Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

There’s something incredibly comforting about baking on a lazy afternoon, and that’s precisely how I found myself creating these delightful Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. The scent of warm, melting chocolate mixed with the buttery aroma wafts through the air, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. It takes me back to my childhood, where every bite of these cookies felt like a warm hug from family. It’s those moments of nostalgia that inspire me to whip up a batch whenever I’m in need of a sweet escape. Each cookie is a perfect blend of crispy and soft, making them ideal for anyone who loves a good treat with their afternoon tea or coffee.

Ingredients Overview for Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

When it comes to baking the perfect Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies, the quality and combination of ingredients are essential. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, buttery flavor and delightful texture. The key players in this recipe include unsalted butter, which gives the cookies their signature taste, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, which provide the perfect amount of sweetness. Together, these ingredients create a cookie that is crispy on the edges yet soft in the center.

• ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter: The base of these cookies, providing richness and flavor.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s lovely texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The main ingredient that gives the cookies their body.
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The delicious chocolatey chunks that make these cookies irresistible.

Cooking Method for Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Creating Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies is a delightful process that anyone can enjoy. Let’s walk through the steps together, ensuring that each cookie is just as delicious as you remember. Just grab your ingredients and follow along!

1. In a large mixing bowl, add ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until fully combined and creamy. This step is crucial as it helps to aerate the butter, leading to a lighter texture in your cookies.
2. Next, add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 large egg. Mix until combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy, creating a lovely base for your cookies.
3. Now, let’s stir in 1½ cups all-purpose flour. Gradually add the flour into the mixture, mixing gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
4. Once the dough comes together, press it together with your hands until it forms a cohesive ball. It should feel slightly tacky but still firm. Then, fold in ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Prepare a piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Place the cookie dough onto the plastic wrap and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Roll it tightly in the plastic wrap, ensuring it’s compact. This step helps maintain the shape of the cookies.
6. Once wrapped, place the cookie dough log in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling phase is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making slicing easier.
7. When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. Remove the chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds that are about ½ inch thick. The cookies should maintain their shape during this step.
9. Place the sliced rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for slight expansion as they bake. Press the edges of the cookies lightly to smooth them out.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are slightly golden on the outside. They won’t spread much, so don’t worry if they look a bit thick.
11. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, drizzle some additional melted chocolate over the cooled cookies if desired. Store them in sealed containers at room temperature.

Ways to Customize

If you’re looking to personalize your Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. Here are some fun ideas to help you make them your own:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Change the chocolate: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different taste experience.
• Flavor infusions: Experiment with adding orange zest or almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
• Decorative toppings: Sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a delightful sweet and salty combination.
• Serving size: Make smaller cookies by slicing the dough into thinner rounds; just be sure to reduce the baking time slightly.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving your Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies, options are endless! Here are some ideas to inspire your serving:

• Pair with coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Tea time: They make the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea, adding a sweet touch to the experience.
• Ice cream sandwiches: For a fun twist, try making ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
• Gifts: Pack them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
• Kids’ parties: Ideal for birthday parties or school events, these cookies are sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich buttery flavors with the sweetness of chocolate chips. They are perfect for any occasion or simply when you’re craving something delicious. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories, filled with the joy of baking and sharing these wonderful cookies with loved ones.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Craving something sweet? Try these Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. Buttery, crispy, and studded with rich chocolate, they are the ultimate treat for any cookie lover. Perfect for sharing or indulging alone, these cookies are a must-make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 17 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Unsalted Butter
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 large Egg
• 1½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ¾ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, add ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Beat together until combined.
• Add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 large egg. Mix to combine.
• Stir in 1½ cups all-purpose flour. Press the dough together with your hands. Fold in ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Place the cookie dough on the plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, roll the dough into a long round shape.
• Roll it against the counter to get the dough compact and round. Make sure the cookie dough is completely wrapped in the plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap. Using a large knife, slice the cookie dough into ½ inch rounds.
• Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Press the edges of the cookies in to smooth out from cutting.
• Bake the cookies for about 12-14 minutes until cooked through. They will not spread much or rise.
• Allow cookies to cool, then drizzle with additional melted chocolate as desired. Store in sealed containers at room temperature.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Cookie dough can be frozen before baking. Just thaw in the refrigerator and slice before baking.
• Pairing: These cookies are perfect with coffee or milk.
• Variations: Add nuts or different types of chocolate for a unique twist.

Keyword Baking Cookies, chocolate chip cookies, easy cookie recipes, shortbread cookies