Best Shortbread Cookies of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 20, 2026

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Shortbread cookies are a classic treat that have been enjoyed for generations. These buttery, crumbly cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients, including butter, sugar, and flour. They have a rich, buttery flavor and a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. Shortbread cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a great gift, especially during the holiday season. With their timeless flavor and comforting texture, shortbread cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Happy Belly Pecan Shortbread Cover #TOP 1
Happy Belly Pecan Shortbread
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Keebler On-The-Go Fudge Stripes Cookies Cover #TOP 2
Keebler On-The-Go Fudge Stripes Cookies
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Murray Sugar Free Shortbread Cookies Cover #TOP 3
Murray Sugar Free Shortbread Cookies
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Shortbread Cookies

#TOP 1

Happy Belly Pecan Shortbread

Amazon Grocery
asd91
brown
Happy Belly Pecan Shortbread Cover
Amazon Grocery, Pecan Shortbread Cookies, 11.3 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

Introducing Happy Belly Pecan Shortbread, a delicious treat made with real pecans. These cookies are free from artificial colors, flavors, and high fructose corn syrup, making them a healthier option for your snack time. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are the perfect accompaniment. They are also great for lunch breaks, playtime, travel, or any time you need a tasty pick-me-up. Plus, they are kosher certified. And if you're not satisfied, Amazon Brand offers a satisfaction guarantee and will refund you within a year of purchase. Indulge in the scrumptious goodness of Happy Belly Pecan Shortbread cookies!

What We Like
Flavorful taste
Good texture
Great value
Freshness
Pairs well with coffee
What We Don't Like
Slightly less fresh
Mild bitter aftertaste
#TOP 2

Keebler On-The-Go Fudge Stripes Cookies

00027800163131
Keebler On-The-Go Fudge Stripes Cookies Cover
Keebler Fudge Stripes Minis, Original Shortbread Mini Cookies Coated in Keebler Fudge, 1 oz, 12 ct

Keebler On-The-Go Fudge Stripes Cookies are a delicious snack option for anyone on-the-go. This pack includes 12 cookies that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy chocolate cookies and need a quick snack option while out and about.

What We Like
Convenient snack packaging
Fresh and delicious taste
Great value for money
Vegan-friendly option
Perfect for school lunches
What We Don't Like
Occasional melted chocolate
Some broken cookies

Murray Sugar Free Shortbread Cookies

light golden brown
Murray Sugar Free Shortbread Cookies Cover
Murray Sugar Free Shortbread Cookies, 7.7 Oz. (Pack of 1)

Murray Sugar Free Shortbread Cookies are a delicious treat at any time. These shortbread cookie rings have a buttery taste without sacrificing flavor and are perfect for those who want to cut down on sugar. The cookies are crisp, tender, and have the perfect amount of crumble.

What We Like
Fresh and great taste
Lower sugar content
Good for baking
Similar texture to regular cookies
Reasonable price
What We Don't Like
Crumbled packaging
Not completely sugar-free
#TOP 4

Mother’s Mythical Creatures Frosted Animal Cookies

00027800267501
Mother’s Mythical Creatures Frosted Animal Cookies Cover
Mother’s Sparkling Mythical Creatures Cookies, Frosted Animal Cookies with Silver Sugar Sprinkles, 12 Packs, 1 oz bags

Mother’s Frosted Mythical Cookies come in 12 handy 1-ounce packs, making them easy to carry and perfect for snacking anytime. Each pack features charming animal shapes like unicorns, mermaids, dragons, and sea serpents, adding a fun and magical touch to your treats. These shortbread cookies are coated with lavender and white frosting, sprinkled with crunchy silver sugar for a sweet and delightful flavor you’ll enjoy. Their small, portable size makes them great for lunchboxes, party favors, or even as creative toppings for your favorite desserts. They’re a convenient and tasty way to add a little whimsy to everyday moments.

What We Like
Fresh and tasty cookies
Fun mythical creature shapes
Cute and appealing packaging
Perfect portion size
Popular with kids
What We Don't Like
Slightly less value
Occasional pack count mismatch
#TOP 5

Stella D'oro Original Breakfast Treats Cookies

200790497080
9 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Stella D'oro Original Breakfast Treats Cookies Cover
Stella D'oro Cookies Original Breakfast Treats, 9 Oz

The Stella D'oro Breakfast Treats offer a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a snack anytime. These famous Italian-style cookies are baked to a perfect golden brown, giving you a light and crisp texture that's easy to enjoy. With a subtle vanilla taste, they provide just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering, making them a great companion for your morning coffee or tea. Each package contains twelve cookies, so you can easily share or keep some for later. This treat combines tradition, quality, and great flavor in every bite, making it a simple pleasure for your breakfast routine.

What We Like
Not overly sweet
Good with coffee or tea
Low fat content
Distinct anisette or almond flavor
Long shelf life
What We Don't Like
High price
May arrive broken
#TOP 6

Siete Grain Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

0851769007973
No Color
Siete Grain Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies Cover
Siete Grain Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

Indulge in delicious grain-free cookies, made with almond flour, coconut oil, and coconut sugar, perfect for celebrating special occasions or as a sweet snack. These shortbread cookies are gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and non-GMO. The cookies come in a resealable bag, making it easy to enjoy them anytime, anywhere. Savor them with coffee or tea for a delightful midday or evening treat.

What We Like
Almond flour base
Lower sugar content
Great for allergies
Convenient packaging
Popular with guests
What We Don't Like
Slightly dry texture
Small bag size
#TOP 7

Mother's Strawberry Mythical Creatures Cookies

Mother's Strawberry Mythical Creatures Cookies Cover
Mother's Sparkling Strawberry Mythical Creatures, Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Frosting and Sprinkles, Resealable Bag, 9 oz

Mother's Strawberry Mythical Cookies come in a 9 oz resealable bag that helps keep your treats fresh for longer, so you can enjoy every bite at its best. Each cookie is topped with bright red and lavender frosting, plus silver sprinkles, giving you a sweet strawberry flavor that's hard to resist. The fun shapes include unicorns, mermaids, dragons, and sea serpents, making snack time more imaginative and enjoyable. These cookies are perfect to pack in your lunchbox, add to ice cream, or decorate cakes and cupcakes, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy a tasty and playful treat.

What We Like
Resealable freshness bag
Delicious strawberry flavor
Fun mythical shapes
Versatile snack options
#TOP 8

Pepperidge Farm Shortbread Cookies

200140007444
Shortbread
Pepperidge Farm Shortbread Cookies Cover
Pepperidge Farm Dublin Shortbread Cookies, 5.5 Oz Bag

Pepperidge Farm Shortbread offers a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day. These cookies are baked to a golden crisp, providing a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. You can enjoy them alongside your favorite tea or coffee, making your snack time even more enjoyable. With no artificial preservatives or ingredients, you can feel good about indulging. Each bag contains 12 cookies, allowing you to savor each one at your leisure. Treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss with these expertly crafted delights.

What We Like
Delicious nostalgic flavor
Buttery and crispy texture
Good quality and value
Not overly sweet
Great for snacking
What We Don't Like
Some cookies may arrive broken
Slightly higher price
#TOP 9

Mother’s Original Circus Animal Cookies, 12 Pack

00027800100037
Mother’s Original Circus Animal Cookies, 12 Pack Cover
Mother’s Cookies, Original Circus Animal, 12 oz Caddy (12 Count)

Mother’s Circus Animal Cookies come in a convenient 12-pack of 1-ounce bags, making it easy for you to enjoy these classic treats anytime. Each cookie is shaped like fun animals such as elephants and lions, adding a playful touch to your snack time. The bite-sized shortbread cookies are topped with sweet frosting and colorful sprinkles, giving you a delicious and nostalgic flavor. Whether you want to pack a tasty lunchbox treat, share with friends and family, or decorate your desserts, these cookies bring a sweet and joyful experience to every occasion.

What We Like
Delicious taste
Perfect snack size
Freshness guaranteed
Kid-friendly treat
Convenient individual packs
What We Don't Like
Slightly pricey
Small portion size
#TOP 10

365 by Whole Foods Market, Cookie Shortbread

0099482463274
golden
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
365 by Whole Foods Market, Cookie Shortbread Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Butter Shortbread, 8 oz

365 by Whole Foods Market offers Shortbread Cookies that provide premium ingredients at affordable prices. With a wide range of choices, grocery shopping turns into a fun experience where you can explore and find high-quality products.

What We Like
Buttery, sweet flavor
Simple, minimal ingredients
Not overly sweet
Lower price than competitors
Suitable for food sensitivities
What We Don't Like
Texture less fine than others
Slightly coarse inside
Buying Guide Image

The Definitive Shortbread Cookies Buying Guide

Introduction

When it comes to choosing shortbread cookies, there are a few key things to consider. In this article, we will explore some of the factors that go into making a good shortbread cookie, including texture, flavor, and appearance. By the end, you will have a better understanding of what to look for when choosing shortbread cookies for your next dessert.

Texture

One of the key characteristics of a good shortbread cookie is its texture. A good shortbread cookie should be tender and crumbly, yet firm enough to hold its shape. It should also have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes it a pleasure to eat.

To achieve this texture, many bakers use a high ratio of butter to flour in their shortbread recipes. The butter provides the tenderness and melt-in-your-mouth quality, while the flour helps to bind the dough and give it structure.

Flavor

In addition to texture, flavor is also an important consideration when choosing shortbread cookies. Shortbread is traditionally flavored with vanilla, which provides a subtle, delicate flavor that complements the rich, buttery taste of the cookie itself. Some bakers also add other ingredients, such as lemon zest or chocolate chips, to give their shortbread cookies a more complex flavor.

When choosing shortbread cookies, it's a good idea to try a few different flavors to see which ones you like best. If you're unsure which flavors to try, a good rule of thumb is to start with the classics and then branch out from there.

Appearance

Appearance is another important factor to consider when choosing shortbread cookies. A good shortbread cookie should have a pleasing appearance, with a nice, even color and a smooth, uniform surface. Some bakers like to add decorative touches, such as sprinkles or icing, to make their shortbread cookies even more visually appealing.

When choosing shortbread cookies, look for ones that are evenly baked and have a nice, even color. Avoid cookies that are burnt or have other visual imperfections, as these can indicate that the cookies were not baked properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing shortbread cookies, there are a few key factors to consider. These include texture, flavor, and appearance. By taking the time to carefully consider these factors, you can choose the perfect shortbread cookies for your next dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The main difference between butter cookies and shortbread cookies is the ratio of sugar to butter. Butter cookies generally have more sugar and are baked at higher temperatures. Shortbread cookies, on the other hand, have a higher fat content, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. What are common mistakes when making shortbread?

One common mistake when making shortbread is overhandling the dough. It is important to follow the instructions and avoid shaping or rolling the dough too much, as this can activate the gluten in the flour and result in chewy cookies instead of crisp ones.

3. Should shortbread dough be chilled before baking?

Yes, it is recommended to chill the shortbread dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and retain its shape during baking, resulting in a better texture and appearance of the cookies.

4. What is the difference between Scottish shortbread and regular shortbread?

Scottish shortbread is made with just sugar, butter, and flour, while other types of shortbread may include leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda. This makes Scottish shortbread crumbly, while other varieties tend to be crisp due to the added leavening agents.

5. Should butter be cold to make shortbread?

Yes, it is recommended to use cold butter when making shortbread. Some recipes even suggest grating the chilled butter into the dry ingredients. Keeping the butter cold makes it easier to work with and helps create a better texture in the final shortbread cookies.

Editor's Notes

During our shortbread cooky research, we found 25 shortbread cooky products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 125,807 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shortbread cookies list. We found that most customers choose shortbread cookies with an average price of $5.37.

The shortbread cookies are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shortbread cookies, including Keebler, Murray, Mother's, Stella D'oro, Siete. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Shortbread Cookies Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Grocery Keebler Murray Mother's Stella D'oro Siete Mother's Pepperidge Farm Mother's 365 by Whole Foods Market
Units 11.3 Ounce 1 Count 7.7 Ounce 12.0 Ounce 9.0 Ounce 4.5 Ounce 9.0 Ounce 5.5 Ounce 12.0 Ounce 8.0 Ounce
Occasion Wedding Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding Birthday, Christmas, Easter, Halloween Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding Christmas Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding Congratulations, New Year, Thank You All Occasions Christmas Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding
Flavor Pecan Fudge Stripes Butter Vanilla Shortbread Cookies Original Shortbread Strawberry Shortbread Artificial Flavor Butter
Unit Count 11.3 Ounce 1 Count 7.7 Ounce 12.0 Ounce 9.0 Ounce 4.5 Ounce 9.0 Ounce 5.5 Ounce 12.0 Ounce 8.0 Ounce
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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