chocolate shortbread recipe

This chocolate shortbread recipe is a spin off from my last recipe, shortbread tart pastry with chocolate filling. It is a recipe based on classic shortbread made using the 1:2:3 ratio of sugar, butter and flour, but with added cocoa for a chocolaty version. The dough is versatile enough to shape into several forms, either as chocolate shortbread fingers, squares or sandwiched together to make homemade oreos. Shortbread biscuits remind me of Eat Sum Mor biscuits growing up in South Africa. I especially love making shortbread fingers and have made them on many occasions in different flavours, this is my first attempt at a chocolate version so I cannot compare results. I am however pleased with the outcome, these biscuits are crumbly and melt in the mouth like regular shortbread, only with an added chocolate taste sensation.

How to Make Chocolate Shortbread

Making shortbread with chocolate is no different from regular shortbread, the same recipe ratio and method apply. I used ½ cup of butter; 1/4 cup icing sugar, ½ cup cocoa and 1 cup flour. I generally use less sugar, so opted for a quarter cup instead and used ½ cup of cocoa. For best results I recommend using butter at room temperature.

This results in a smooth dough. Cream the butter and icing until silky smooth.

Sift in cocoa followed by flour. Work into a soft dough.

At this stage shape the dough into desired shapes. You can opt for shortbread fingers, square or rounds.

How to Make Chocolate Shortbread Fingers

To make shortbread fingers, flatten a ball of dough to approximately 1 cm, then roll out and cut into a square or rectangle form.

Place in the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow it to set. Remove from fridge and slice into thick fingers.

Use a toothpick or fork to make holes for even cooking.

Bake according to instructions listed in recipe below.

For a double chocolate version, dip in chocolate or drizzle chocolate over. I used melted Lindt Balls. This accounts for the thin consistency of the chocolate. It was also a sweltering hot day, so the chocolate started to melt as soon as I took the biscuits out if the fridge.

How to Make Shortbread Squares

To make squares you can either roll the dough flat or form a roll then wrap in foil and shape into form by pressing sides. In this instance, place the roll in the fridge for 30 minutes then slice evenly before baking.

Decorate with beads, dip in chocolate or enjoy plain.

For a more creative variation, try combining chocolate and classic shortbread dough.

How to make Homemade Oreos

For a homemade Oreo like sandwich biscuit, use a round biscuit cutter to cut our rounds. sandwich with buttercream icing.