Whether it be oatmeal, chocolate chip, or snickerdoodle, everyone has a favorite kind of cookie that they just can’t say no to. Personally, I have always been obsessed with shortbread cookies, I don’t know how to say no to them. There’s something so light and flaky, but at the same time so rich and buttery, about a shortbread cookie that just makes my mouth drool. In honor of National Shortbread Day, eat as much shortbread as you can (cookies, cakes, bars, whatever you can find), but more importantly check out these ten delicious semi-healthy shortbread recipes.
Carob Dipped Pecan Shortbread Cookies via Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free
These healthy shortbread cookies are made with wholesome ingredients like agave nectar, gluten-free flour, unsweetened carob chips, and unsalted butter. If you wanted to use dark chocolate instead of carob, you could. I like to save a little bit of pecan left to sprinkle on top of the carob at the end (it just looks so pretty).
Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Shortbread Bars via Desserts With Benefits
Perfect as dessert or a sweet afternoon treat, these peanut butter and dark chocolate shortbread bars are so good you’d almost never believe they were healthy. Made with rolled oats, protein powder, brown rice syrup, and Stevia, these healthy shortbread bars are like a little piece of healthy dessert heaven.
Green Tea Shortbread Leaves via Martha Stewart
These delicious and refreshing shortbread cookies are light, buttery, and go perfectly with a warm cup of tea. The recipe uses green tea powder and and unsalted butter to make a dense cookie that’s not too sweet. Dip these cookies in your favorite cup of afternoon tea and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of tea and cookies. Sounds like my kind of day!
Walnut Shortbread via Whole Living
This easy to make shortbread is surprisingly healthy and totally delicious. With less than 200 calories per serving, you don’t have to feel guilty about digging in to a fresh batch of these babies. Made with walnuts, whole wheat flour, lemon zest, and unsalted butter, these shortbread cookies have a light texture with a nutty, refreshing taste. Yum!
Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprints via Foodgio
These delicious raspberry and almond thumbprint shortbread cookies are a healthier version of traditional thumbprint cookies. This recipe uses wholesome ingredients to create a cookie that’s sweet and satisfying without ruining your diet. You can use any kind of jam you want for the center (I love apricot).
Pecan Shortbread Cookies via Elena’s Pantry
These gluten-free pecan shortbread cookies are packed with protein and make a delicious dessert or healthy afternoon treat. These cookies are made with almond flour, pecans, and honey so you can enjoy them without feeling guilty. Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or cup of warm chai tea.
Brown Sugar Shortbread via Cooking Light
This shortbread recipe yields a shortbread that is buttery and crumbly and pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk. I love how this shortbread is kind of cakey but is also dense like a scone almost. These delicious shortbread squares would also go well with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast. I love my shortbread sprinkled with a little cinnamon and nutmeg. Yum!
Mocha Shortbread with Nutella via My Baking Addiction
Mocha and Nutella go so well together, especially in cookies. I love how rich these shortbread cookies are, but even more than that I love knowing that they’re secretly semi healthy. Made with wholesome, all natural ingredients, you can enjoy these cookies for dessert or as a snack without having any regrets afterward.
Almond Crescent Shortbread Cookies via Julia’s Album
These adorable crescent shaped almond shortbread cookies are great for any occasion. They are fun and festive, sweet and buttery, and everyone will love and devour them. You can make these cookies any shape you want and decorate them with a variety of toppings. I love to top mine with shredded coconut and slivered almonds.
Paleo Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies via The Healthy Foodie
These healthy paleo chocolate chunk shortbread cookies are the answers to all of my prayers. Chocolatey, sweet, and buttery, these cookies are like a parade in my mouth. Made with wholesome ingredients, I could eat twenty of these bad boys and not feel an ounce of remorse (of course I might go into sugar shock…or vomit, but that would be a different issue). These cookies are perfect as a healthy treat or afternoon snack and your family and friends will absolutely love them.
I have to try and come up with a wheat, dairy, gluten, sugar, soy, nut, fruit free short bread recipe! Wish me luck LOL!
Whoaaa, I want to try the green tea kind! I don’t have a go-to recipe, although I once made the chocolate shortbread recipe from the Joy of Cooking with gluten-free flour mix for my mom (I’m not gluten-free but she avoids wheat) and it was perfect.