At Mary Macleod’s Shortbread, we believe exceptional ingredients make all the difference. When your recipe is rooted in tradition and crafted with care, every element must be worthy of the spotlight—especially when that ingredient is Dutch cocoa.

This isn’t just cocoa. It’s Dutch cocoa. Rich, velvety, and quietly complex, it’s the unsung hero behind the deep chocolate flavour in our beloved Dutch Chocolate Shortbread. Curious what makes it so special? Let’s unwrap the story.

What Is Dutch Cocoa?

Dutch cocoa is what happens when chocolate puts on its tuxedo. Unlike natural cocoa, which retains its acidic edge and bright, fruity notes, Dutch cocoa is treated with an alkaline solution—a process charmingly known as “Dutching.” This mellows the cocoa, giving it a smoother, darker, and more luxurious profile.

The result? A rich cocoa powder that brings elegance to every dessert it touches. Think less sharp bite, more sumptuous melt.

Dutching: A Bit of Alchemy, A Lot of Flavour

Dutching isn’t just science—it’s culinary transformation. By reducing the cocoa’s acidity, Dutching allows its deeper, more sophisticated flavours to shine. The bitterness softens, the texture becomes velvety, and suddenly, your cookie isn’t just a cookie. It’s a dessert with depth. A chocolate experience. A moment worth savouring.

This is why we use Dutch cocoa in our gourmet chocolate shortbread. It turns each bite into something extraordinary.

How Dutch Cocoa Elevates Our Shortbread

Our Dutch Chocolate Shortbread is where bold cocoa meets all-butter indulgence. The result? A rich, refined shortbread with just the right balance of bittersweet chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth luxury.

We don’t believe in halfway indulgence. We believe in shortbread that’s handcrafted, generously chocolatey, and elevated with ingredients that whisper luxury—never shout.

Perfect Pairings for Our Dutch Chocolate Shortbread

Dutch cocoa doesn’t just play well with butter. It shines alongside your favourite sips and scoops. Here are a few of our favourite pairings:

• Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or velvety Shiraz complements the shortbread’s depth.
• Dessert Wine: A late-harvest Riesling or port draws out the cocoa’s complex notes.
• Tea: Elegant Earl Grey or floral Darjeeling adds a refined counterpoint.
• Coffee: Pair with a rich espresso or creamy cappuccino for double the decadence.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream turns it into a five-star dessert.
• Milk: Cold, frothy, and classic—because sometimes, simplicity is pure perfection.

A Luxurious Little Indulgence

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment to yourself or sharing a box of our Dutch Chocolate Shortbread with friends, Dutch cocoa brings an unmistakable touch of luxury to the table. It’s comfort, it’s charm, it’s chocolate — but elevated.

And if anyone asks? Yes, it’s Dutch cocoa. And yes, it does make a difference.