Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery, crumbly shortbread and rich, smooth chocolate. These classic cookies are simple yet elegant, perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat any time of day. The chocolate adds a decadent layer to the subtly sweet shortbread, and you can customize them with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or sea salt for an extra touch. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Optional: Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- Chill and shape: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once chilled, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dip in chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish and set: Add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to the chocolate-dipped portion of the cookies if desired. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for a quicker set.
Enjoy these delightful chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly indulgent treat!