When you think of shortbread, what comes to mind?
A golden biscuit that crumbles softly with every bite?
Or a buttery aroma that feels like comfort itself?
At Lowrey Foods, our shortbread isn’t just another cookie—it’s a modern twist on a centuries-old classic. And now, with two beloved flavours back in stock — Plain and Cranberry Shortbread — the big question returns:
👉 Which one will you love more?
Whether you’re a fan of pure simplicity or a touch of fruity sweetness, this shortbread showdown is your chance to find your perfect match.
The Timeless Charm of Plain Shortbread
If elegance had a flavour, it would be Plain Shortbread.
Lowrey’s version of this traditional favourite celebrates everything people love about classic shortbread — rich butter aroma, balanced sweetness, and a satisfying crumbly bite.
🧈 A Simpler Pleasure
Our Plain Shortbread is handcrafted using New Zealand cultured butter, known globally for its rich, creamy texture and natural golden colour. Unlike ordinary butter, cultured butter contains subtle tangy notes that give our shortbread a distinctive depth of flavour.
Each bite is soft yet firm — buttery but never greasy — melting slowly in your mouth with a delicate crunch that lingers.
🌿 Simple, Honest Ingredients
Lowrey’s bakers believe that great taste doesn’t come from complexity, but from purity.
Our Plain Shortbread contains only what’s needed:
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New Zealand cultured butter
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Flour
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Cane sugar
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A touch of salt
That’s it. No additives, no artificial flavouring, no shortcuts. Just authentic, old-fashioned craftsmanship.
☕ Best Pairings for Plain Shortbread
Plain shortbread is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s a cookie that adapts to your mood:
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Morning boost: Pair with black coffee or breakfast tea.
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Afternoon delight: Enjoy alongside Earl Grey or milk tea.
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Evening comfort: Crumble over vanilla ice cream or dip in warm cocoa.
This is the shortbread for the minimalist — someone who believes that the most beautiful things are often the simplest.
The Vibrant Twist: Cranberry Shortbread
Now, let’s meet its equally irresistible rival — Cranberry Shortbread.
If Plain Shortbread is about tradition, Cranberry Shortbread is about personality. It’s the same buttery, crumbly base you know and love, but with a touch of colour, sweetness, and festive cheer.
🍒 A Burst of Colour and Tang
Lowrey’s bakers infuse our shortbread dough with real freeze-dried cranberry powder, creating a treat that looks as good as it tastes.
The result? A golden biscuit flecked with ruby-red pieces that deliver a tart, fruity pop against the buttery backdrop. Every bite dances between sweet and tangy, giving you that “just one more” feeling.
💎 Natural Ingredients, Real Flavour
Like all our products, Cranberry Shortbread is made with integrity — no artificial colouring, no imitation flavouring. The cranberries are locally sourced, freeze-dried to preserve freshness and nutrients, then blended carefully into our traditional shortbread recipe.
It’s still 100% handcrafted in small batches using New Zealand cultured butter, giving each cookie a luxurious aroma and crisp, tender texture.
🍷 Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Shortbread
Cranberry Shortbread is perfect for gifting, celebrations, or when you want to treat yourself.
Try pairing it with:
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Sparkling rosé or champagne – the tang complements the bubbles.
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Fruit teas or herbal blends – for an elegant afternoon pick-me-up.
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Cheese platter – surprisingly good alongside brie or aged cheddar.
Cranberry vs Plain: A Delicious Showdown
So, how do these two flavours compare?
Let’s break it down — flavour, texture, pairing, and gifting appeal.
| Category | Plain Shortbread | Cranberry Shortbread |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Pure butter aroma, balanced sweetness | Buttery with tangy cranberry pops |
| Texture | Smooth, crumbly, melts slowly | Slightly crunchier with fruit bits |
| Sweetness | Mild | Medium, with natural fruit sweetness |
| Visual Appeal | Classic golden biscuit | Red-speckled, festive and vibrant |
| Pairings | Coffee, black tea, cocoa | Wine, fruit tea, cheese, champagne |
| Ideal For | Everyday treat, tea breaks | Gifting, celebrations, seasonal enjoyment |
Verdict: You Can’t Go Wrong
The truth? There’s no winner — only preference.
Plain Shortbread appeals to those who love minimalism and buttery nostalgia. Cranberry Shortbread attracts those who enjoy contrast, zest, and a hint of indulgence.
Many of our loyal customers buy both — one for themselves, and one to share. After all, who says you can’t have two favourites?
The Secret Behind the Perfect Texture
What makes Lowrey shortbread so irresistible? It’s not just the recipe — it’s the science of balance.
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Butter ratio: At roughly 32% cultured butter, our shortbread has a firmer bite than butter cookies, making it less fragile and perfect for gifting or shipping.
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Small-batch baking: Each batch is carefully mixed and pressed, not machine-stamped, preserving the authentic crumbly texture.
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Gentle bake: The cookies are baked at a steady, low temperature to achieve that signature pale golden finish — never overbaked, never dry.
It’s this attention to detail that transforms simple ingredients into a world-class biscuit.
Why Our Shortbread Makes the Perfect Gift
When you open a tin of Lowrey Shortbread, you’re not just unwrapping cookies — you’re sharing a story of craftsmanship, care, and comfort.
Each tin is elegantly designed — classic blue for Plain Shortbread and festive cranberry red for the Cranberry flavour — making them ideal for gifting year-round.
Whether it’s:
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A thank-you present for colleagues,
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A thoughtful teacher’s gift, or
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A luxury holiday hamper,
shortbread carries a universal message of warmth and generosity.
And because shortbread is firmer and travels well, it arrives beautifully intact — even in long-distance deliveries across the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
What Our Customers Say
“The cranberry shortbread is incredible — buttery, tangy, and just sweet enough. It’s become our Christmas tradition.”
– Megan L., California
“I didn’t think plain shortbread could taste this good. You can actually taste the butter quality. It melts in your mouth like no other.”
– James T., Sydney
How to Enjoy Both
If you can’t decide, we have the perfect solution — the Shortbread Value Pack:
🎁 4 tins of Cranberry + 4 tins of Plain.
Ideal for sharing, gifting, or keeping a mix of both at home for every occasion.
Serve the Plain Shortbread at morning tea for a calm, classic touch.
Reserve the Cranberry Shortbread for festive moments, wine nights, or elegant dessert platters.
Either way, you’ll be serving something handcrafted, New Zealand-made, and unforgettable.
The Lowrey Difference
At Lowrey Foods, we believe that great cookies shouldn’t just taste good — they should make you feel good.
Our shortbread is:
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Handcrafted in small batches in New Zealand.
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Made with real cultured butter, never margarine.
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Packaged sustainably in reusable tins.
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Shipped fresh, directly from our bakery to your door.
That’s the promise behind every tin — authenticity, quality, and joy.
Conclusion: Two Flavours, One Promise of Excellence
So, Cranberry or Plain — which will you love more?
You might start with one… but most people come back for both.
Each flavour tells its own story: one of heritage, the other of creativity — but both share the same buttery soul.
No matter which you choose, you’re tasting the best of New Zealand shortbread, made with care, love, and 100% premium ingredients.
🛒 Explore both flavours today:
And discover why thousands of cookie lovers around the world call Lowrey “the taste of home.”
