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Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars for #SundaySupper

December 22, 2013 By Renee 54 Comments

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Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars | Magnolia Days

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.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars | Magnolia Days

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.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars | Magnolia Days

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 Mommaโ€™s Meals for hosting this fun event. Oh, and take a look at my shortbread cookiesย in case you prefer cookies instead of bars.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars | Magnolia Days
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Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars

A recipe for chocolate chip shortbread bars. The bars are buttery and filled with either chocolate chips or chocolate coated candy. They are a great treat for any time of the day.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Author Renee

Ingredients

For the shortbread:

  • 2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 3/4 cups chocolate chips or candy coated chocolates, divided

For the optional chocolate glaze

  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

For the shortbread:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla and beat to combine.
  4. Whisk together flour and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and mix only until blended.
  5. Stir in pecans and 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips.
  6. Press dough evenly into a 17- X 13- X 1-inch sheet pan.
  7. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup chips. Slightly press chips into dough.
  8. Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Be careful not to over-bake.
  9. Cool shortbread completely in the pan.
  10. Once cooled, cut into bars approximately 1- X 3-inches in size. Drizzle with chocolate glaze if desired.

For the optional chocolate glaze:

  1. Sift the confectioners sugar and cocoa and place in a small bowl.
  2. Add the salt, vanilla, and milk. Stir until smooth.
  3. 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.

Recipe Notes

*Time does not include cooling shortbread.

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 seasonโ€™s music, movies, and television:

Party Appetizers & Snacks:

  • Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary & Vanillaย inspired by the songย โ€œChristmas in the Trenchesโ€ –ย Shockingly Delicious
  • Roasted Chestnutsย inspired by the movieย โ€œThe Christmas Songโ€ –ย Food Lust People Love
  • A Popcorn Trioย inspired by the songย โ€œLet it Snowโ€ –ย Hot Mommaโ€™s Kitchen Chaos
  • Chai Tea Abominable Snow Buddiesย inspired by the movieย โ€œRudolphโ€ –ย Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  • Raisin Bran Muffins for a Crowdย inspired by the movieย โ€œNational Lampoonโ€™s Christmas Vacationโ€ย –ย In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
  • Icicle Candy and Reindeer Snacksย inspired by the movieย โ€Snowโ€ย –ย Treats & Trinkets
  • A Christmas Carol Plum Puddingย inspired by the movieย โ€œA Christmas Carolโ€ย –ย No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
  • Yukon Mashed Potato Cakesย inspired by the movieย โ€œRudolphโ€ย –ย Cookinโ€™ Mimi
  • Christmas Puddingย inspired by the songย โ€œOver the River and Through the Woodsโ€ย –ย A Kitchen Hoor
  • Pumpkin Puddingย inspired by the movieย โ€œNightmare Before Christmasโ€ย –ย Basic N Delicious
  • Elf-Inspired Christmas โ€œGramsโ€ย inspired by the movieย โ€œElfโ€ย –ย MarocMama
  • Sugarplumsย inspired by the movieย โ€œThe Nutcrackerโ€ย –ย Happy Baking Days
  • Chai Spiced Roasted Nutsย inspired by the songย โ€œChestnuts Roasting on an Open Fireโ€ –ย Take A Bite Out of Boca

Festive Main Dishes

  • Maple Syrup Spaghettiย inspired by the movieย โ€œElfโ€ –ย Mommaโ€™s Meals
  • Who Hashย inspired by the movieย โ€œHow The Grinch Stole Christmasโ€ย –ย girlichef
  • Ginger Orange Glazed Cornish Hensย inspired by the songย โ€œThe 12 Days of Christmasโ€ย –ย Sueโ€™s Nutrition Buzz
  • NY Hot Dog with Sabrett-style Onion Sauceย inspired by the movieย โ€œDie Hardโ€ –ย Small Wallet, Big Appetite
  • Classic Caesar Saladย inspired by the movieย โ€œThe Santa Clauseโ€ย –ย The Little Ferraro Kitchen
  • Individuals Meatloaves & Horseradish Mashed Potatoes for Mommyโ€™s Little Piggiesย inspired by the movieย โ€œA Christmas Storyโ€ย –ย The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
  • Christmas Wafflesย inspired by theย TV specialย โ€œA Claymation Christmas Celebrationโ€ย –ย Curious Cuisiniere
  • Filthy Animal Pizzaย inspired by the movieย โ€œHome Aloneโ€ – Foxes Love Lemons
  • Chicken Orzo Soupย inspired by the songย โ€œ12 Days of Christmasโ€ย –ย Family Foodie
  • Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoesย inspired by the song โ€œChristmas Is The Time To Say โ€˜I Love Youโ€™โ€ –ย Cindyโ€™s Recipes and Writings

Sweet Holiday Treats:

  • Gin and Tonic Cupcakesย inspired by Adam Sandlerโ€™sย โ€œThe Chanukah Songโ€ย –ย The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
  • Chocolate Chip Shortbread Barsย inspired by the movieย โ€œLove Actuallyโ€ย –ย Magnolia Days
  • Gingerbread Marshmallowsย inspired by the songย โ€œMarshmallow Worldโ€ย –ย Janeโ€™s Adventures in Dinner
  • Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookiesย inspired by the movieย โ€œThe Gremlinsโ€ย –ย Killer Bunnies, Inc
  • White Chocolate Peppermint Fudgeย inspired by the songย โ€œIโ€™m Dreaming of a White Christmasโ€ –ย Alidaโ€™s Kitchen
  • Snowball Cookiesย inspired by the movieย โ€œWhite Christmasโ€ย – The Foodie Army Wife
  • Penuche Fudgeย inspired by the movieย โ€œElfโ€ – Pies and Plots
  • Hot Chocolate Cookiesย inspired by the movieย โ€œSanta Clauseโ€ย –ย Mess Makes Food
  • South Pacific Coconut Tres Leche Cakeย inspired by the movieย โ€œSouth Pacificโ€ – The Ninja Baker
  • Cookies & Cream Fudgeย inspired by the movieย โ€œElfโ€ – The Messy Baker

Cozy Drinks:

  • Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolateย inspired by the songย โ€œLet It Snowโ€ –ย Chocolate Moosey
  • The Christmas Gramย inspired by the movieย โ€œElfโ€ย –ย An Appealing Plan
  • Eggnog Hot Chocolateย inspired by the movieย โ€œNational Lampoons Christmas Vacationโ€ย –ย Peanut Butter and Peppers
  • Vermont Hot Chocolateย inspired by the movieย โ€œWhite Christmasโ€ย –ย Kudos Kitchen By Renee
  • Spiked Hot Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Floatsย inspired by the songย โ€œHolly Jolly Christmas”ย –ย NeighborFood

This is Christmas; Wine Pairings for Holiday Themed #SundaySupper Recipes –ย ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday.ย We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out ourย #SundaySupper Pinterest boardย for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Sunday Supper LogoWould you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement?ย Clickย here:ย Sunday Supper Movement

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Filed Under: Cookies/Bars/Squares Tagged With: bars, chocolate, recipe, shortbread

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Comments

  1. The Ninja Baker says

    December 22, 2013 at 3:29 am

    Blimey, Renee. Your shortbread with festive M & Ms are a mighty clever bowler hats off to the British PM =) And seriously delicious looking!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:07 am

      Thanks Kim and many happy holiday wishes to you.

      Reply
  2. Liz says

    December 22, 2013 at 7:10 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:07 am

      Go team chocolate chip! I could have it in many way.

      Reply
  3. Family Foodie says

    December 22, 2013 at 8:29 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:06 am

      And I am so grateful you are in my life Isabel. Best to you and your family!

      Reply
  4. Krayl @ An Appealing Plan says

    December 22, 2013 at 8:40 am

    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!!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:06 am

      I need to get the movie on DVD so I can watch it anytime.

      Reply
  5. Laura says

    December 22, 2013 at 9:44 am

    These almost look too pretty to eat. They would make some great cookie gifts.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:05 am

      Almost, but I managed to eat quite a few of them.

      Reply
  6. Stacy says

    December 22, 2013 at 9:47 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:05 am

      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.

      Reply
  7. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

    December 22, 2013 at 9:54 am

    Ohhh Renee, your bars look amazing!! What a great song to be inspired by!! I am just loving this dessert!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:04 am

      Thanks Jennifer and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

      Reply
  8. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    December 22, 2013 at 9:56 am

    I adore shortbread. It’s that toasty, buttery quality that I love so much. These look amazing. Pinned.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:03 am

      Oh yes, the buttery quality wins me over too. Thanks a bunch for the pin.

      Reply
  9. Micha @ Cookin' Mimi says

    December 22, 2013 at 10:40 am

    These look fabulous. I love shortbread and adding chocolate sound perfect. Pinned them so more people can find them.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:02 am

      Thank you so much Micha and I really appreciate the pin.

      Reply
  10. Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says

    December 22, 2013 at 11:15 am

    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!!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:02 am

      Thanks Alice and I hope you and your family had a very wonderful Christmas and will have a fabulous New Year.

      Reply
  11. Susan says

    December 22, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    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. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Yes, but too bad for Hugh because I’m taken.

      Reply
  12. Martin D Redmond says

    December 22, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Chocolate makes almost everything better.

      Reply
  13. Katy says

    December 22, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    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?!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 11:00 am

      Thanks Katy and you just made me smile! Heavens no we would not want the British workers to strike.

      Reply
  14. Audrey's Mamma says

    December 22, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:59 am

      Oh good, then I’m not the only one who picks out the candies from the Chex mix.

      Reply
  15. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

    December 22, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    These bars wouldn’t last a day at my house I’d have to hide some for Christmas! Merry Christmas, Renee!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:59 am

      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.

      Reply
  16. Carla says

    December 22, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    I wish I could express how much I love these! Merry Christmas, Renne ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 22, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      I type too fast. Sorry, Renee.

      Reply
      • Renee says

        December 28, 2013 at 10:58 am

        No need to apologize Carla as I’m finding myself to be a typo queen these days.

    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Thanks and Merry Christmas to you Carla.

      Reply
  17. Laura Dembowski says

    December 22, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    I love Love Actually too, but I couldn’t think of anything to make. Great idea! Such festive bars!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:57 am

      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.

      Reply
  18. Shannon R says

    December 22, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    Okay, this year I’ll try to sit through Love Actually. I swear. I just prefer things that blow up, like in Die Hard!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:56 am

      My husband would agree with you on the things blowing up movies over love stories.

      Reply
  19. Shaina says

    December 22, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    Yummm, shortbread cookies are delicious…and for some reason, cookies in bar form are ever better! Love the holiday colors ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:55 am

      Some cookies I prefer in regular cookie style and yet others like these shortbread ones are great as bars.

      Reply
  20. Amanda @ MarocMama says

    December 22, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:54 am

      I hope you do get a chance to watch the whole movie as I think you would like it very much.

      Reply
  21. Tammi @ Momma's Meals says

    December 22, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:53 am

      Any excuse to buy and use those holiday candy coated chocolates is a good one to me.

      Reply
  22. Anita at Hungry Couple says

    December 22, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Oh, yum! I’m a sucker for shortbread.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:53 am

      Me too! Go team shortbread!!

      Reply
  23. Courtney @ Neighborfood says

    December 23, 2013 at 11:25 am

    I love the simple goodness of shortbread cookies. You just can’t beat butter, flour, and sugar. Oh, and chocolate of course. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:53 am

      I absolutely agree with you Courtney.

      Reply
  24. Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says

    December 23, 2013 at 8:18 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:52 am

      Thanks Lori and I had such fun drizzling the glaze on them and I think that makes them even more fun and festive.

      Reply
  25. Betsy @ Desserts Required says

    December 23, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:51 am

      I have fond memories of watching White Christmas. I could watch that movie time and time again.

      Reply
  26. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

    December 24, 2013 at 6:49 am

    I love that movie too Renee! These are gorgeous and so festive! Enjoy Christmas week my wonderful friend!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 28, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Thanks Paula and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and will have a happy new year!

      Reply

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