Sweet Chocolate Magic: Ina Garten’s Shortbread Recipe

Buttery, crumbly shortbread takes on a decadent twist with Ina Garten chocolate dipped shortbread that melts in your mouth.

Her classic recipe elevates this simple treat into a luxurious dessert experience.

Rich, golden cookies get a silky chocolate coating that adds depth and indulgence.

The contrast between crisp shortbread and smooth chocolate creates a sophisticated flavor profile.

Elegant yet incredibly simple, these cookies impress with minimal effort.

Salt and vanilla enhance the buttery base, while dark chocolate adds a luxurious finish.

You’ll want to savor every delicate, chocolatey bite of this irresistible sweet.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 24

What’s in Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

• Butter: Creamy foundation that creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve crisp, golden edges during baking.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall cookie flavor.
• Flour: Provides structure and classic shortbread crumbly consistency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavor notes.

• Dark Chocolate: Delivers luxurious, intense coating with sophisticated bittersweet undertones.

• Granulated Sugar: Sprinkles delicate sweetness and creates subtle crunch on shortbread surface.

Tools Required for Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

• Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: One for butter mixture, another for dry ingredients.
• Sifter: Perfect for evenly combining flour and salt.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough to consistent 1/2-inch thickness.
• Baking Sheet: Ungreased surface for baking shortbread fingers.
• Parchment Paper: Keeps chocolate-dipped cookies from sticking.
• Heat-Proof Bowl: Used for melting chocolate safely.
• Sauce Pan: Creates gentle heat for chocolate melting.
• Spatula: Helps stir chocolate and scrape mixtures.
• Knife or Pastry Cutter: Useful for cutting dough into precise fingers.

Baking Directions for Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

• Butter Softening

Let butter sit at room temperature until soft and pliable, creating the perfect base for delicate shortbread.

• Dough Creation

Gently blend butter and sugar in a mixer, adding vanilla for a subtle aromatic touch. Fold in flour and salt until a smooth, tender dough forms.

• Chilling and Shaping

Flatten dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate to firm up. Roll out and slice into elegant finger-like shapes.

• Baking Perfection

Arrange shortbread on a baking sheet, sprinkling with a light dusting of sugar. Bake until edges turn a gentle golden brown, releasing a warm, buttery fragrance.

• Chocolate Transformation

Melt rich chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring carefully to achieve a silky, glossy finish.

• Elegant Dipping

Gracefully dip each shortbread into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip away. Place on parchment to set, creating a stunning chocolate-kissed treat perfect for sharing.

Ways to Modify Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

• Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange to give the classic shortbread a unique flavor twist.
• Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate, or create a marbled effect by drizzling different chocolate types over the dipped shortbread.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to ensure clean, straight edges when shaping the shortbread fingers for a professional bakery look.
• Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, or freeze the unbaked dough for up to a month for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Sprinkle crushed nuts, sea salt, or edible glitter over the chocolate-dipped end for an elegant and personalized presentation that will impress guests.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

• Pair with Beverages
• Complement these chocolate-dipped shortbread with rich espresso, smooth hot cocoa, or elegant Earl Grey tea. Each drink enhances the buttery, chocolatey flavor profile.
• Elegant Dessert Plating
• Arrange shortbread fingers on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Create a stunning visual presentation that looks professionally styled.
• Gifting and Packaging
• Wrap individual shortbread in wax paper, then place inside clear cellophane bags tied with elegant ribbon. Perfect for holiday gifts, hostess presents, or sweet personal treats that show thoughtful craftsmanship.
• Decorative Chocolate Variations
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate. Sprinkle crushed nuts, sea salt, or colorful sprinkles on wet chocolate for added texture and visual appeal.

Keep Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Fresh

• Maximize Freshness: Store shortbread cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption. Ceramic or metal tins work best for keeping these delicate treats perfectly preserved.
• Extend Shelf Life: Keep cookies at room temperature for up to 5-7 days, ensuring they remain deliciously crisp and flavorful. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their elegant shape.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap undecorated shortbread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months, allowing you to prepare batches in advance for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
• Chocolate Dipping Tip: Allow chocolate-dipped shortbread to set completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once the chocolate hardens, stack carefully in your storage container to preserve their beautiful appearance and prevent smudging.

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies blend rich European butter with delicate Scottish shortbread traditions. Crisp, buttery cookies drizzled with dark chocolate offer a luxurious treat that delights palates with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3.5 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ pound (340 g or 3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 6–7 oz (170–198 g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Blend softened butter and granulated sugar in an electric mixer until smooth, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Dough Preparation: Sift flour and salt, gradually mixing into butter blend at low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and shape into a flat disk approximately 1/2 inch thick.
3. Chilling: Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to stabilize texture and enhance flavor development.
4. Shaping: Roll out chilled dough to consistent 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into elegant 3-inch by 1-inch rectangular fingers, sprinkling with additional granulated sugar for a delicate sweet finish.
5. Baking: Arrange shortbread on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until edges turn light golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
6. Cooling: Allow shortbread to cool completely on the baking sheet, enabling the cookies to develop their signature crisp texture.
7. Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring carefully to maintain smooth consistency. Dip half of each shortbread finger into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off naturally.
8. Setting: Place chocolate-dipped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set and solidify. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their delicate texture and rich flavor for several days.

Notes

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookie’s crisp, clean shape during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Watch cookies closely between 20-25 minutes to prevent over-browning, ensuring a delicate golden edge without burning.
• Chocolate Melting Technique: Use low, gentle heat when melting chocolate to prevent seizing or burning, creating a smooth, glossy coating.
• Storage Strategy: Keep shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg