Chocolate Topped Shortbread Slices 🍫🍪
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
This delightful Chocolate Topped Shortbread Slices recipe has been a beloved favorite in my kitchen for over 20 years. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for little helpers in the kitchen! You can get creative with the chocolate topping by using milk, dark, or white chocolate, or even adding a middle layer of icing between the shortbread and chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Scottish, European, Toddler Friendly, Kid Friendly, Christmas, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients 🌟
- 14 oz plain flour
- 9 oz butter
- 5 oz caster sugar
- Chocolate for topping (milk, dark, or white as preferred)
- Hundreds and thousands for sprinkling (optional)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) 🌿
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 437 |
| Fat Content | 23.8 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 13.9 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 50.5 mg |
| Sodium Content | 139.6 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 50.9 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 22.6 g |
| Protein Content | 5.4 g |
Instructions 📝
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and caster sugar.
- Add the butter, cut into small pieces, and mix until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
-
Form the Dough:
- Using your hands, continue mixing and kneading the mixture until it forms a soft dough.
- Be gentle and avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
-
Prepare the Tin:
- Line an 8-inch square tin, approximately 2 inches deep, with foil or greaseproof paper.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (Gas Mark 6).
-
Shape the Shortbread:
- Press the dough into the prepared tin, flattening and spreading it evenly to cover the entire base.
- Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming and making it rise unevenly.
-
Bake the Shortbread:
- Place the tin on the center shelf of the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the shortbread is just golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Be careful not to let it overbrown, as this can spoil the taste and make it hard.
-
Mark and Cool:
- Immediately after removing the shortbread from the oven, mark it into slices or squares of your preferred size (I usually make 12 slices).
- Leave the shortbread to cool completely in the tin.
-
Add the Chocolate Topping:
- Once the shortbread has cooled, turn it out onto a cooling rack.
- Melt your chosen chocolate and spread a generous layer over each slice.
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with hundreds and thousands if desired.
-
Set and Store:
- Allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Store the slices in an airtight tin to keep them fresh and delicious.
Tips and Variations 🌈
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the topping. Milk chocolate adds a sweet, creamy flavor, while dark chocolate provides a rich, slightly bitter contrast. White chocolate can add a delicate, sweet touch.
- Icing Layer: For an extra special treat, try adding a middle layer of icing between the shortbread and the chocolate topping. Simply spread a thin layer of your favorite icing (vanilla, chocolate, or even a flavored icing) on the cooled shortbread before adding the melted chocolate.
- Decorations: In addition to hundreds and thousands, you can use other decorations like chopped nuts, edible glitter, or even small candy pieces to add a personal touch to each slice.
Serving Suggestions 🎉
These Chocolate Topped Shortbread Slices are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at family gatherings, Christmas parties, or as a delightful treat for your kids’ lunchboxes. They also make wonderful homemade gifts, beautifully packaged in a festive tin or wrapped in cellophane with a pretty ribbon. Enjoy these delicious slices with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
Final Thoughts 💭
Baking these Chocolate Topped Shortbread Slices is a wonderful way to create cherished memories in the kitchen with your family. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the deliciously rich flavors, makes it a timeless favorite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find joy in every step of making these delightful treats. So, gather your ingredients, invite your little helpers, and get ready to bake some magic! Happy baking! 🍪✨
