These Raspberry Chocolate Chip Shortbread bars are a tasty treat! Sweet and tangy raspberry pairs perfectly with yummy chocolate chips on a buttery shortbread base. Yum!
Seriously, who can resist chocolate and raspberries? I love having these bars with a cup of tea, but if I’m honest, they make a great snack any time of day! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for a rich, buttery flavor in the shortbread. If you’re dairy-free, you can try using a vegan butter alternative which works just as well!
Powdered Sugar: It gives the bars a nice sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until it’s fine enough or use honey (but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly).
Fresh Raspberries: Fresh berries are fantastic for flavor! If they’re not available, frozen raspberries work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.
Chocolate Chips: I love semi-sweet for that classic taste! You can substitute with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Shortbread Texture?
Getting the right shortbread texture is key, and it starts with the butter. Make sure it’s softened but not melted; this helps create that crumbly yet tender base. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This adds air, helping the bars rise slightly.
- Mix on low when adding flour; over-mixing can lead to a tough texture. You want it crumbly but still holds together when pressed.
- Press the dough into the pan firmly enough to stick, but don’t pack it down too hard, which can make it dense.
Following these tips will ensure you’ll have delicious, melt-in-your-mouth bars every time! Enjoy baking! 🍰
How to Make Raspberry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, plus additional time for cooling. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until you can slice into these yummy bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out after baking!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s fluffy and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the Flour and Salt:
Gradually add in the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together and it’s crumbly. Be careful not to over-mix!
4. Form the Shortbread Base:
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will create a nice base for the bars!
5. Add Raspberries and Chocolate Chips:
Evenly spread the fresh (or thawed) raspberries over the dough base. Then, gently sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the raspberries. Yum!
6. Crumble the Remaining Dough:
Take the remaining dough and crumble it evenly over the raspberry and chocolate layer. This will create a lovely topping.
7. Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color around the edges, and the chocolate chips should be melted and set!
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience pays off!
9. Lift and Cut:
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles as you prefer.
10. Dust and Enjoy:
If desired, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy these buttery, fruity, and chocolatey bars as a delightful dessert or snack!
Happy baking! 🍰
Can I Use Different Fruits in the Bars?
Absolutely! While raspberries are delicious, you can swap them for other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Just make sure to adjust for the moisture content if the fruit is more or less juicy than raspberries.
What Should I Do if My Dough Is Too Crumbly?
If your dough seems a little too crumbly and won’t hold together, try adding a teaspoon of cold water or milk. Mix it in gradually until the dough comes together without getting too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil!
Can I Double the Recipe?
You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger 9×13-inch baking pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take a bit longer to set in a larger pan.
