It’s hard to find “short” cookies—that is to say, cookies made with a high percentage of fat—anything but irresistible, especially when they’re the star of a holiday cookie tin. They’re astonishingly good when made simply, with butter as the star of the show, but often made even splendid with the addition of ingredients such as nuts like pecans, spices like cinnamon, toffee or even a sprinkling of French sea salt. From Mexican wedding cookies to citrusy shortbread flavored with herbs, here are a handful of our favorites.
English Toffee Shortbread
Buttery shortbread becomes even more tempting when embellished with pecans and chocolate-covered toffee.
Citrusy Shortbread Wedges with Rosemary
Savory ingredients, such as herbs like rosemary, add another layer of complexity to otherwise standard shortbread cookies.
Shortbread With Fleur de Sel
A hit of French sea salt gives this otherwise classic shortbread the balance of sweet and savory that’s so popular right now.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
A Christmas cookie platter classic, Mexican wedding cookies are flavored with a hint of cinnamon that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Alfajores
Argentina’s most renowned dessert, alfajores, are short, buttery cookies with a dulce de leche filling. Make them as straightforward sandwich cookies, or consider a variation: Dip them in melted white or dark chocolate, sprinkle them with flaked coconut, or dust the tops with a light layer of confectioners’ sugar.
Head to our Holiday Cookie Headquarters to check out even more seasonal baking ideas.