20 Irresistible Christmas Shortbread Cookie Recipes That Melt in Your Mouth

Get ready to jingle all the way to the kitchen, because we’ve put together our favourite 20 delicious Christmas shortbread cookie recipes that’ll knock your stockings off!

We’re talking buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that Santa himself can’t resist.

Baking shortbread cookies is one of our family Christmas traditions, and each year we pick a new one to try out.

You’ll find tasty Christmas cookie recipes here that’ll range from nutty, fruity, savoury or chocolaty delights to spicy gingerbread and classic whipped shortbreads. Then after these fine holiday treats you’ll also find some tips for cookie supplies you’ll need to gather.

Best Christmas Shortbread Cookie Recipes

1. Cute Shortbread Snowman Cookies

Adorable Shortbread Snowman Cookies will get anyone in the festive mood.

The cookies themselves have only a few ingredients  for the cookie dough + fun accessories. Be sure to grab snowman shaped cookie cutters. 

Get the recipe: Cute Shortbread Snowman Cookies

2. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies with Walnuts

​These festive Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are even more delightful with added walnuts. We just skip the walnuts if we need a nut free version for school or parties. 

Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies with Walnuts

3. Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

Unleash holiday joy with these buttery, crisp Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies, a delightful international Christmas cookie recipe.

Stamped to holiday perfection, they’re a crumbly, buttery mouthful. Just switch up your cookie stamps for an appealing cookie tray.

Get the recipe: Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

4. Raspberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Raspberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies remind me so much of my grandparents. There’s something so delighfully old fashioned and nostalgic about these Christmas cookies.

Their buttery goodness meets zesty berry in a holiday dance of deliciousness. A touch of powdered sugar glaze elevates it.

These would make perfect Holiday gifts for neighbours, friends, host gifts or even a fun Valentine’s sweet treat too.

Get the recipe: Raspberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

5. Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

​Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies are a year round family favorite over here.

There’s something so delightful about maple syrup, butter and pecans rolled together into a crunchy & golden brown on the outside & soft buttery cookies on the inside. 

As kids, my family’s favourite cookies were always the shortbread ones in fun shapes. Stacked high in green tupperware containers, my mom would try to hide them in the laundry room, but we’d try and sneak them throughout the holiday season when she wasn’t looking.

Get the recipe: Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Made with toffee bits and almonds, and crowned with creamy milk chocolate, they’re a unique treat that screams delicious decadence.

Indulge in Almond Roca Shortbread cookies. while paring them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, for a lovely afternoon snack.

Get the recipe: Almond Roca Shortbread Cookies

7. Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies

If you were ever on the fence about shortbread cookies, then these flavourful Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies will change your mind.

8. Classic Whipped Shortbread

Sometimes you just need to satisy your nostalgic sweet tooth. And be sure to make our favourite peppermint hot chocolate recipe to go with these tasty cookies.

These classic easy whipped shortbread cookies are just what you’re looking for. Add a bit of candied cherry on top instead of sprinkles if your childhood is calling you back. Though my youngest is allll about the sprinkles.

Baking cookies is one of our family’s Christmas traditions we highly recommend for your family too.

Get the recipe: Classic Whipped Shortbread

9. Pan de Polvo (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

Get ready to experience the flavours of Pan de Polvo, Mexico’s version of shortbread.

Made with lard instead of butter, these cookies are a warm spiced version with anise, clove, and cinnamon.

Get the recipe: Pan de Polvo (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

10. Double Dipped Chocolate Shortbread

Double Dipped Chocolate Shortbread are a chocolate lover’s dream.

11. Orange Shortbread Cookies (Gluten Free)

Gluten-free, buttery balls with a zesty twist!

12. Earl Grey Shortbread Christmas Cookies

My youngest daughter has discovered a love of Earl Grey tea, and all the sweets with this flavour. It’s her new favourite. Must be my British heritage coming through. My Grandmother would be so proud.

These Earl Grey Christmas Shortbread are simple, 5-ingredient treats that are super easy to make.

Chill, bake, and enjoy the sweet citrus bergamot & subtle black tea flavours for a holiday delight.

Get the recipe: Earl Grey Shortbread Christmas Cookies

13. Olive Oil Rosemary Shortbread

For a unique take on shortbread these Olive Oil & Rosemary Shortbread are a surprising combo. The perfect blend of a sweet and savoury treat, with a hint of lemon.

I love how light the texture is and how well they actually work together. It’s one of my new favourite treats.

Get the recipe: Olive Oil Rosemary Shortbread

14. Three Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

These 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies, are effortless, fun and gluten-free. Perfect for holiday kitchen adventures with kids. Cornstarch, condensed milk, and butter make a melt-in-your-mouth delight.

15. Chocolate Dipped Pistachio Shortbread

Chocolate Dipped Pistachio Shortbread are buttery bites meet crunchy pistachios. Then dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with a zest of orange for a festive flavor fiesta.

Easy to do, yet people will think you spent days making them.

Give them as gifts, use for cookie exchanges, or just keep them all to yourself (I won’t tell!).

Get the recipe: Chocolate Dipped Pistachio Shortbread

16. Alfajores de Maicena (Peruvian Shortbread Cookies)

Alfajores de Maicena are a South American cookie gem.

17. Shortbread Wreath Cookies

Could these festive Shortbread Wreaths be any cuter? I think not.

Spice up your traditional shortbread recipe with a little color and shape. These would be ideal on a cookie platter for work or parties. Along with some cute holiday appetizers for kids & adults.

Get the recipe: Shortbread Wreath Cookies

18. Peanut Butter Shortbread

To be honest, I was sceptical at first with peanut butter & shortbread in one cookie.

But these Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies are crispy, light delights bursting with a rich peanuty flavor. Cut them into fun irresistible bites that scream festive eats.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Shortbread

19. Lemon Shortbread Cookies

I love anything lemon and this Lemon Shortbread recipe hits all the tangy goodness you need.

I usually add extra zest, because as my family jokes “it’s not lemoney enough,” ever for my tastes. But you don’t have to!

Buttery dough and a zesty glaze make these a hit any day of the week.

Get the recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

20. Matcha Christmas Tree Cookies

This one’s for my youngest who loves matcha.