Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Bars Recipe
These Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Bars combine a buttery, crumbly shortbread base with crunchy hazelnuts and rich semisweet chocolate chips, making for an irresistibly cozy and comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender shortbread texture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to the butter-sugar mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the shortbread delicate.
- Fold in Hazelnuts and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chopped hazelnuts and semisweet chocolate chips into the dough until evenly distributed, adding crunchy texture and chocolate richness.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to ensure even baking and an attractive final bar.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the shortbread is cooked through but still tender inside.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, lightly toast hazelnuts before chopping.
- Use parchment paper with some overhang for easy removal from the pan.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chocolate hazelnut bars, shortbread bars, chocolate chip bars, hazelnut dessert, easy baked treats