🍪 Salted Chocolate Shortbread Cookies: A Rich, Buttery, and Irresistible Treat

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,840 fans)

📸 620+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s a certain magic that happens when rich, deep chocolate meets the crisp, buttery embrace of shortbread, all crowned with a whisper of flaky sea salt. These Salted Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a moment of pure bliss, melting in your mouth with an exquisite balance of flavors. Imagine the delicate snap, the immediate spread of cocoa goodness, and then that bright pop of salt that elevates every single bite. Perfect for cozy evenings with a cup of tea, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply a delicious indulgence just because – these cookies are truly irresistible.

Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: ~20 minutes (+ 30 mins chill)
• 🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies
• 💥 Vibe: Buttery, Decadent, Addictive

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Salted Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cookies. Each item plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect crumbly texture and rich chocolate flavor.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for a darker, smoother flavor)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (for the dough)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (don’t skip this magical touch!)

How to Make Salted Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Creating these shortbread cookies is a wonderfully calming process, resulting in a treat that feels both luxurious and comforting. Let’s get baking!

1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt until thoroughly combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. This chilling step is key for perfect shortbread texture.
6. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters (rounds or squares work beautifully) to cut out shapes.
8. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each cookie.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the cookies are firm. They won’t look golden brown due to the cocoa, but a gentle touch will tell you they’re ready.
10. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the tops of the warm cookies with flaky sea salt. The warmth helps the salt adhere.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Repeat with the remaining dough. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut more cookies until all the dough is used.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These salted chocolate shortbread cookies are absolutely divine on their own, but a little creativity can elevate them even further!

• Orange Zest Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the butter and sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the chocolate.
• Espresso Kick: Stir 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into your dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee warmth.
• Dipped in Chocolate: Once cooled, melt some extra dark or milk chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an extra layer of decadence. Let set on parchment paper.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: These cookies make a fantastic base for an ice cream sandwich! Simply sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean or coffee ice cream between two cooled cookies.
• With a Hot Beverage: Serve alongside a steaming mug of coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or a calming cup of Earl Grey tea for the ultimate cozy moment.

Reviews

We absolutely adore hearing about your experiences in the kitchen!

• Liam T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are a game changer! So simple to make but they taste incredibly sophisticated. The flaky sea salt is a must – it truly makes them addictive. My family devoured them in a day!”
• Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made these for a cookie exchange and they were the first to disappear! Everyone asked for the recipe. The texture is perfect – crumbly and buttery, just like shortbread should be, but with that incredible chocolate depth.”
• Maria K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’ve tried many chocolate shortbread recipes, but this one is the winner. The chilling time is worth it for the beautiful, crisp edges. I added a touch of orange zest, and oh my goodness, pure perfection!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Q: Why do I need to chill the dough?
A: Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld and results in that wonderfully crisp, tender shortbread texture.

Q: Can I use regular table salt instead of flaky sea salt?
A: While you can use a tiny pinch of regular salt if flaky sea salt isn’t available, the flaky salt provides a superior textural crunch and a burst of flavor that really elevates the cookie. It’s highly recommended!

Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days. Though honestly, they rarely last that long in our house!

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! You can wrap the dough discs tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking as usual.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking, especially when the result is as utterly delightful as these Salted Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients, handled with a little love, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a quiet moment of self-care, or sharing with loved ones, these cookies promise to bring warmth and happiness to every bite. Go ahead, fill your kitchen with that intoxicating aroma and savor the magic!

Recipe Note

For the absolute best texture, ensure your butter is truly softened (but not melted!) before creaming. This helps incorporate air, leading to a lighter, more tender cookie. Don’t rush this first step!