Shortbread Worth Getting Out the Stretchy Pants For

If you are going to do something, do it right, I always say.

This creation will please the bunch.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Squares

mmmmm

The pitiful picture does not do it justice.

A new creation and possibly new family tradition by ModernMom and her BlueEyed Girl.

We couldn't find a recipe that pleased our palates so mashed a few together and came up with this mouth watering winner.

Baby, if I can do it, anyone can!

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Dash of Baking Powder

About 5 handfuls of chocolate chips.

In a separate bowl combine the flour with the salt, and the dash of baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer cream the butter (about 2 minutes).

Add the sugar and beat until creamy.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gently stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated. (we used our hands it was much more fun and effective)

Flatten the dough into a greased 9x9 glass pan.

Cover the entire top with chocolate chips and press in with a spoon. Oh yah baby, in my humble opinion you can not have enough chocolate chips!

Set oven to 300 degrees with the rack in the middle of the oven.

Bake for between 20 and 25 minutes until the dough is a very light brown.

Let them sit for a few minutes.

Cut into squares while still warm.

Enjoy!

Tip: Don't make them too far ahead or your little monster family will eat the whole batch and you will have to make a second Shortbread!

I am off to finish my last minute wrapping...oh and perhaps scarf down just one more of those delectable Shortbread Squares with a side of Hot Cocoa.

Wishing you and yours a Joyful Holiday Season and a very Merry Christmas.

MWAH