The Perfect Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Crisp buttery chocolate chip shortbread emerges as a delightful twist on classic cookie traditions.

Delicate crumbs melt beautifully across your palate with each tender bite.

Shortbread’s Scottish heritage whispers through rich, golden edges that promise pure comfort.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Butter becomes the secret weapon, lending incredible depth and richness to every morsel.

Baking enthusiasts adore how quickly these cookies come together in just minutes.

You’ll fall in love with the satisfying crunch and smooth chocolate moments.

Prepare to experience pure baking magic that feels both elegant and wonderfully homemade.

Why Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Is So Addictive

• Savor Simple Sophistication: These shortbread cookies deliver elegant flavor with minimal ingredients, making them perfect for bakers wanting a refined treat without complex techniques.
• Create Stress-Free Baking: The recipe requires basic kitchen tools and straightforward mixing steps, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to craft delicious cookies with confidence.
• Customize Your Delight: Chocolate chip shortbread offers versatile options for personalization, letting you experiment with different chocolate types or add nuts for unique flavor variations.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: These cookies shine at gatherings, from casual family celebrations to sophisticated afternoon tea, delivering a universally appealing sweet that everyone will enjoy.

Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Ingredient List

• Unsalted Butter: A rich and creamy foundation that provides tender texture and delicate flavor to the shortbread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp, delicate cookie structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the shortbread its classic crumbly texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor to the shortbread.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the cookie for extra indulgence.

• Salt: A small pinch to balance and enhance the overall sweetness of the shortbread.

How To Bake Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Step 1: Whip Up Butter Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until they transform into a creamy, light, and fluffy consistency. Continue mixing for about 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well incorporated and smooth.

Step 2: Incorporate Flour Gently

Gradually sprinkle flour into the butter mixture. Mix on low speed, being careful not to overmix. Stir just until the flour is barely combined, creating a soft and tender dough. The key is to mix minimally to keep the shortbread tender and delicate.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Goodness

Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon. Distribute the chips evenly throughout the mixture, ensuring a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite.

Step 4: Rest and Chill Dough

Transfer the dough to the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 2 hours. This chilling process helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Cover the dough with plastic wrap to prevent drying.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 6: Shape Delicate Cookies

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 1/3 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, or simply slice the dough into classic shortbread rectangles.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Watch for delicate golden edges, which indicate the shortbread is perfectly cooked. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the baked shortbread to a wire cooling rack. Allow cookies to cool completely, which helps them set and develop their signature crisp texture. Once cooled, enjoy your homemade chocolate chip shortbread with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips That Help With Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread

• Choose High-Quality Chocolate: Select premium chocolate chips or chunks for rich, intense flavor that elevates the entire shortbread experience.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and ensure crisp, clean cookie edges during baking.
• Roll Evenly for Perfect Texture: Use a consistent 1/3 inch thickness when rolling to guarantee uniform baking and a delightful, crumbly shortbread texture.
• Control Baking Time Carefully: Watch cookies closely and remove when edges turn light golden to prevent over-browning and maintain delicate, buttery taste.
• Store Smartly for Freshness: Keep shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crisp texture.

Fun Options For Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread

• Nutty Chocolate Chip: Replace half the chocolate chips with chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Espresso Chocolate Chip: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a rich coffee undertone.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the shortbread accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dark Chocolate Orange: Mix in orange zest and use dark chocolate chips for a sophisticated, citrusy variation that adds bright complexity to the classic recipe.

Perfect Pairings With Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread

• Pair Velvety Espresso: Rich, dark espresso cuts through the buttery sweetness of chocolate chip shortbread, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that elevates each bite.
• Complement with Dessert Wine: A late harvest Moscato or sweet Riesling balances the shortbread's richness, offering a delicate fruity counterpoint to the chocolate and butter.
• Match with Salted Caramel Latte: The salt and caramel notes enhance the chocolate chips' depth, while the warm milk softens the cookie's crisp texture, creating a decadent taste experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold ice cream provides a smooth contrast to the crumbly shortbread, melting slightly to create an indulgent dessert combination.

How To Store Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Properly

• Store cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap unbaked dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze raw dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Layer completely cooled cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs About Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread

• What makes this shortbread different from traditional shortbread?

This version adds chocolate chips for a sweet twist, creating a richer flavor and more indulgent texture compared to classic shortbread.

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Semi-sweet chips work best for balanced sweetness.

• Do I really need to chill the dough for 2 hours?

Yes, chilling helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookie’s shape during baking. It also allows flour to hydrate and enhances the flavor.

• What's the best way to cut the shortbread into shapes?

Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife. Ensure the dough is cold and roll it evenly to about 1/3 inch thick for consistent baking.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chocolate chip shortbread delivers buttery, crumbly perfection with rich chocolate nuggets nestled in delicate Scottish-inspired cookies. Crisp edges and delightful sweetness make these irresistible treats perfect for afternoon tea or midnight cravings you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Whip softened butter, granulated sugar, and aromatic vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
2. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour into the creamed mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
3. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the delicate dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to enhance flavor and texture.
5. Heat the oven to 325F (160C) with the rack positioned in the center.
6. Transfer chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll to a uniform 1/3-inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, placing them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
9. Remove from oven and allow shortbread to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
10. Let cookies cool completely, allowing them to crisp and develop their signature tender, crumbly texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing that prevents lumpy texture.
• Chill dough thoroughly to help shortbread maintain its shape and develop richer, more concentrated flavors during baking.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for a more luxurious taste and even melting throughout the shortbread.
• Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven’s characteristics to achieve perfect golden edges without over-browning.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg