17 shortbread crust recipes

cookies made from leftover pie crust with cinnamon sugar

Lemon buttermilk pie is a silky Southern custard pie, tangy with buttermilk and fresh lemon, baked low and slow in a blind-baked crust until just set. Chill it cold for a clean, creamy slice.

Irish curd cake: a traditional sieved cottage cheese cheesecake in a shortbread crust with lemon zest and a sugar-butter glaze. Light alternative to heavy American cheesecake.

An authentic Dutch cheesecake made with grated Gouda cheese instead of cream cheese, lightened with beaten egg whites and studded with golden raisins. Baked in a shortbread tart crust with lemon.

Layered pumpkin walnut pie hides a buttery brown-sugar walnut praline beneath a creamy, cream-cheese-rich pumpkin custard in a shortbread crust, crowned with baked pastry leaves. A Thanksgiving showpiece.

Buttery shortbread crust topped with a fluffy almond paste filling, folded egg whites, lemon juice, and flaked coconut. A Dutch bakery classic that yields 50 bars from one pan.

Florentine triangle cookies with a buttery shortbread crust, candied cherry and pineapple topping with almonds, and a semi-sweet chocolate drizzle. A stunning holiday cookie.

Amaretto cheesecake cookies with a brown sugar shortbread crust, cream cheese filling spiked with amaretto, and an almond crumble topping. Cut into squares.

Chocolate pecan bars with a buttery cinnamon shortbread crust and a gooey brown sugar-chocolate topping. Dusted with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Buttery shortbread bites rolled in paprika, cayenne, curry powder, and cumin. A savory, spice-crusted appetizer that's totally unexpected and completely addictive.

Chewy toffee almond bars with an oat and brown sugar shortbread crust topped with a buttery caramel almond layer. A batch makes 48 bite-sized treats.

Pecan turtle bars with a buttery shortbread crust, bubbly brown sugar caramel layer, whole pecans, and swirled milk chocolate on top. Addictively rich cookie bars.

Pecan toffee bars with a buttery shortbread crust, Heath brickle bits, coconut, and melted chocolate on top. Layered dessert bars with crunch, chew, and gooey chocolate.

Strawberry ice cream pie with a spiced shortbread crust and a swirl of warm fudge topping. Make-ahead frozen dessert that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Caramel pecan bars with a buttery shortbread crust topped with pecan halves in a honey-brown sugar caramel finished with cream. Makes 50 bars from one jelly roll pan.

Orange sugar-crusted meltaway cookies with chocolate chips and chopped nuts, dipped in fresh orange juice and rolled in sugar to form a delicate citrus-sugar shell. A bright, buttery shortbread-style holiday cookie.