Irresistibly Buttery Chocolate Shortbread Bites Recipe

These delectable chocolate shortbread bites dance between crisp and melt-in-your-mouth textures that surprise even seasoned bakers.

Sweet crumbs infused with deep cocoa flavors promise a rich culinary adventure.

Compact cookie gems sparkle with buttery intensity and elegant simplicity.

Minimal ingredients combine to create an unexpectedly luxurious treat that feels both classic and modern.

Rich dark chocolate notes complement the delicate shortbread base, creating irresistible little morsels.

The recipe delivers pure indulgence in bite-sized perfection.

One taste will convince you these little delights deserve a permanent spot in your dessert repertoire.

Chocolate Shortbread Bites That Melt in Your Mouth

• Whip up these delectable chocolate shortbread bites in just 30 minutes of active time, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Beginner bakers can nail this recipe with simple mixing and slicing techniques, ensuring success even for kitchen newbies.
• These bite-sized delights work perfectly for casual gatherings, holiday parties, or afternoon tea with friends, adding a touch of homemade charm to any occasion.
• Prepare the dough logs in advance and refrigerate or freeze, allowing you to have fresh cookies ready in minutes whenever the mood strikes.

What’s in Chocolate Shortbread Bites

• Butter, Powdered Sugar: The creamy base that provides richness and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature butter blends smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor depth. Pure vanilla offers the best taste.

• Flour, Cocoa Powder, Salt: Creates the classic shortbread texture with a chocolate twist. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor. All-purpose flour works best.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Chopped Chocolate: Provides extra chocolate bursts and texture. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate adds more intense flavor. Chopped chocolate creates varied chocolate pockets.

How to Make Chocolate Shortbread Bites from Scratch

Step 1: Create Buttery Base

Grab a large mixing bowl. Blend softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and airy. Splash in vanilla extract for rich flavor. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, stirring gently until just mixed. Sprinkle in chocolate pieces, folding them throughout the dough.

Step 2: Shape Delicious Logs

Split dough into two portions. Roll each section into a smooth cylinder about one inch thick. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Chill logs in refrigerator for minimum one hour until completely firm.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Station

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure oven rack is centered.

Step 4: Slice and Bake Treats

Remove dough logs from refrigerator. Cut into half-inch round slices. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each piece. Slide into preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

• Drizzle melted chocolate
• Sprinkle colorful sugar
• Add tiny chocolate chips
• Dust with powdered sugar

Pro Tips for a Crumbly, Rich Texture

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 1 hour to ensure clean, precise slices and prevent spreading during baking.
• Control Chocolate Chip Size: Use mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate to maintain the delicate texture of the shortbread bites.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Bake for exactly 10-12 minutes to keep the shortbread tender and prevent overcooking, which can make them dry and crumbly.
• Customize Decoration: Experiment with different chocolate drizzles or sprinkles to personalize the shortbread bites for various occasions or preferences.
• Store Properly: Keep the shortbread bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their crisp, buttery texture.

Best Way to Store Chocolate Shortbread Bites

• Store cooled shortbread bites in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Warm briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer a slightly soft texture. Alternatively, let cookies sit at room temperature to restore their original crispness.
• Avoid storing in humid areas. Place a small piece of bread in the container to help absorb moisture and keep shortbread crisp and fresh.

Drink Pairings That Match Chocolate Shortbread Bites

• Rich, dark espresso cuts through the shortbread's sweetness, creating a bold flavor harmony that elevates each bite.
• Tart raspberry coulis or fresh berries provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the deep chocolate richness of the shortbread.
• Smooth, buttery caramel sauce with a sprinkle of sea salt intensifies the chocolate's depth and adds luxurious complexity.
• A small glass of Baileys Irish Cream liqueur complements the shortbread's buttery texture, adding a velvety, spirited dimension.

Chocolate Shortbread Variants to Experiment With

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. These cookies maintain the rich chocolate flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Shortbread: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter substitute. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and powdered sugar made from organic sugar to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Bites: Reduce powdered sugar and incorporate monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and protein without increasing sugar content.
• Espresso Chocolate Shortbread: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This variation adds a sophisticated coffee undertone that complements the deep chocolate flavor.

Chocolate Shortbread Bites Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate shortbread bites melt seamlessly into a delightful dessert experience. Crisp, buttery squares provide rich chocolate comfort that will transport guests to a sweet culinary paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Chocolate Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate

Fat and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Topping Ingredients:

• Melted chocolate for drizzling
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Whip softened butter and powdered sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until airy and pale, incorporating vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate vessel, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Gently integrate dry ingredients into butter mixture, stirring minimally to prevent toughening the delicate dough.
4. Carefully fold mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate throughout the dough, distributing evenly.
5. Partition dough into two equal portions, carefully rolling each into a uniform cylindrical log approximately one inch thick.
6. Tightly encase each log in plastic wrap, pressing to create a smooth surface.
7. Refrigerate logs for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to meld and dough to solidify.
8. Heat oven to 350F (175C), preparing two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal non-stick surface.
9. Remove chilled logs and slice into half-inch thick medallions using a sharp knife with smooth, consistent motions.
10. Arrange shortbread rounds on prepared sheets, maintaining one-inch spacing to prevent merging during baking.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to preserve tender interior while achieving crisp edges.
12. Transfer baking sheets to cooling rack, allowing shortbread bites to reach room temperature.
13. Optional: Embellish with melted chocolate drizzle and festive sprinkles for visual appeal and extra indulgence.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the bites’ perfect round shape during baking.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire shortbread experience.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit to create unique flavor variations and add interesting texture to the classic shortbread.
• Store these delicate bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 136
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 24 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg