These Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. They have a tender, crumbly texture and are loaded with just the right amount of mini chocolate chips for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ideal for a cozy afternoon snack, holiday trays, or edible gifts, these cookies are quick to prepare and sure to be a hit. They look elegant yet rustic and can easily be customized with nuts, citrus zest, or drizzles of melted chocolate if you feel fancy.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
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Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 120 kcal per cookie
Servings: 24 cookies
Introduction to Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate example of how minimal ingredients can create a luxurious, crave-worthy treat. Rooted in the buttery traditions of classic Scottish shortbread, this modern twist incorporates mini chocolate chips to add sweetness and richness without overwhelming the delicate crumb of the cookie. These cookies are beloved for their simplicity, elegance, and versatility. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gathering, or just a cozy afternoon at home, they fit every occasion.
Shortbread cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, known for their high butter content and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. By adding mini chocolate chips to the traditional shortbread dough, this recipe enhances the flavor without compromising the purity of the original. The chocolate chips provide little bursts of cocoa that pair beautifully with the rich, buttery base, making them incredibly addictive and perfect for both kids and adults.
History and Tradition of Shortbread
Shortbread has a long-standing heritage dating back to 12th-century Scotland. Originally made from leftover bread dough, it evolved over time into a sweet treat made with butter, flour, and sugar. Mary, Queen of Scots, is often credited with popularizing a refined version in the 16th century. The version we know today, with its rich and crumbly texture, has become a staple in holiday baking across the globe.
Adding chocolate to shortbread is a relatively modern innovation, combining the richness of cocoa with the centuries-old recipe. While purists may argue that traditional shortbread should be left untouched, the inclusion of mini chocolate chips enhances the experience, adding texture and depth to each bite.
Texture and Flavor Profile
The hallmark of these cookies is their texture. They’re incredibly soft and crumbly with a melt-in-your-mouth feel that’s only achievable through a high butter-to-flour ratio. The mini chocolate chips create subtle pockets of flavor that slightly contrast the mild sweetness of the cookie dough. Because these chips are small, they distribute evenly throughout the dough, ensuring chocolate in every bite without overpowering the delicate base.
The flavor is pure and clean: rich butter, a touch of sweetness, and the slight bitterness and richness of chocolate. The absence of eggs helps keep the texture short and sandy, exactly what you want from a shortbread cookie. The result is a refined and balanced treat that’s never too sweet or too dense.
Perfect Occasions for Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile and fit into nearly any occasion:
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Holiday Trays: Their festive appearance and universally loved flavor make them a hit during Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s gatherings.
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Gifting: Packaged in decorative tins or jars, they make for thoughtful and elegant edible gifts.
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Tea Time: Their compact size and buttery texture pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
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Everyday Treats: Keep a batch in your cookie jar for after-school snacks, lunchbox treats, or a post-dinner indulgence.
They also travel well, making them perfect for cookie exchanges, bake sales, and office parties.
Why Mini Chocolate Chips Work Best
The use of mini chocolate chips instead of regular-sized chips is key in this recipe. The small size allows for more even distribution, ensuring that each cookie has a balanced chocolate-to-cookie ratio. Standard-sized chips can be too heavy for the delicate dough and may cause the cookies to spread or break apart. Mini chips melt slightly into the cookie during baking, resulting in a smoother bite and prettier appearance.
Storage and Shelf Life
These cookies are ideal for make-ahead baking. They keep exceptionally well at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. In fact, the flavor deepens slightly after a day or two, as the ingredients meld together.
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Room Temperature: Store in a sealed container for up to one week.
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Refrigerated: Keeps fresh for 10–12 days in an airtight container.
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Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the raw dough or the baked cookies. For raw dough, roll it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw slightly before slicing or scooping. Baked cookies can also be frozen and reheated gently in a low oven or enjoyed straight from the freezer.
Customizations and Variations
Though the base recipe is perfect as is, it also acts as a blank canvas for countless variations. Here are a few popular ideas:
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Add Citrus Zest: Orange or lemon zest adds brightness and pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
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Dip in Chocolate: Half-dip the cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
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Use Espresso Powder: A touch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
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Incorporate Nuts: Finely chopped pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds can add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
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Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking balances the sweetness and adds gourmet appeal.
Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures the dough mixes evenly and holds its shape.
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Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
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Chill if Needed: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 15 minutes can help prevent spreading.
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Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, which helps them bake evenly.
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Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be pale with only lightly golden edges. Overbaking can make them dry.
Health and Dietary Notes
While these cookies are indulgent, they are relatively straightforward in terms of ingredients. They contain no eggs or leavening agents, which is beneficial for those with allergies. You can also make them gluten-free by substituting a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
For a dairy-free version, you can experiment with vegan butter substitutes, though the texture may change slightly. The simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to adapt for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
Shortbread pairs well with a range of beverages:
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Tea: Earl Grey, chamomile, or English Breakfast.
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Coffee: Lattes and cappuccinos complement the buttery flavor.
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Milk: A classic pairing, especially for children.
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Dessert Wine: A small cookie paired with a sweet wine like Moscato makes for an elegant finish to a meal.
You can also serve these cookies alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or as part of a dessert board featuring other small sweets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The charm of Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies lies in their blend of tradition and indulgence. They take a historical classic and update it in a way that feels both nostalgic and modern. The ease of preparation, minimal ingredients, and exceptional taste make them a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers. They’re the kind of cookie you’ll find yourself making again and again—each time receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.
Even better, this recipe requires no special equipment or advanced techniques. It’s approachable and forgiving, making it ideal for family baking sessions or introducing kids to the joys of home baking.
Conclusion
Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies are a celebration of everything comforting and classic in the world of baking. With their tender crumb, buttery richness, and tiny bursts of chocolate, they strike the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. They’re easy enough to bake on a whim, impressive enough for special occasions, and endlessly customizable for any preference or season.
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s quick to make, universally adored, and truly satisfying, this is the one to bookmark. Whether served as part of a holiday platter or enjoyed quietly with a cup of tea, these cookies bring joy in every bite—proof that the best recipes are often the simplest.