Shortbread Sticks with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Introduction

Shortbread sticks with chocolate chips are a delightful twist on the classic shortbread cookie. With their rich, buttery flavor and the added sweetness of chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a cozy afternoon tea, hosting a gathering, or looking for a simple treat to snack on, these shortbread sticks will not disappoint. Their crispy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them a favorite among cookie lovers.

Shortbread is a classic cookie, known for its crumbly texture and rich flavor, typically made with just a few simple ingredients. By adding chocolate chips, you get an irresistible balance of buttery crunch and sweet chocolatey goodness. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can create these delicious treats in no time. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through every step of the recipe and provide some helpful tips for perfecting your shortbread sticks.

Ingredients

To make approximately 12-16 shortbread sticks with chocolate chips, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon milk or water (optional, to help dough come together)

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Rolling pin (optional)
Knife or pizza cutter for slicing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out golden brown.
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it's light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, ensuring the cookies have a light texture.
Add Vanilla Extract and Salt:
- Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter-sugar mixture and continue to mix until fully combined.
Incorporate the Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time. Stir the dough with a wooden spoon or use the mixer on low speed. Continue adding flour until a thick dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help it come together.
Add Chocolate Chips:
- Once the dough is mixed, fold in the chocolate chips by hand, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chocolate chips will add pockets of melty, gooey chocolate to each bite of the shortbread sticks.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. You can also press the dough with your hands if you don’t want to use a rolling pin.
Cut the Dough into Sticks:
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips or sticks. You can make them as thin or thick as you like, but typically shortbread sticks are around 1/2 inch wide.
Bake the Shortbread Sticks:
- Place the dough sticks onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake the shortbread sticks in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.
Cool the Sticks:

Once the shortbread sticks are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and ensures they are crunchy and perfect.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the shortbread sticks are completely cooled, they are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a treat with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They are perfect for parties, special occasions, or just as a sweet snack during the day.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Sticks with Chocolate Chips

Use Room Temperature Butter:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help the butter blend smoothly with the sugar and create the light, flaky texture characteristic of shortbread.
Customize the Chocolate:
- While semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly, you can experiment with other types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even milk chocolate, depending on your preference.
Chill the Dough:
- If you find that the dough is too soft to work with or is too sticky, you can chill it for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and give you cleaner cuts when shaping the sticks.
Keep the Sticks Thin:
- For the best texture, try to keep the shortbread sticks relatively thin (about 1/4 inch thick). This will give them the perfect crunch and ensure they bake evenly.
Storage Tips:
- These shortbread sticks can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to make a large batch and store them for later. Just place the cooled sticks in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Shortbread sticks with chocolate chips are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or looking for a simple dessert to share with friends and family, these buttery, crumbly shortbread sticks will satisfy your sweet cravings. Their crispy texture, rich flavor, and delightful chocolatey pockets make them an irresistible treat. Follow this easy recipe, and you’ll have a batch of homemade shortbread sticks that are sure to impress. Enjoy them with a warm drink, or as an everyday snack, and savor the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these classic cookies with a chocolatey twist!

Shortbread Sticks with Chocolate Chips Recipe