In questo articolo, esploreremo una ricetta deliziosa e facile da preparare.

Delightful Valentine Shortbread Bars: A Sweet Treat for Your Loved Ones

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion to express love and appreciation, and what better way to do so than with a homemade treat? These Valentine Shortbread Bars are perfect for sharing with your special someone, family, or friends. Combining the classic buttery flavor of shortbread with the festive flair of red M&M’s, heart sprinkles, and a duo of chocolate chips, these bars are a love-infused delight. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can create this sweet indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients to ensure a smooth baking experience:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The base for your shortbread dough.
• 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips: For a creamy, sweet contrast.
• 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds a rich chocolate flavor.
• 1/4 cup Red M&M’s: A colorful and festive touch.
• 1/8 cup Heart Sprinkles: To add a whimsical Valentine’s flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt using a mixer on medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture is well-blended and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness ensures a tender crumb in your shortbread bars.

Next, add in the vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture. Beat until the dough becomes crumbly yet starts to come together. The dough should hold together when pressed between your fingers.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Press approximately 3/4 of the dough into an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure to press it firmly to ensure a solid base for your bars.

Scatter the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips evenly over the dough. Follow with the red M&M’s, spreading them out to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.

Take the remaining dough and sprinkle it over the top. Gently press it down to form a slightly cohesive layer. This will create a delightful crumbly texture on top.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

Sprinkle the heart sprinkles over the top, pressing lightly so they stick to the dough. These sprinkles not only add a splash of color but also a playful touch to your Valentine-themed bars.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the bars to set properly before cutting.

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares. Now, your Valentine Shortbread Bars are ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Success

• Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right texture in the dough.
• Parchment Paper: Don’t skip lining the pan! It makes removing and cutting the bars much easier.
• Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize the mix-ins with other Valentine-themed candies or nuts for added texture.

Conclusion

These Valentine Shortbread Bars are not only visually appealing but also a delicious expression of love. Perfect for sharing, they combine the buttery richness of shortbread with the sweet allure of chocolate and festive candies. Whether you’re baking for a romantic dinner or a friendly gathering, these bars are sure to impress. Happy baking and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine Shortbread Bars

Delightful shortbread bars perfect for Valentine’s Day, with a mix of chocolate chips and festive sprinkles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Cooling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shortbread Base

• 227 g butter softened
• 133 g granulated sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 256 g all-purpose flour
• 90 g white chocolate chips
• 90 g semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 45 g red M&M’s
• 15 g heart sprinkles

Equipment

• 8×8 Baking Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper – set aside.
3. Cream butter, sugar & salt in mixer on medium high until well blended & fluffy.
4. Add in vanilla & then flour – beat until crumbly.
5. Press 3/4 of the dough into a flat layer in bottom of prepared pan.
6. Top with semi-sweet & white chocolate chips & M&M’s.
7. Sprinkle remaining dough over the top & lightly press down.
8. Add hearts.
9. Bake approx 45 minutes or until golden on top.
10. Cool to room temperature on wire rack.
11. Remove by lifting out by parchment.
12. Cut into squares & enjoy.

Notes

These shortbread bars are perfect for Valentine’s Day. You can customize them with different sprinkles or chocolate chips as desired.