Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares
Delicious mini shortbread squares loaded with chocolate morsels, offering a buttery, sweet treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter and sugar.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour.
- Stir in 1 cup of morsels.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 33 minutes or just until the top begins to brown.
- Immediately sprinkle with the remaining morsels.
- Let stand for 5 minutes or until soft, then spread evenly.
- Cool for 10 minutes.
- Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. If you prefer a different flavor, consider substituting half the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit. To enhance the vanilla flavor, use pure vanilla extract. Remember, overbaking can lead to dry squares; check for doneness a minute or two early. These are similar to Julie'S Chocolate Chip Cookies but with a buttery twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with chocolate sauce. They also make a delightful treat for gatherings or potlucks, complementing dishes like Meat Balls And Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover shortbread squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares contains roughly 282 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 16g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. For best results, choose a high-quality margarine that is suitable for baking. The end product may be a bit less rich than with butter, but it will still yield delicious squares.
What can I use if I don't have chocolate chips?
If you don't have chocolate chips, you can use chopped chocolate bars or other morsels like butterscotch, peanut butter, or even white chocolate. Alternatively, try incorporating dried fruits or nuts for a unique flavor. Just make sure the total amount remains about 1 1/2 cups to maintain the recipe balance.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately if it’s not included. This will help maintain the texture and structure of the bars during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).