Shortbread Cookies 12 Ways

By Midwest Living editors Updated November 30, 2022

One classic four-ingredient shortbread recipe becomes a rock-star cookie when you dip, drizzle, mix in and sprinkle on.

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Hey there, cookie

A cookie plate assembled by Mindy Segal is a pastry rebel's playground—fudgy, salty, melty, chunky and unapologetically fun. But great technique underlies her zaniness. In her book, Cookie Love, the chef-owner of Mindy's Bakery in Chicago shows how mastering a classic like shortbread can unlock the baking genius in you. Follow along for Mindy's four-ingredient Classic Shortbread recipe and tips for how to make all the variations shown in the photo.

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Classic Shortbread

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This four-ingredient recipe come from Mindy Segal's book Cookie Love. Her main tip: Shortbread is forgiving, but for best results, pay attention to temperature. Start with chilled butter, and make sure the dough is always cool (like marble) but not cold. If it cracks when rolled, let it warm up slightly; if it's too sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a bit.

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Shortbread sandwich

After you've tried the basic shortbread recipe, go a little (or a lot) crazy with variations. Here, add ground corn nuts (yep!) to dough; sandwich with chocolate ganache.