Buttery, Irresistible Shortbread Cookies

We're willing to bet shortbread cookies are on your list of tried-and-true dessert recipes. They lend themselves well to so many flavors, from sweet to savory, and you can easily make them into whatever shape your heart desires — this how-to will help! When you're ready to bake a batch, try Ina’s five-ingredient recipe; it's a classic that never disappoints. Simply bake, dip and enjoy.

The combination of cake flour, cornstarch and confectioners' sugar adds a tender, meltaway texture to these shortbread cookies. A little stone-ground cornmeal adds a touch of crunchy texture, and rosemary and salt makes each bite slightly sweet, slightly savory and wonderfully fragrant.

To add fresh flavor to shortbread, look to your fruit basket. Clementine zest is all you need to give your cookies a hint of citrus.

Calling all chocolate lovers! These beauties feature a delicious layer of semisweet chocolate that practically makes itself: Let the baked shortbread cool slightly, then top with chopped chocolate. It’ll start to melt and all you have to do is spread it!

You need only four basic ingredients, which you probably have in your kitchen right now, to make these easy cookies. When you want to change things up a bit, add chai tea or chopped pecans.

Fans call these shortbread cookies "divine," and it’s easy to see why. Who can resist those chocolate chunks?! Sprinkle them with a little sea salt just before baking for the perfect balance of flavors.

This satisfying shortbread is as easy as it gets. It's simultaneously crisp, crumbly and tender because we've added a little cornstarch to the flour. And granulated sugar gives the cookies their gorgeous golden color.

Take shortbread cookies to a whole new level by layering the traditional recipe with dark chocolate and homemade cookie butter.

Maple and walnut are a winning combination in these buttery bars that are a refreshing alternative to a chocolate dessert.

Orange zest adds a burst of citrusy flavor to these buttery shortbread cookies. A quick dip in melted chocolate doesn't hurt either!

Aromatic rosemary and rich chocolate chips pair beautifully in these buttery shortbread cookies. They’re perfect for when you want a treat that’s not overly sweet.

Dress up buttery shortbread with a simple glaze made of confectioners’ sugar and water, then top with white chocolate buttons to complete your delicious daisies.

If cutting shortbread into shapes isn’t your thing, skip it! This recipe bakes up in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. And when you line the pan with foil, you won’t even have to worry about washing it afterward.

These heart-shaped shortbread cookies are ideal for Valentine's Day or really anytime you want to show someone some love.

Use brown sugar in your next batch of shortbread to add an unexpected level of flavor that everyone will love. Served with ice cream, this shortbread makes for a cozy dessert best shared with friends.

This 5-star skillet shortbread looks quite impressive but is actually very easy to make. Just a touch of almond extract goes a long way in the flavor department.

Mixing minced, crystalized ginger into the dough will add sweet yet spicy notes to the buttery cookies.

The simple addition of warm, melted chocolate turns a classic shortbread dough into truly decadent cookies. The white chocolate sauce on the side is perfect for dipping.

Combine confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice to make a bright icing for these treats. Fresh rosemary gives them a grown-up flavor fans call “absolutely scrumptious.”

Shortbread alone is a treat, but when it's topped with layers of caramel, chocolate and toasted coconut, it becomes akin to a candy bar. Using mini chocolate chips makes this recipe super easy — they melt right into the cookie.

Freeze-dried raspberries give these shortbread cookies their beautiful color and a hint of fruity flavor.

Both kids and adults will love these white chocolate-topped cookies. Rainbow sprinkles add a colorful dose of fun.

You’d never guess these melt-in-your-mouth bars are missing common shortbread ingredients like butter. Use your favorite preserves to add a fruity surprise on the inside of these easy treats.