Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Slowly add flour and salt and mix until a dough forms.
5. Press dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips and caramel bits.
8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted.
9. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into squares.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 16 squares
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil.
- For the semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
- For the caramel bits, you can use butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips.
Variations:
- For a nutty flavor, you can add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough before baking.
- For a crunchy texture, you can sprinkle the top of the shortbread with chopped nuts before baking.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Make sure the shortbread is completely cooled before cutting into squares.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warm.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the shortbread squares on a platter with a drizzle of melted chocolate and caramel.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pairings:
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the shortbread is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of water to the dough.
- If the shortbread is too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the dough.
Food Safety Advice:
Store in an airtight container and consume within 5 days.
Food History:
Shortbread is a traditional Scottish dessert that dates back to the 12th century.
Flavor Profiles:
This shortbread has a sweet and buttery flavor with a hint of chocolate and caramel.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Related Categories
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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Caramel, Butter, Caramel-Y, Butter-Y