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Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Bars Recipe

Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

These Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Bars combine a rich, buttery shortbread base with crunchy hazelnuts and melty semisweet chocolate chips, creating a perfectly balanced, cozy treat that’s great for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. 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 ensure easy removal.
  2. 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 give the shortbread its tender texture.
  3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor of the shortbread base.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the bars tender.
  5. Fold in Hazelnuts and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts and semisweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute the mix-ins without breaking the dough structure.
  6. Press Dough into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to ensure even baking.
  7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating the shortbread is cooked through but still tender.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and enjoy your delicious, homemade bars.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best creamy texture when creaming with sugar.
  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet for 5 minutes before chopping.
  • Use parchment paper with overhang to lift bars easily from the pan after baking.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate hazelnut bars, shortbread bars, chocolate chip bars, hazelnut dessert, easy baked treats

Find it online: https://maicook.com/chocolate-hazelnut-shortbread-bars-recipe/