Toffee Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Chocolate chip-studded shortbread layered with more chocolate and crunchy toffee bits. An easy and irresistible bar cookie, perfect for gifting!

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Post originally published December 1, 2016; updated December 21, 2017 to include new photos and weight measurements.

Let the holiday baking extravaganza begin – or continue! I am excited to share with you one of my very favorite treats for the holidays. Something about munching on one of these sweet chocolate toffee bars with a cup of tea or a big glass of milk just makes me feel ready for St. Nick, even if my Christmas to do list is still a mile long.

This recipe starts with a classic, buttery shortbread base with a hint of cinnamon and studded with chocolate chips. Top the shortbread with more chocolate in a thin layer, then top that with sugary, crunchy toffee bits. I find the finished bars completely irresistible and have to share the batch, because I can rarely stop at eating one!

Of course, you could easily swap out just about anything for the toffee bits – peppermint candies, mints, M&Ms, you name it. To be honest, these are perfectly good for just about any time of year, but I’ve been making them around Christmas for several years now, so they just channel holiday spirit to me.

More Cookies and Bars:

• Shortcut Samoa Cookie Bars
• Best “Stay Soft” Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Fudgy Toffee Butterscotch Brownie Cookies
• Double Chocolate Espresso Walnut Cookies
• Caramel-Stuffed Molasses Cookies

What are your favorite holiday baking traditions? I’m always looking for more inspiration, and actually find baking a welcome break from so many of the other tasks that pile up at this time of year.

After all, baking produces a tangible, usually delicious, result, and what stack of presents to wrap or cards to address doesn’t look more manageable with a little treat by your side? Enjoy! ♥

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Toffee Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Prep 15 mins

Cook 20 mins

Total 35 mins

Author Monica | Nourish & Fete

Yield 24-30 squares, depending on size

My favorite bar cookie - toffee chocolate chip shortbread. Easy yet decadent, and perfect for gifting!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks; 227 grams) butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (107 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup (255 grams) chocolate chips, divided
• 1 1/2 cup (234 grams) toffee bits (I use Heath Bits o Brickle)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Line a 9”x13” baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on at least two sides that will allow you to lift the bars out after they bake. Lightly grease the foil with non-stick cooking spray. 
2. Combine the flour, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk together and set aside.
3. Combine the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix briefly. With the mixer running on low speed, add the flour mixture. Mix until flour is just barely incorporated. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Stir by hand using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to evenly distribute chips.
4. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and, using a spatula or your hands, press the dough down and into each corner. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the shortbread is golden and bubbly.
5. After removing the pan from the oven, immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips over the crust. Cover the pan with foil and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Using a small spatula or spoon, spread the softened chocolate evenly over the crust. Quickly sprinkle the toffee bits over the layer of melted chocolate.
6. Let the bars cool to room temperature. (Or, if you’re in a rush, help them along with a few minutes in the fridge or freezer.) Use the foil to lift shortbread out of the pan, then cut into bars and serve. Bars will keep for 4-5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

Nutrition info is an estimate based on cutting the pan into 24 squares.

This recipe was adapted from Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan - a fantastic book - via Mel’s Kitchen Cafe - a fantastic blog!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 bar

Amount Per Serving
Calories 233
% Daily Value

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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