Oh my goodness, you guys, holiday baking is just the BEST, isn’t it? The smell of warm spices and sweet treats filling the whole house? Pure magic! And speaking of magic, let me tell you about these *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars* – seriously, they’re like a little slice of Christmas. They are ridiculously easy to make, look super festive, and are just perfect for gifting (or, you know, keeping all to yourself – no judgment!). I’ve been tweaking these bars for years with my family, and I’m so excited to finally share this recipe with you all. I’m a total sucker for a good shortbread recipe, and after many test runs, these *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars* are the ones!
Why You’ll Love These *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Okay, so let me tell you why I’m completely obsessed with these bars! First off, they’re SO easy, like, seriously, even if you’re a baking newbie, you’ve got this. Then, the taste! Buttery shortbread meets rich, melty chocolate – it’s a dream! They look super festive with sprinkles – perfect for a Christmas party, or even just a cozy night in. Plus, they’re ideal for gifting; everyone loves a homemade treat!
Ingredients for Delicious *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Alright, so here’s what you need to whip up these amazing *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*! Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet. You’ll need a cup (that’s two sticks!) of unsalted butter, softened, and a half-cup of powdered sugar. Then, grab 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, a whole 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Finally, don’t forget the sprinkles – the more, the merrier!
Equipment Needed to Make *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Okay, so before we get baking, you’ll need a few things. First up, a 9×13 inch baking pan – that’s the classic size, trust me! Then you’ll need a big bowl for mixing the dough. Also a double boiler (or a microwave-safe bowl) for melting that glorious chocolate, and a spatula to spread it all around.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Prepare *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Okay, friends, let’s get baking! Don’t be intimidated; these *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars* are way easier than they look. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on deliciousness in no time. Promise!
Preparing the Shortbread Dough
First things first, let’s get that shortbread dough ready to go! Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Then, grab your 9×13 inch pan and line it with parchment paper – makes life a whole lot easier for lifting those bars out later! In a big bowl, cream together that softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Next, gradually add in the flour and salt until everything is just combined. Careful not to overmix; we don’t want tough shortbread!
Baking the Shortbread Base
Now, gently press that beautiful dough evenly into your prepared pan. Make sure it’s nice and smooth, so your bars will have a perfect shape. Then, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on it – ovens can be sneaky! The smell will be heavenly, trust me. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely in the pan. Patience, friends, patience!
Dipping and Decorating Your *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Okay, next level: the chocolate! In a double boiler (or a microwave-safe bowl – I won’t tell!), melt those chocolate chips with the coconut oil, stirring until it’s all smooth and glossy. Careful; it gets hot! Once everything is melted, pour that luscious chocolate over the cooled shortbread base, and spread it evenly with a spatula. Now, for the fun part: sprinkle with your favorite holiday toppings! I love festive sprinkles for these!
Chilling and Cutting the Bars
Almost there, I promise! Now comes the hardest part: waiting! Pop the whole pan into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. You can even leave it in a little longer if you want. Once the chocolate is firm, take the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper as handles. Finally, cut those babies into bars, and voila! You’ve got *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars* ready to be devoured.
Tips for Success with Your *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Alright, friends, here’s the lowdown on getting these *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars* absolutely perfect – because, trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two after making like a million batches! First off, use good quality butter – it makes a HUGE difference in the flavor and texture of that shortbread. Soften it just right! You want it pliable, but not melted – that’s key! Next, don’t overmix the dough. We want tender, not tough, bars. Then, make sure you let that shortbread base cool completely before you pour on the chocolate – otherwise, you’ll end up with a melty mess. Learn from my mistakes! Finally, chill the bars long enough to set perfectly. The wait is worth it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! You know, baking is all about the details! For the butter, I always say, go for the good stuff. High-quality butter just makes everything taste better. You can totally use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just cut back a tiny bit on the salt in the recipe. As for the chocolate? Semi-sweet is classic, but hey, feel free to use dark chocolate or even milk chocolate, depending on what you like! Also, get creative with those toppings! Anything goes, really. I love using festive sprinkles, but crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of white chocolate also work wonders!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Okay, so let’s talk about making your life easier! You can totally make the shortbread base ahead of time. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, store it at room temperature for a couple of days (or in the fridge for a bit longer). When you’re ready, melt the chocolate and finish those *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars* like a pro. And you can definitely freeze these shortbread bars, too! Just cut them, and then freeze them flat on a baking sheet before transferring them into a freezer bag. They’ll be good for a couple of months. Thaw them in the fridge when you’re craving a sweet treat!
Variations: Spice Up Your *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Okay, so once you’ve made these *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars* a few times, and trust me, you *will* be making them again, you can totally get creative! Want a little more flavor in your shortbread? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom. How about different toppings? Crush up some peppermint candies for a classic Christmas vibe, or try chopped nuts. Drizzle some white chocolate on top before adding your sprinkles for extra deliciousness! The possibilities are endless!
Estimated Nutritional Information for *North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars*
Alright, so here’s a little disclaimer: the following nutritional information is just an estimate, okay? It’s tough to be exact. But just so you’ve got an idea, a serving (one bar) typically has about:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Remember, it’s just a rough estimate, but hopefully helpful!
Print
North Pole Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Bars
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive shortbread bars are dipped in chocolate and perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the shortbread cool completely in the pan.
- In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled shortbread and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with your favorite toppings.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter.
- You can use different types of chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate.
- Get creative with your toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: shortbread, chocolate, bars, Christmas, holiday, dessert, cookies