Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread is a delightful twist on the traditional shortbread biscuit, known for its perfect balance of buttery, crumbly texture and the sweet, indulgent taste of chocolate chips. This shortbread recipe, created by the iconic British baker and TV personality Mary Berry, combines the simplicity and elegance of classic shortbread with a rich addition of chocolate, making it a beloved treat for all ages.
Shortbread itself is a Scottish biscuit, traditionally made with three core ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. The magic lies in the proportions and the method used to create the ideal texture: crisp on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. Mary Berry’s version takes this beloved classic a step further by incorporating chocolate chips into the dough, resulting in an irresistibly rich and moreish treat.
What sets this recipe apart is its meticulous attention to texture, flavor, and overall balance. The chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing delightful bursts of chocolate with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting afternoon snack with tea or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a gathering, Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread delivers on all fronts-comfort, sweetness, and elegance.
Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To create these delectable chocolate chip shortbreads, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, many of which you likely have in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Butter (unsalted): 200g (about 7 oz). The key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture is high-quality unsalted butter. It’s important to make sure the butter is softened, as this will allow for easy mixing and ensure the dough comes together perfectly.
- Plain Flour (all-purpose): 250g (around 2 cups). Plain flour gives the shortbread its delicate crumbly texture. Don’t use self-raising flour, as shortbread should be crisp, not fluffy.
- Cornflour (cornstarch): 25g (roughly 2 tbsp). This helps create the perfect crumbly texture by softening the structure of the dough. It also adds a subtle lightness.
- Icing Sugar (powdered sugar): 75g (around ½ cup). Icing sugar is finer than regular granulated sugar and helps to give the shortbread a smooth and tender texture, as well as a gentle sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips: 150g (about 1 cup). Mary Berry recommends semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a slightly more sophisticated flavor, but feel free to use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste. The chips should be small enough to disperse evenly throughout the dough without overpowering the biscuit.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp. A little vanilla extract goes a long way in enhancing the sweetness and depth of flavor in these cookies, complementing both the butter and the chocolate.
- Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor profile, rounding out the taste of the cookies.
Equipment Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread, you won’t need any special or difficult-to-find equipment-just a few essential baking tools will do:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large bowl for combining the ingredients, and a smaller one for measuring the chocolate chips.
- Electric Mixer (or a Wooden Spoon): While a hand-held electric mixer is often the easiest tool for mixing the dough, a wooden spoon or a stand mixer can also work perfectly well.
- Baking Tray: A flat baking tray or sheet to arrange the cookies. You’ll want to line it with parchment paper to prevent the shortbread from sticking to the pan and to help with even baking.
- Rolling Pin (optional): If you decide to roll out the dough to cut into traditional shortbread shapes (like fingers or rounds), a rolling pin is a handy tool. However, you can also simply pat the dough into shape by hand.
- Knife or Cookie Cutter (optional): If you’re shaping the dough into squares, rectangles, or rounds, a sharp knife or cookie cutter will be useful.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, the cookies need a place to cool. A cooling rack is ideal for letting air circulate around the biscuits, ensuring they remain crisp.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread
The process of making Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread is both simple and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these melt-in-your-mouth biscuits:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) or 150°C (300°F) for fan ovens. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Measure out all of your ingredients so they’re ready to go-soften the butter beforehand, if needed.
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Mix The Butter And Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or wooden spoon to beat together the softened butter and icing sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take around 3-5 minutes if you’re using a mixer.
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Add The Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add in the plain flour, cornflour, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated and the dough begins to come together.
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Incorporate The Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Take care not to overmix; you want the chips to remain evenly distributed throughout the dough without crushing them.
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Shape The Dough
- If you’re rolling out the dough, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1 cm (½ inch) thickness. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shape.
- If you prefer a simpler approach, you can press the dough into a round or square shape directly on the baking tray, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Bake
- Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the shortbread turns golden around the edges.
- The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
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Cool And Enjoy
- Let the shortbread cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips And Tricks
To elevate your Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Shortbread to perfection, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Chill the Dough: For an even better texture, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the shortbread hold its shape during baking and create a firmer, more delicate bite.
- Use High-Quality Butter: Since butter is the star of this recipe, using a premium, creamy butter will make a significant difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Chocolate: While the recipe calls for chocolate chips, you could use chopped dark or milk chocolate bars for a chunkier texture. White chocolate also works well for a sweeter variation.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing or overhandling the dough can lead to dense shortbread. Mix just until combined, then stop.
- Bake on the Middle Shelf: To ensure even baking, place your baking tray on the middle shelf of the oven, not too close to the top or bottom.
- Flavor Variations: Add a little orange zest or a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread is a wonderful recipe that takes the best of both worlds-the simplicity of classic shortbread and the indulgence of chocolate. It’s the perfect treat for almost any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more formal afternoon teas. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a batch of buttery, chocolatey goodness that will delight your taste buds with every bite.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe offers a foolproof way to bake something truly special. And, with a few simple tips and variations, you can customize it to suit your preferences, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip shortbread is already a perfect combination of crumbly, buttery texture and sweet chocolatey goodness. However, if you’re looking to put a personal spin on this classic, there are numerous ways to customize the recipe. Whether you want to enhance the flavor profile, swap out ingredients, or add some unexpected twists, there are plenty of variations to explore!
1. Different Types Of Chocolate
While traditional chocolate chips are the go-to, you can experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your taste or the mood of your occasion. For example:
- Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a deeper, richer flavor, opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips or chop up a bar of dark chocolate for larger chunks. The slight bitterness balances beautifully with the sweetness of the shortbread.
- Milk Chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier experience, milk chocolate chips work wonderfully. They’ll melt into the dough more easily, adding gooey pockets of indulgence.
- White Chocolate: For those who have a soft spot for white chocolate, it provides a luscious contrast against the shortbread’s buttery base. You could even combine milk and white chocolate for a fun two-tone effect.
2. Add Nuts Or Dried Fruit
For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or dried fruit along with the chocolate chips:
- Nuts: Chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a lovely crunch and nutty richness to the shortbread. Hazelnuts, in particular, complement chocolate chips beautifully, creating a combination reminiscent of Nutella!
- Dried Fruits: Dried cherries, cranberries, or even raisins can offer a sweet, tart balance to the rich butteriness of the shortbread. The slight chewiness of the dried fruit adds a surprising contrast to the crisp texture of the shortbread.
3. Flavored Shortbread
Another way to customize Mary Berry’s shortbread is by adding flavorings to the dough. This is an excellent way to enhance the overall experience and create a theme for your cookies.
- Lemon Zest: A few teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest will add a refreshing citrusy note, brightening up the rich butter and chocolate flavor. It’s an elegant variation that pairs well with both milk and white chocolate.
- Orange Zest: Similar to lemon, orange zest adds a vibrant, fragrant element to the shortbread, especially when paired with dark chocolate chips. A splash of orange extract can also be used for an even more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Vanilla or Almond Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract will enhance the sweetness of the cookies, while almond extract brings a distinctive nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
4. Dipped In Chocolate Or Decorated
For a more indulgent version, why not dip the cooled shortbread in melted chocolate? A quick dip into dark, milk, or white chocolate after baking not only adds a glossy finish but also enhances the chocolate flavor. You could even sprinkle the dipped edges with crushed nuts, sea salt, or sprinkles for a festive touch. This makes your shortbread perfect for gifting or serving at a special event.
5. Infuse With Spices
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not infuse the shortbread with warm spices? A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can elevate the flavor, giving your cookies a seasonal feel. Pairing cinnamon with dark chocolate creates a cozy, fall-inspired treat, while cardamom offers an exotic, aromatic twist that works wonderfully with milk chocolate.
6. Gluten-Free Shortbread
For those who are gluten intolerant or simply prefer a gluten-free diet, it’s easy to swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Most all-purpose gluten-free flours work well in shortbread recipes, though you may need to adjust the proportions slightly. Adding cornstarch or rice flour to the blend will help achieve the melt-in-your-mouth texture that traditional shortbread is known for.
Storing Leftovers
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip shortbread is undeniably delicious, but if you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store them to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
1. Room Temperature Storage
If you’re planning to eat the shortbread within a few days, it’s perfectly fine to store it at room temperature. Place the cookies in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and air. They should remain fresh for about 3-5 days. Make sure the container is sealed well, as exposure to air can cause the cookies to lose their crispness.
2. Freezing For Long-Term Storage
If you want to store Mary Berry’s shortbread for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Allow the shortbread to cool completely before storing it in the freezer. You can either:
- Freeze the whole batch: Layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper or parchment and store them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. This method works best for maintaining their texture.
- Freeze individual cookies: If you only want to thaw a few at a time, lay the cookies out on a baking sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents the cookies from sticking together.
Frozen shortbread can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
3. Avoid Refrigeration
While refrigeration is a good way to extend the life of many baked goods, it’s not ideal for shortbread. The cold environment can cause the cookies to become dry and lose their signature crumbly texture. Stick to storing them at room temperature or freezing them instead.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread?
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip shortbread is a treat in itself, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy it with other foods or drinks for a full experience. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon snack or hosting a gathering, pairing your shortbread with complementary flavors can elevate the entire tasting experience.
1. Tea Or Coffee
A classic pairing with shortbread, a warm cup of tea or coffee balances out the richness of the cookies. The buttery flavor of shortbread is perfectly complemented by a strong black tea like Earl Grey or Assam. If you prefer coffee, opt for a medium to dark roast to match the richness of the shortbread without overpowering it. The slight bitterness of coffee also contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the chocolate chips.
2. Fruit And Cheese Platter
For a more adventurous pairing, consider serving your shortbread with a selection of fruit and cheese. The buttery flavor of the shortbread pairs well with the creamy texture of soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. For fruit, go with something tart and fresh, like green apple slices or strawberries, to balance out the sweetness of the shortbread.
3. Ice Cream
Mary Berry’s shortbread can also serve as a crunchy, delightful topping for ice cream. Whether you go for vanilla, chocolate, or something more exotic like pistachio or salted caramel, a crumble of shortbread on top will add texture and a buttery flavor that complements the smoothness of the ice cream.
4. Berries And Cream
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dessert, try pairing the shortbread with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. The tartness of berries like raspberries or blackberries contrasts with the richness of the shortbread, while the cream adds a luxurious touch.
5. Hot Chocolate
For a decadent treat, enjoy your shortbread with a mug of hot chocolate. Whether you prefer traditional hot cocoa or a richer, European-style version, the smooth, velvety drink is the perfect accompaniment to the crunchy texture of the shortbread.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip shortbread is an irresistibly simple yet sophisticated treat, offering endless opportunities for customization. Whether you keep the classic recipe or experiment with different types of chocolate, flavorings, or textures, it’s a cookie that’s sure to impress. The beauty of this shortbread lies not only in its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality but also in its versatility. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream. And with the right storage, your shortbread can stay fresh and delicious for days, or even months, making it an ideal treat to prepare in advance. Whether you’re indulging on your own or serving guests, Mary Berry’s chocolate chip shortbread is always a delightful choice.
FAQs
What Makes Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe Unique?
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip shortbread recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of buttery richness and the sweetness of chocolate chips. The shortbread itself has a crumbly yet melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the addition of chocolate chips adds bursts of flavor throughout the cookie. The recipe is simple, but it uses high-quality ingredients, ensuring a satisfying treat every time.
Can I Use Any Type Of Chocolate Chips For Mary Berry’s Shortbread Recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk, dark, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. However, Mary Berry’s recipe works best with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, as they provide a perfect balance of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the shortbread. Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best result.
How Do I Store Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread After Baking?
To store Mary Berry’s chocolate chip shortbread, allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Shortbread also freezes well-just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
