Description
Delight in these rich and buttery Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth treat. With the perfect balance of cocoa and sweetness, these slice-and-bake cookies are easy to prepare, featuring a crispy edge and tender center. Optional mini chocolate chips add an extra chocolate boost, making these cookies irresistible for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms. If using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Arrange Cookies: Remove chilled dough logs from refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cookies are set and edges are slightly firm. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate notes.
- Once cooled, the cookies can be dipped or drizzled with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
- Dough logs can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.