemade treat.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375º F.
- Step 2: Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and cream together until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Step 4: Add the flour and salt to the bowl and mix until the ingredients are well combined and a dough starts to form.
- Step 5: Add the mini chocolate chips, and use a spatula to carefully fold them in.
- Step 6: Press the shortbread dough evenly into an ungreased 8-inch cake pan.
- Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the shortbread edges are golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove the shortbread from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then score into 8 pieces with a knife.
- Step 9: Remove the shortbread from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use cold butter for a crumbly texture or room temperature butter for a softer shortbread.
- Try swapping mini chocolate chips for white chocolate or chopped nuts for a different flavor profile.
- For extra richness, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Storage
Store the shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigerating. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh the texture if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Yes, regular chocolate chips work well but mini chips distribute more evenly, giving every bite a touch of chocolate.
How do I prevent the shortbread from sticking to the pan?
Pressing the dough firmly and allowing the shortbread to cool before removing helps. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
Print
Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
Description
This Chocolate Chip Shortbread recipe combines the buttery, crumbly texture of classic shortbread with the sweet burst of mini chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and baked to golden perfection, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and rich buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375º F to ensure the baking temperature is ready for the shortbread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a dough begins to form, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender shortbread.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula to evenly distribute them without breaking.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 8-inch cake pan, spreading it out smoothly to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges of the shortbread turn a golden brown, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Score: Remove the shortbread from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Then, score the dough into 8 even pieces with a knife while still warm to create the classic shortbread shape.
- Cool Completely: Remove the shortbread pieces from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This helps the shortbread to set and maintain its shape.
Notes
- Room temperature butter helps to cream properly with sugar for the best texture.
- Do not grease the cake pan to help achieve the traditional crisp edges of shortbread.
- Be careful not to overbake to avoid dryness; golden edges indicate it’s done.
- Scoring while warm makes it easier to cut without cracking.
- Store shortbread in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate chip shortbread, shortbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies, buttery shortbread, easy dessert, baked cookies

