These Raspberry Chocolate Chip Shortbread bars are a tasty treat! With a buttery shortbread base and pockets of sweet raspberries, they are perfect for snack time.
Who can resist the combo of chocolate and berries? I love cutting them into squares and sharing (or not, no judgment here!). Just a simple bake brings smiles all around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key to get that rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Granulated Sugar: This helps to sweeten the bars. For a different touch, try using brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
All-Purpose Flour: It gives the bars their structure. If you’re gluten-free, swap it with a gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most baking.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet is perfect for this recipe. If you want to cut sugar, dark chocolate or even white chocolate can be fun alternatives!
Fresh Raspberries: These provide a tart flavor. If they’re out of season, use frozen raspberries; just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
How Can I Make Sure My Shortbread Bars Have the Right Texture?
The dough should be crumbly yet hold together. Avoid overmixing when adding the flour! Mix until it’s just combined for that tender texture.
- After mixing your ingredients, press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the pan for a solid base.
- Leave room for the chocolate and raspberries to shine, but ensure the dough crumbles over them, allowing some chocolate to peek through.
- Bake until golden brown but watch closely; the bars need to set without burning!
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 35-40 minutes for baking. After that, allow the bars to cool completely before serving. Total time will be around 1 hour for the prep and baking, plus additional cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or wooden spoon. Once combined, add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture, mixing just until a crumbly dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if it’s a bit crumbly.
4. Press the Base Layer:
Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan to form the shortbread base layer. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it out nicely.
5. Add Chocolate and Raspberries:
Now, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Then, scatter the fresh raspberries on top, making sure they are spread out well.
6. Crumble Remaining Dough:
With the leftover dough, crumble it over the raspberry and chocolate layer. Try to cover as much of the berries and chips as you can.
7. Bake the Bars:
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top, and the chocolate should be melted.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, you can dust the top lightly with powdered sugar if you’d like. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy these delicious bars!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! If using frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy bars. Keep in mind that they might be slightly softer, but they’ll still taste great!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover Raspberry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even milk chocolate, depending on your taste preference. Just remember, each type might slightly change the flavor profile!
What If My Dough Is Too Crumbly?
If the dough seems too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of cold water or milk to help it bind together better. Just add a little at a time until the dough holds together without being overly sticky.
