Toffee Shortbread Cookies: Easy, Festive, and Oh-So-Impressive!

Holiday baking doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive! These Toffee Shortbread Cookies are a lifesaver for last-minute Christmas treats—or anytime you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. They’re buttery, crumbly, and packed with sweet, crunchy toffee. Best of all? They’re ready to bake in 5 minutes and don’t even require chilling time.

Let’s dive into this simple yet magical cookie recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Minimal Ingredients: Pantry staples come together effortlessly—no fancy tools or exotic ingredients needed.
• Versatile: Roll and cut into festive shapes or simply slice and bake for elegant rounds.
• Quick to Make: No chilling required, and they’re oven-ready in a flash.
• Budget-Friendly: Delicious cookies without breaking the bank—perfect for gifting!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened (salted or unsalted, your preference) 🧈
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar 🍬
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍨
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, fluffed
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm holiday touch) 🌟
• 1 1/2 cups toffee pieces (like Heath, with or without chocolate coating) 🍫

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer (or a wooden spoon if you’re feeling old-school)
• Cookie cutters (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the fluffed flour and cinnamon (if using) to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together—it will be soft and slightly crumbly.

4. Fold in Toffee Pieces

Gently fold in the toffee pieces, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Shape Your Cookies

• Roll & Cut: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes.
• Slice & Bake: Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

6. Bake

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 11-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Toffee Shortbread

• Soft Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the best dough consistency.
• Toffee Pieces: Heath’s toffee bits are a great choice, but you can also chop up toffee bars if needed.
• Don’t Overbake: Shortbread should be tender and pale, so keep a close eye to avoid browning.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect on their own but can be elevated even further:

• Holiday Presentation: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra pizzazz.
• Pair with Hot Drinks: Serve alongside coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced tea.
• Cookie Boxes: Pack them into festive tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze the dough log for slice-and-bake convenience later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chocolate-coated toffee?

Absolutely! The chocolate melts slightly as the cookies bake, adding a gooey, indulgent touch.

What if I don’t have cookie cutters?

No problem! Rolling the dough into a log and slicing into rounds is quick and yields beautifully uniform cookies.

Can I make this dough ahead?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Let it soften slightly before rolling or slicing.

Final Thoughts

These Toffee Shortbread Cookies are proof that holiday magic doesn’t have to be complicated. With their buttery texture, sweet toffee crunch, and ease of preparation, they’re destined to become a go-to in your holiday baking rotation.

Have you made these cookies? Share your creations on Pinterest or leave a comment below—I’d love to see how they turned out!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approx.)

• Calories: 130
• Fat: ~8g
• Carbs: ~14g
• Protein: ~1g

For more festive treats, check out my Peppermint Chocolate Bark or Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles! Happy baking! 🎄