Description
Indulge in these rich and tender Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, perfectly balanced with buttery goodness and a deep cocoa flavor. These classic American dessert cookies are easy to make, combining simple ingredients like unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder with a hint of vanilla. Soft yet crisp, they make the perfect treat for holidays or everyday snacking, with optional mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar using a mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract evenly to infuse a warm, aromatic flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt, making sure the cocoa powder is well blended to avoid lumps.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough for added bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Flatten Cookies: Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently flatten each dough ball to create an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned, preserving their tender texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dip in melted chocolate for an indulgent finish once cooled.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain the tender, delicate texture characteristic of shortbread.
- For extra indulgence, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and allow them to set before serving.
- Use softened butter for better creaming and texture in the cookies.
- Spacing between cookies ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
