Golden Crispy Chocolate Shortbread Bites Recipe – Sweet Joy!

Indulgent chocolate shortbread bites melt hearts with their rich, buttery crunch that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a delightful escape.

These irresistible morsels combine classic shortbread techniques with decadent chocolate for an unexpected treat.

The delicate texture and deep cocoa notes invite you to savor each delectable bite.

Crumbly yet tender, these little gems promise pure chocolate bliss in every morsel.

Simple ingredients come together to create a sophisticated snack that feels both elegant and comforting.

The recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will captivate even the most discerning dessert lovers.

Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary adventure that celebrates the magic of homemade cookies.

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough logs and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making it convenient for advance preparation.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these shortbread bites?

No special equipment is needed. You’ll just require basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a rolling surface.

• What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate work perfectly. Choose a good quality chocolate for the best flavor in your shortbread bites.

• How do I know when the shortbread bites are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly set edges and a matte appearance. They should not brown significantly. The centers might seem slightly soft but will firm up while cooling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 136 kcal

Servings: 24

Chocolate Shortbread Bite Ingredients

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base that helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Delivers delicate sweetness and helps create smooth, light cookie texture; sift to remove any lumps for even mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to enhance overall chocolate flavor; use pure vanilla for most authentic taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and crumbly shortbread texture; use fresh, properly stored flour for consistent results.
• Cocoa Powder: Brings deep chocolate intensity and dark color; Dutch-processed cocoa recommended for richer flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate notes; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Mini Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: Introduces extra chocolate bursts and textural contrast; choose high-quality chocolate with good melting properties.
• Melted Chocolate (Optional): Provides elegant finishing drizzle; select dark or semi-sweet chocolate for most appealing look.
• Sprinkles (Optional): Adds festive, playful visual appeal; choose color-coordinated or contrasting sprinkles for personal touch.

Tools That Help Shape Perfect Little Squares

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand whisk: Perfect for creating light, fluffy butter mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for combining dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending flour, cocoa, and salt evenly.
• Plastic wrap: Used for wrapping and chilling dough logs.
• Baking sheets: Required for baking shortbread bites.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice uniform dough rounds.
• Cooling rack (optional): Useful for cooling shortbread after baking.

Bake Chocolate Shortbread Bites with Ease

• Create Chocolatey Dough

Grab softened butter and powdered sugar, then whip them together until they become creamy and light. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor. In another bowl, blend flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly mix dry ingredients into buttery mixture until just combined. Gently fold chocolate pieces throughout the dough.

• Shape Delightful Logs

Split dough into two sections. Roll each portion into smooth cylindrical shapes about one inch thick. Tightly wrap logs in plastic and chill in refrigerator for minimum one hour until completely firm.

• Prepare Baking Setup

Heat oven to 350F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Cut and Bake Treats

Unwrap chilled dough logs and slice into half-inch rounds. Place cookie pieces on prepared sheets, leaving space between each bite. Slide into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Decorate and Enjoy

Let shortbread bites cool completely on baking sheets. Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle decorative toppings for extra pizzazz.

Tricks to Add Flavor Without Overpowering

• Chill dough logs overnight for deeper flavor development and easier slicing.
• Replace mini chocolate chips with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips for exciting flavor variations.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Freeze dough logs for up to 3 months, allowing you to slice and bake fresh shortbread whenever a craving strikes.
• Use plant-based butter alternatives and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a delicious vegan version of these tasty bites.

Serve These Bites at Tea Time or Dessert

• Chocolate Lovers' Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert board with these shortbread bites nestled alongside fresh berries, dark chocolate chunks, and whipped cream for an irresistible chocolate experience.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these bite-sized treats on a elegant ceramic plate with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, perfect for a sophisticated midday break with friends or solo indulgence.
• Gift-Worthy Chocolate Treats: Package these shortbread bites in cute mason jars or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
• Coffee Shop Companion: Pair these decadent bites with a rich espresso or cappuccino, creating a divine flavor combination that transforms an ordinary coffee moment into a gourmet experience.

Store Shortbread Bites: Tips and Tricks

• Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap unsliced dough logs or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen dough stays fresh for 3 months, while baked cookies last 2 months.
• Store at room temperature in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent chocolate melting and maintain crisp shortbread quality.
• Prepare dough logs up to 3 days before baking, keeping them refrigerated. When ready, slice and bake directly from the fridge for consistent, perfect shortbread bites.

Crispy Chocolate Shortbread Bites

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Chocolate shortbread bites bring rich Scottish cookie tradition to delightful miniature form. Dark chocolate drizzle and cocoa-infused dough create irresistible small-batch treats perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g / 7.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g / 0.9 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (90 g / 3.2 oz) mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
• 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• Melted chocolate for drizzling
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, blending in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Dry Ingredients: Thoroughly sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt together, eliminating potential clumps and ensuring smooth texture.
3. Dough Formation: Merge dry ingredients with butter mixture, minimizing mixing to maintain delicate dough structure, then gently fold in chocolate chips for bursts of richness.
4. Shaping: Divide dough into two uniform logs, approximately one inch thick, and wrap tightly in plastic film to create smooth, compact cylinders.
5. Chilling: Refrigerate logs for at least one hour, allowing flavors to intensify and dough to firm up completely.
6. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal baking surface.
7. Slicing and Arranging: Extract chilled logs and slice into half-inch medallions using a sharp knife, positioning rounds on prepared sheets with ample spacing.
8. Baking: Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring carefully to achieve crisp edges while preserving tender interior.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Transfer baked shortbread to cooling rack, allowing complete temperature stabilization, and optionally adorn with chocolate drizzle and decorative sprinkles for visual allure.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is genuinely softened, not melted, for optimal texture and creamy consistency in the shortbread.
• Minimal Mixing Technique: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently and briefly to prevent developing gluten, which could make cookies tough and dense.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigeration isn’t optional – cold dough helps shortbread maintain shape, prevents spreading, and intensifies chocolate flavor.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, clean knife and slice cookies evenly to guarantee uniform baking and consistent texture across all shortbread bites.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 32 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg