Description
Silky chocolate chip shortbread cookie bars bring together classic Scottish shortbread and American chocolate chip cookie magic. Buttery, crumbly layers melt with rich chocolate, creating a delightful treat that lingers on the palate and invites you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (6.75 oz / 192 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Chocolate Ingredients:
- ½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F and prepare an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling for easy removal.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency.
- Gently introduce the egg, followed by vanilla and almond extracts, and a pinch of salt, blending until harmoniously combined.
- Gradually fold in flour, stirring until the dough achieves a uniform texture, then delicately fold in chocolate chips for delightful bursts of sweetness.
- Transfer the dough into the lined pan, using gentle pressure to create an even, smooth surface that fills the entire pan.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 28-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown finish that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the shortbread to cool completely within the pan, letting the residual heat set the texture.
- Once cooled, lift the shortbread from the pan using the parchment paper edges and slice into elegant, rectangular bars ready to be devoured.
Notes
- Achieve golden edges by watching closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that ensures a perfect shortbread texture.
- Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chunks to elevate the rich, buttery flavor of these bars.
- Allow complete cooling before cutting to help bars set and maintain clean, crisp edges.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
- Line pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and picture-perfect bar presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 166
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg