Best 2 Shortbread Candy Bars Recipes

Shortbread candy bars are a delightful treat that combines the crumbly texture of shortbread cookies with the rich decadence of chocolate. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, these bars are easy to prepare and can be customized with a variety of toppings and fillings. Whether you prefer a classic shortbread cookie base or a more indulgent chocolate-caramel combination, you're sure to find a recipe that satisfies your cravings.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CANDY CANE SHORTBREAD BARS

Candy Cane Shortbread Bars image

I created these bars for my daughter, who loves peppermint. The buttery shortbread texture just melts in your mouth. It's a hit wherever I take it. -Susan Ciuffreda, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
BUTTERCREAM:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 drops red food coloring, optional
TOPPING:
9 ounces white baking chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
3/4 cup crushed candy canes (about 10 regular)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-in. baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides., In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and extract. Gradually beat in flour. Press evenly into prepared pan., Bake 16-19 minutes or until edges are brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack., In a bowl, combine buttercream ingredients; beat until smooth. Spread over shortbread. Carefully spread white chocolate over top. Sprinkle with candy canes; let stand until set., Lifting with parchment, remove shortbread from pan. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 97mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

SHORTBREAD CANDY BARS

Shortbread Candy Bars image

Looking for a clever way to make use of leftover Halloween candy? Make these buttery bars that are scattered with chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, toffee pieces, and whatever else your sweet tooth desires.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 16 bars

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups assorted chocolate candies or roughly chopped candy bars (12 ounces)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and salt on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 minutes. With mixer on low, add flour in three additions and beat until combined (dough will be crumbly). Press dough evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake until golden brown and firm, 30 to 35 minutes.
Scatter chocolate chips on top of shortbread. Bake until soft, 1 minute. With the back of a spoon, spread chocolate evenly over shortbread. Scatter candies over top. Let cool on a wire rack 30 minutes. Refrigerate briefly to set chocolate, then cut into 16 bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 352 g, Fat 20 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g

Tips:

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. This means using real butter, not margarine, and using good-quality chocolate.
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help them to cream together smoothly.
Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies to hold their shape.
Bake the cookies until they are just set. Overbaking will make them dry.
Let the cookies cool completely before dipping them in chocolate. This will help the chocolate to set properly.

Conclusion:

Shortbread candy bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with your family or a special dessert to serve at a party, shortbread candy bars are sure to be a hit.