Sweet Chocolate Chip and Toffee Shortbread Cookies: Buttery, Crisp, Irresistible Perfection

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If you’re searching for the ultimate cookie that melts in your mouth while still delivering a satisfying crunch, these Sweet Chocolate Chip and Toffee Shortbread Cookies may just be your new favorite treat. This recipe brings together the classic buttery richness of traditional shortbread with the indulgent sweetness of mini chocolate chips and the caramelized crunch of toffee bits. The combination is nothing short of extraordinary — delicate, comforting, and completely addictive.

Shortbread is loved for its simplicity and purity. With just a few ingredients, it transforms into something magical: crisp edges, a soft crumb, and that irresistible buttery finish. Adding chocolate chips and toffee elevates it into a bakery-worthy cookie that requires no decorating, no chilling, and absolutely no fuss. It’s the kind of cookie you make once… then make again the next day because the batch mysteriously disappears.

If you enjoy cookies that are easy, elegant, and impossibly delicious, this recipe will become a staple in your dessert rotation — perfect for gifting, holiday baking, parties, or a simple afternoon treat with coffee.

What Makes These Shortbread Cookies Extra Special?

Shortbread is traditionally made from three simple ingredients: butter, flour, and sugar. But the magic happens when you add chocolate chips and toffee bits. Here’s why this recipe is guaranteed to impress:

✔ Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture

The high butter ratio gives these cookies their signature tender, delicate crumb.

✔ No Chill, No Fuss

The dough mixes in minutes, forms beautifully, and bakes evenly without refrigeration.

✔ Chocolate + Toffee = Cookie Heaven

Creamy chocolate meets golden toffee for the perfect sweet crunch.

✔ Perfect Make-Ahead Cookie

Shortbread stores and freezes extremely well, making it ideal for holiday baking.

✔ Versatile

You can shape it into rounds, wedges, cut-outs, or bars.

Whether you’re an expert baker or a total beginner, this recipe delivers flawless, delicious cookies every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything about this shortbread is simple — and that’s the beauty of it.

– Ingredients –

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup toffee bits (Heath bits or similar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy — about 2 minutes.

3. Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

Add flour and salt. Mix on low until a soft, crumbly dough forms. Shortbread dough should look slightly sandy but hold together when pressed.

5. Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and toffee bits using your hands or a wooden spoon.

6. Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly, OR shape into a log and slice into rounds.

7. Bake

Place cookies on the tray and bake 14–18 minutes, or until edges turn light golden.

8. Cool

Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet — this helps them set and stay tender.

Sweet Chocolate Chip and Toffee Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies packed with mini chocolate chips and crunchy toffee bits. Sweet, delicate, and incredibly easy to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup toffee bits

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Beat softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
  5. Fold in mini chocolate chips and toffee bits.
  6. Shape dough into small balls and flatten slightly, or slice from a dough log.
  7. Bake for 14–18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, add a pinch of sea salt after baking. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Every Time

Use Good-Quality Butter

Because butter is the star, high-quality butter gives deeper flavor.

Do Not Overbake

Shortbread should be pale and lightly golden at the edges — not brown.

Let Dough Come Together Naturally

Avoid overmixing. Crumbly dough is normal — it firms up as it bakes.

Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon and level for accuracy.

Want Even More Toffee Flavor?

Add 1–2 tbsp brown sugar for a caramel-boosted variation.

Fun Variations

  • Pecan Toffee Shortbread: Add 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • Espresso Chip Shortbread: Add 1 tsp espresso powder
  • Salted Caramel Shortbread: Sprinkle warm cookies with flaky sea salt
  • Holiday Shortbread: Mix in red and green mini chocolate chips

How to Store Your Cookies

Shortbread is one of the best cookies for storage.

  • Room Temp: Up to 7 days
  • Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
  • Freezer (dough or baked): Up to 3 months

For gifting, place them in a tin lined with parchment paper — they stay fresh and crisp beautifully.

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