The music grabs your attention. It is a familiar song played throughout the holiday season. It brings a smile as the memories associated with it fill your mind. The song could be one from a play you were in as a child. It could be one your family sings on Christmas morning. One of your favorite movies may have it in the soundtrack. White Christmas is one of those songs for me. It relates to many different things including my favorite holiday movie, Love Actually. To celebrate holiday music, movies, and television I baked chocolate chip shortbread bars inspired from the movie.
How did the movie inspire my baking? The movie takes place in London and one of the characters is the British Prime Minister. The British commonly serve tea and biscuits in the afternoon. The biscuits served include shortbread. In Love Actually, the prime minister prefers chocolate ones. That is what gave me the inspiration to make chocolate chip shortbread bars. I used holiday chocolate covered candies instead of chips to make them more festive.
Some notes on the bars: They are buttery, chocolate-y, and have a crumbly texture. Be sure not to over bake them or they will be too dry and fall apart. I recommend taking them out of the oven as soon as the edges are light golden brown. You can drizzle them with the chocolate glaze prior to cutting. I like the look of the glaze spilling over the sides so I drizzled them after cutting.
What is your favorite holiday song, movie, or TV show? Has it inspired you to cook or bake something? Sunday Supper contributors certainly have been inspired and you can see what they are sharing below. Scroll down to find the list and links to each of the recipes. Special thanks to Tammi of Momma's Meals for hosting this fun event. Oh, and take a look at my shortbread cookies in case you prefer cookies instead of bars.
Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
For the shortbread:
- 2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 ¾ cups chocolate chips or candy coated chocolates, divided
For the optional chocolate glaze
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
For the shortbread:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and beat to combine.
- Whisk together flour and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and mix only until blended.
- Stir in pecans and 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips.
- Press dough evenly into a 17- X 13- X 1-inch sheet pan.
- Sprinkle top with remaining ½ cup chips. Slightly press chips into dough.
- Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Be careful not to over-bake.
- Cool shortbread completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut into bars approximately 1- X 3-inches in size. Drizzle with chocolate glaze if desired.
For the optional chocolate glaze:
- Sift the confectioners sugar and cocoa and place in a small bowl.
- Add the salt, vanilla, and milk. Stir until smooth.
- Place glaze in a plastic zip-top bag and close bag removing all air. Snip a tiny piece off one corner of the bag. Squeeze the bag to drizzle the glaze on the shortbread.
Notes
Recipe adapted from one in a small recipe booklet by Mars, Inc. that I got in the late 80's or early 90's.
Ready for some holiday recipes? Take a look at these by Sunday Supper contributors inspired from the season's music, movies, and television:
Party Appetizers & Snacks:
- Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary & Vanilla inspired by the song "Christmas in the Trenches" - Shockingly Delicious
- Roasted Chestnuts inspired by the movie "The Christmas Song" - Food Lust People Love
- A Popcorn Trio inspired by the song "Let it Snow" - Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
- Chai Tea Abominable Snow Buddies inspired by the movie "Rudolph" - Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Raisin Bran Muffins for a Crowd inspired by the movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" - In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
- Icicle Candy and Reindeer Snacks inspired by the movie "Snow" - Treats & Trinkets
- A Christmas Carol Plum Pudding inspired by the movie "A Christmas Carol" - No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Yukon Mashed Potato Cakes inspired by the movie "Rudolph" - Cookin' Mimi
- Christmas Pudding inspired by the song "Over the River and Through the Woods" - A Kitchen Hoor
- Pumpkin Pudding inspired by the movie "Nightmare Before Christmas" - Basic N Delicious
- Elf-Inspired Christmas "Grams" inspired by the movie "Elf" - MarocMama
- Sugarplums inspired by the movie "The Nutcracker" - Happy Baking Days
- Chai Spiced Roasted Nuts inspired by the song "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" - Take A Bite Out of Boca
Festive Main Dishes
- Maple Syrup Spaghetti inspired by the movie "Elf" - Momma's Meals
- Who Hash inspired by the movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" - girlichef
- Ginger Orange Glazed Cornish Hens inspired by the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" - Sue's Nutrition Buzz
- NY Hot Dog with Sabrett-style Onion Sauce inspired by the movie "Die Hard" - Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Classic Caesar Salad inspired by the movie "The Santa Clause" - The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Individuals Meatloaves & Horseradish Mashed Potatoes for Mommy's Little Piggies inspired by the movie "A Christmas Story" - The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Christmas Waffles inspired by the TV special "A Claymation Christmas Celebration" - Curious Cuisiniere
- Filthy Animal Pizza inspired by the movie "Home Alone" - Foxes Love Lemons
- Chicken Orzo Soup inspired by the song "12 Days of Christmas" - Family Foodie
- Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes inspired by the song "Christmas Is The Time To Say 'I Love You'" - Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Sweet Holiday Treats:
- Gin and Tonic Cupcakes inspired by Adam Sandler's "The Chanukah Song" - The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars inspired by the movie "Love Actually" - Magnolia Days
- Gingerbread Marshmallows inspired by the song "Marshmallow World" - Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies inspired by the movie "The Gremlins" - Killer Bunnies, Inc
- White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge inspired by the song "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" - Alida's Kitchen
- Snowball Cookies inspired by the movie "White Christmas" - The Foodie Army Wife
- Penuche Fudge inspired by the movie "Elf" - Pies and Plots
- Hot Chocolate Cookies inspired by the movie "Santa Clause" - Mess Makes Food
- South Pacific Coconut Tres Leche Cake inspired by the movie "South Pacific" - The Ninja Baker
- Cookies & Cream Fudge inspired by the movie "Elf" - The Messy Baker
Cozy Drinks:
- Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate inspired by the song "Let It Snow" - Chocolate Moosey
- The Christmas Gram inspired by the movie "Elf" - An Appealing Plan
- Eggnog Hot Chocolate inspired by the movie "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation" - Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Vermont Hot Chocolate inspired by the movie "White Christmas" - Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- Spiked Hot Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Floats inspired by the song "Holly Jolly Christmas" - NeighborFood
This is Christmas; Wine Pairings for Holiday Themed #SundaySupper Recipes - ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
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Blimey, Renee. Your shortbread with festive M & Ms are a mighty clever bowler hats off to the British PM =) And seriously delicious looking!
Thanks Kim and many happy holiday wishes to you.
We were on the same wave length today with our chocolate chip recipes. I love how you used festive M&M's in your bars...perfect for the season!
Go team chocolate chip! I could have it in many way.
Mmmm.... I would love one of these bars with a cup of coffee this morning. Merry Christmas my friend! I can not tell you how thankful I am that you are part of my life. Thank you for all that you do!
And I am so grateful you are in my life Isabel. Best to you and your family!
I will have to watch Love Actually again... I have it on DVD but haven't watched it in sometime. Even better... Makes these and eat them as I am watching it!!
I need to get the movie on DVD so I can watch it anytime.
These almost look too pretty to eat. They would make some great cookie gifts.
Almost, but I managed to eat quite a few of them.
Ooooh, I love your shortbread with the green and red M&Ms, Renee, and the chocolate drizzling down the sides is nothing short of wonderful.
I have to admit I could look at that chocolate drizzling down the sides for hours, that is, unless the temptation gets to me and I eat them.
Ohhh Renee, your bars look amazing!! What a great song to be inspired by!! I am just loving this dessert!
Thanks Jennifer and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
I adore shortbread. It's that toasty, buttery quality that I love so much. These look amazing. Pinned.
Oh yes, the buttery quality wins me over too. Thanks a bunch for the pin.
These look fabulous. I love shortbread and adding chocolate sound perfect. Pinned them so more people can find them.
Thank you so much Micha and I really appreciate the pin.
Renee,
Love Actually is one of my favorite holiday movies too!!! love these shortbread cookie bars. . yum! Wishing you and your family a very lovely Christmas!!
Thanks Alice and I hope you and your family had a very wonderful Christmas and will have a fabulous New Year.
I love Love Actually! I just watched it a few weeks ago when I saw it was on Netflix. I think you shortbread could get Hugh Grant (I'm talking 90's Hugh, not Hugh today) to fall in love with you. 🙂
Yes, but too bad for Hugh because I'm taken.
We get an amazing amount of food snacks from our customers and vendors this time of year. The day I was sampling some shortbread that was OK and thought it would be waaaaay better with chocolate....and now I see your recipe! It looks fabulous! Wish I had one or three now! Happy Holidays to you and your Renee!
Chocolate makes almost everything better.
I love how cheery and festive these bars are, and such a good twist on a traditional chocolate biscuit! Your line about the British serving tea and biscuits in the afternoon is absolutely true. Workers would strike and our country would fall if we did not. And what on earth would we serve to visitors?!
Thanks Katy and you just made me smile! Heavens no we would not want the British workers to strike.
We made Chex Mix with M&M's and Mo ate all the candies. I am sure the same would happen with these! They look so good!
Oh good, then I'm not the only one who picks out the candies from the Chex mix.
These bars wouldn't last a day at my house I'd have to hide some for Christmas! Merry Christmas, Renee!
It makes a lot of bars so there may be a chance. Or you will have to make another batch. Good thing they are easy to make.
I wish I could express how much I love these! Merry Christmas, Renne 🙂
I type too fast. Sorry, Renee.
No need to apologize Carla as I'm finding myself to be a typo queen these days.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you Carla.
I love Love Actually too, but I couldn't think of anything to make. Great idea! Such festive bars!
It fun to get inspired by movies and linking them together with recipes. This shortbread came to me right away as soon as I thought of the movie.
Okay, this year I'll try to sit through Love Actually. I swear. I just prefer things that blow up, like in Die Hard!
My husband would agree with you on the things blowing up movies over love stories.
Yummm, shortbread cookies are delicious...and for some reason, cookies in bar form are ever better! Love the holiday colors 🙂
Some cookies I prefer in regular cookie style and yet others like these shortbread ones are great as bars.
I've never seen the whole movie Love, Actually from start to finish - just snippets here and there. I'm in love with these bars, and hope to make soon.
I hope you do get a chance to watch the whole movie as I think you would like it very much.
These look amazing Renee!! I love how you made them more festive by using the candy coated chocolates. Oh and I love that movie too!! Nothing like a good love movie!
Any excuse to buy and use those holiday candy coated chocolates is a good one to me.
Oh, yum! I'm a sucker for shortbread.
Me too! Go team shortbread!!
I love the simple goodness of shortbread cookies. You just can't beat butter, flour, and sugar. Oh, and chocolate of course. 🙂
I absolutely agree with you Courtney.
I'm also a big fan of White Christmas, Love Actually (just watched it last night), and these delicious-looking bars. And they're so pretty!
Thanks Lori and I had such fun drizzling the glaze on them and I think that makes them even more fun and festive.
White Christmas has always been a favorite of mine. I just love getting in the kitchen, blasting Christmas music and getting inspired to create something as festive as this time of year dictates.
I have fond memories of watching White Christmas. I could watch that movie time and time again.
I love that movie too Renee! These are gorgeous and so festive! Enjoy Christmas week my wonderful friend!
Thanks Paula and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and will have a happy new year!