Chocolate Chip and Toffee Shortbread Cookies

Introduction

These tender shortbread cookies studded with mini chocolate chips and crunchy toffee bits feel like a warm hug in cookie form. The dough is buttery and easy to work with, making these perfect for a cozy afternoon bake or a last-minute treat for guests. If you love a classic cookie with a little extra sparkle, this recipe hits that sweet spot between buttery shortbread and candy-studded decadence. For a different take or to accommodate dietary needs, try our gluten-free chocolate chip cookies for inspiration.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is a lovely bridge between simple shortbread and indulgent chocolate-toffee cookies, and it’s approachable for bakers of all levels. The ingredient list is short and pantry-friendly, so you can pull these together without a lot of fuss. The method keeps things light by creaming butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, which creates that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Mini chocolate chips ensure little pockets of chocolate in every bite, while toffee bits add a buttery crunch that contrasts the soft texture. Because the cookies are slightly flattened before baking, they develop just enough edge browning to add a hint of caramelized flavor. If you want a festive twist, swap the chips for crushed cookie pieces like in our playful Oreo chocolate chip peppermint cookies for a holiday-ready version. Overall, these cookies are quick, comforting, and versatile.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a mild, buttery shortbread base with bursts of semi-sweet chocolate and the sweet, slightly salty crunch of toffee. The powdered sugar in the dough helps keep the crumb fine and tender, while cornstarch adds a soft, almost crumbly silkiness. Mini chips distribute chocolate evenly without making the dough heavy, and the tiny toffee pieces caramelize slightly at the edges for a toasty note. The contrast between a delicate interior and a faintly crisp edge makes each bite satisfying. Serve with a glass of milk or a warm mug of tea to highlight the buttery flavors.

Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips
– 1 cup toffee bits

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour and cornstarch until combined.
5. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and toffee bits.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet, flattening slightly.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Best Results

Use room temperature butter so it creams smoothly with the powdered sugar and traps air for a lighter texture. Don’t overwork the dough once you add flour and cornstarch; mix only until combined to keep cookies tender. If your toffee bits are very large, give them a quick chop so they distribute evenly and don’t cause spreading. For evenly sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion dough before rolling. Watch the first batch closely for color; once the edges are a pale golden-brown, remove the tray to prevent overbaking.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them tender. If you prefer a chewier bite, add a small square of bread to the container to retain moisture. You can freeze shaped dough balls on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well layer with parchment and thaw at room temperature.

Final Thought

These chocolate chip and toffee shortbread cookies are a small luxury that’s easy to share and even easier to love. They bring together buttery shortbread charm and candy-coated excitement in every bite. Whether for a cookie swap or an indulgent weeknight treat, they deliver comfort and crunch.

Conclusion

If you’d like to compare techniques or see a similar tested version, check out this trusted recipe on The Kitchn for extra tips and variations Chocolate Chip and Toffee Shortbread Cookies from The Kitchn.

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