Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

Chocolate dipped shortbread became my little holiday tradition the year I decided to gift homemade treats instead of store-bought boxes. I still remember dipping each buttery cookie into warm chocolate late into the night with music playing in the background and that moment made me fall in love with baking all over again.

Now I bake these shortbread squares year-round because they’re so simple elegant and endlessly delicious. The crisp melt-in-your-mouth texture of the shortbread paired with rich glossy chocolate makes them feel like a treat from a bakery and they’re always the first to disappear at any gathering.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Unsalted butter – The base of the shortbread giving it richness and a tender crumb
• Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness while keeping the texture smooth
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the dough
• All-purpose flour – Forms the body of the cookie and creates that signature crumb
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate – Melts down for that luscious dipped finish
• Coconut oil or shortening – Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with a shine

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To cream the butter and blend the dough
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes the dough come together quickly
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements
• Spatula – Helps scrape the bowl and press the dough evenly
• 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan – Perfect for shaping and baking the shortbread evenly
• Parchment paper – Makes it easy to remove the bars and clean up fast
• Microwave-safe bowl – For melting the chocolate gently
• Knife – For slicing the cooled shortbread into clean bars

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later.

Step 2:

In a mixing bowl I cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy then I add in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 3:

Next I add the flour a little at a time mixing just until the dough comes together into a soft but not sticky consistency.

Step 4:

I press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or my fingers and make sure it’s packed down flat so it bakes evenly.

Step 5:

I bake the shortbread for about 30 to 35 minutes until it’s lightly golden around the edges and set in the center then I let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 6:

Once the shortbread is cool I lift it out and cut it into squares or rectangles depending on how big I want the servings to be.

Step 7:

In a microwave-safe bowl I melt the chocolate with a spoonful of coconut oil in 20-second bursts stirring in between until smooth and glossy.

Step 8:

I dip each shortbread square halfway into the melted chocolate let the excess drip off and then place them on a sheet of parchment paper to set.

Step 9:

I chill the dipped cookies in the fridge for about 15 minutes so the chocolate firms up nicely.

Tips

For a more decorative look I sometimes drizzle extra chocolate over the top instead of dipping or sprinkle with crushed nuts sea salt or even festive sprinkles. I also recommend using high-quality chocolate since its flavor really stands out here.

Ways to Serve

These chocolate dipped shortbread bars are perfect for dessert trays tea parties or holiday cookie boxes. I also love giving them as edible gifts stacked in clear bags tied with ribbon or simply served with coffee for a cozy midday treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Chocolate Dipped Shortbread?

Yes they freeze well just separate layers with parchment paper and thaw at room temperature.

Do I have to use chocolate chips for dipping?

No you can use any good quality baking chocolate or chocolate bar chopped into small pieces.

Can I add flavors to the shortbread?

Absolutely you can mix in citrus zest almond extract or even a little espresso powder for a flavor twist.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these Chocolate Dipped Shortbread bars because they’re such a joy to bake and share. The simplicity of the shortbread with the elegance of dark chocolate makes them a treat that never goes out of style.

Happy Cooking!

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