Shortbreads aren't for everyone.

In the big, wide world of cookies, shortbreads are the simplest and blandest - and most overlooked. But if you like something crumbly, buttery - and all things British - then you probably like shortbreads.

Given such few and basic ingredients (butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt), it's amazing there are so many different shortbread variations. I'll probably keep trying new recipes for the sake of my curious palate - but these are my two favorites so far. If they get overlooked on a cookie platter for being too plain - I'm fine with that! And they freeze well - for post-holiday nibbling.