Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe from Scotland

Region / culture: Scotland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Shortbread is a delicious and buttery treat that combines the rich flavors of shortbread with the sweetness of miniature chocolate chips. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking for a simple dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

History

Shortbread has been a popular dessert for centuries, with its origins dating back to medieval Scotland. Originally made with just three ingredients - butter, sugar, and flour - shortbread was a luxury reserved for special occasions. Over time, variations of shortbread have emerged, including the addition of chocolate chips to create a more modern twist on this classic treat.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of softened butter
0.5 cup of sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of flour
0.25 tsp of salt
0.5 cup of miniature semisweet chocolate chips

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the vanilla, then add the flour and salt.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Divide the dough in half.
Press each half into an ungreased 8-inch round pan.
Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Using a sharp knife, score each shortbread into 8 even wedges, but do not cut all the way through.
Leave the shortbread in the pans and cool on racks for 10 minutes.
Invert the pans onto the racks and cool completely.
Break the shortbread into wedges.

Variations

Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitute white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough shortbread.

- Pressing the dough firmly into the pan will help create a crisp and even texture.

- Allow the shortbread to cool completely before breaking it into wedges to prevent it from crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Chip Shortbread with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Chocolate Chip Shortbread is to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help create a tender and crumbly texture in the finished shortbread.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a dairy-free version of this recipe, you can substitute vegan butter for the butter. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Chip Shortbread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chocolate Chip Shortbread wedges on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Chocolate Chip Shortbread pairs well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Chip Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the shortbread in a 300°F (149°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Shortbread contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Shortbread contains approximately 18 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Shortbread contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Shortbread contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Chip Shortbread is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chocolate Chip Shortbread is a delicious treat that is relatively high in fat and calories. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Chocolate Chip Shortbread is a delightful and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its buttery texture and sweet chocolate chips, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a simple and satisfying dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chocolate Chip Shortbread. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. Margaret and I have been friends since we were young girls, and we have always shared a love for baking.

On this particular day, Margaret invited me over for tea and cookies. As we sat at her kitchen table sipping our Earl Grey tea, she brought out a plate of the most delicious looking shortbread cookies I had ever seen. The aroma of butter and chocolate filled the room, and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one.

I took a bite of the cookie, and my taste buds were immediately met with a perfect balance of buttery goodness and sweet chocolate chips. It was pure heaven in my mouth. I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she smiled and told me it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations.

I begged her to share the recipe with me, and after some convincing, she finally relented. She pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me. The card was faded and stained, a sign of how well-loved this recipe was in her family.

As I read over the ingredients and instructions, Margaret shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that it was her great-grandmother's recipe, brought over from Scotland when her family immigrated to America. The shortbread had been a staple in their household for as long as she could remember, and she had fond memories of baking them with her mother and grandmother.

I was touched by Margaret's story and grateful that she had trusted me with this precious family recipe. I promised her that I would cherish it and pass it on to future generations, just as she had done.

When I returned home that day, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in my own kitchen. I followed the recipe to a tee, carefully measuring out each ingredient and mixing them together with love and care. The dough came together beautifully, and I couldn't wait to taste the result.

As the shortbread baked in the oven, my house was filled with the intoxicating scent of butter and chocolate. When the timer finally beeped, I eagerly pulled the tray out of the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before they were completely cooled, and I was met with the same deliciousness that had captivated me at Margaret's house.

From that day on, Chocolate Chip Shortbread became a regular treat in my household. I would bake a batch whenever I had guests over, and they were always a hit. Friends and family would ask for the recipe, and I would share the story behind it, just as Margaret had done with me.

As the years passed, I continued to make the Chocolate Chip Shortbread, and it became a beloved tradition in my family. My children and grandchildren would gather in the kitchen to help me bake, just as I had done with Margaret all those years ago.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and memories that have been woven into its creation. The Chocolate Chip Shortbread is more than just a dessert; it is a piece of my history, a connection to my past and a legacy for the future.

I am proud to have learned this recipe from my dear friend Margaret, and I will continue to bake it with love and share it with those I hold dear. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to pass on traditions from one generation to the next.

And so, as I take another bite of this delicious Chocolate Chip Shortbread, I am reminded of the joy and love that baking has brought into my life. I am grateful for the simple pleasures of a warm cookie and a cup of tea, shared with friends and family who mean the world to me. And I am thankful for the recipe that has become a part of my story, a thread in the tapestry of my life.