Ina Garten’s Sweet Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Recipe

Chocolate dipped shortbread transforms ordinary cookies into an extraordinary culinary experience that whispers pure indulgence.

Sweet butter melts seamlessly with delicate flour, creating a crumbly canvas waiting for rich chocolate’s embrace.

Traditional Scottish baking techniques merge with elegant French pastry influences in this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth textures contrast beautifully against smooth chocolate’s glossy exterior, promising sensory delight with each delicate bite.

Refined yet approachable, these cookies speak to both serious bakers and casual dessert enthusiasts seeking something special.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Professional pastry chefs and home cooks alike can master this elegant confection with confidence: prepare to elevate your dessert game.

Why Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Is a Treat

• Indulge in Buttery Bliss: These shortbread cookies melt in your mouth with rich, creamy butter that creates an incredibly smooth and luxurious texture that feels like a delicate hug for your taste buds.
• Quick Chocolate Transformation: With just a simple chocolate dip, ordinary shortbread becomes an elegant dessert that looks professionally crafted but takes minimal effort to create, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
• Zero Complicated Techniques: This recipe requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels – from beginners to experienced cookie makers can easily master these delightful treats in under an hour.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfectly sized for gatherings, these chocolate-dipped shortbread fingers work beautifully as a dessert for afternoon tea, holiday parties, or a sophisticated sweet companion to your morning coffee.

Ingredients That Make These Cookies Extra Special

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, smooth flavor and creates tender shortbread texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, crisp cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Core ingredient that gives shortbread its classic sandy, crumbly structure.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile.

• Semisweet Chocolate: Creates a luxurious, glossy chocolate dip with deep, rich flavor, perfect for coating shortbread edges.

How to Bake and Dip Ina Garten Shortbread the Right Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center.

Step 2: Create Butter Base

• Softened butter
• Sugar

Mix until just combined, then gently stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Craft Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing on low speed until dough forms.

Transfer dough to a flour-dusted surface and shape into a flat disk.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Shortbread

Roll chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness.

Cut into elegant 3 by 1-inch fingers.

Place cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.

Sprinkle with additional sugar.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Let cookies cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate

Create a double boiler by placing a heat-proof bowl over simmering water.

• First batch of chocolate
• Stir every 30 seconds
• Add remaining chocolate
• Continue stirring until smooth and slightly cooled

Step 6: Dip and Finish

Dunk each shortbread halfway into melted chocolate.

Allow excess chocolate to drip off.

Place dipped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Let chocolate set at room temperature.

Store in an airtight container.

Tips for Chocolate Tempering and Crisp Texture

• Dough Chilling Magic: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to help shortbread maintain its elegant shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Roll with Precision: Use a consistent 1/2-inch thickness when rolling out the dough to guarantee perfectly even shortbread cookies that bake uniformly.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Gently melt chocolate using a double boiler or low microwave heat to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
• Tempering Trick: Allow chocolate-dipped shortbread to set at room temperature for a clean, professional-looking coating that doesn't smudge or streak.
• Storage Savvy: Keep chocolate-dipped shortbread in a single layer between parchment paper to preserve their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Storing Ina Garten Chocolate Shortbread Without Mess

• Airtight Shield: Protect your delicate shortbread masterpieces by nestling them in a sturdy, sealed container. Layer between sheets of parchment paper to prevent crumbling or sticking, keeping each cookie pristine and fresh.
• Freezer Haven: Slide your chocolate-dipped delights into a freezer-safe container, creating a long-term sanctuary for future sweet moments. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn and flavor absorption.
• Counter Caution: Enjoy these cookies at their peak within 3-4 days when stored at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their crisp texture and rich chocolate coating.

Variations on Ina Garten’s Dipped Shortbread

• Nutty Chocolate Companion: Enhance the shortbread by adding finely chopped almonds or pecans into the dough before baking for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Espresso Dark Chocolate Infusion: Mix ground espresso beans directly into the chocolate coating to create a rich, coffee-forward flavor profile that complements the buttery shortbread.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: After dipping shortbread in chocolate, drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the top for a sweet and salty gourmet touch that elevates the classic recipe.
• Orange Zest Chocolate Edition: Incorporate fresh orange zest into the shortbread dough and use dark chocolate with orange essence for a bright, citrusy undertone that adds complexity to the traditional recipe.

One Last Bite of Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

Shortbread cookies whisper tales of culinary elegance, blending buttery richness with chocolate’s seductive charm.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into an exquisite indulgence that lingers on palates and memories.

Each delicate finger tells a story of careful craftsmanship and passionate baking.

Chocolate’s glossy embrace elevates these classic cookies beyond ordinary treats.

Home bakers can channel their inner culinary artist with this sophisticated recipe.

Delightful connections spark when you craft, share, and savor these irresistible chocolate-dipped shortbread treasures – so snap a photo, tag a friend, and spread sweet happiness!

Ina Garten Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s chocolate-dipped shortbread brings together buttery Scottish cookies and rich dark chocolate in a delightful culinary embrace. Crisp, elegant cookies with a luxurious chocolate coating offer a simple yet sophisticated treat perfect for afternoon tea or elegant dessert gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 6 to 7 ounces (170 to 198 grams) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ¾ pound (340 grams or 3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the butter and sugar mixture by combining softened butter with of granulated sugar in an electric mixer, blending until just incorporated. Gently mix in pure vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
2. Sift flour and salt together in a separate mixing bowl, creating a light and airy dry ingredient blend. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter blend at low speed until the dough begins to form.
3. Transfer the partially mixed dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape the mixture into a flat, uniform disk approximately 1/2 inch thick. Carefully wrap the disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the texture.
4. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll out the dough to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the dough into elegant 3-inch by 1-inch rectangular fingers.
5. Arrange the shaped shortbread fingers on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each piece. Delicately sprinkle additional granulated sugar across the top of each cookie for a subtle sweet crunch.
6. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Allow the shortbread to cool completely on the baking sheet, reaching room temperature. This resting period helps develop the cookie’s signature crisp texture.
8. Prepare the chocolate coating by creating a double boiler or using a microwave. Melt of chocolate, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure smooth consistency. Gradually add the remaining chocolate, stirring until completely melted and slightly cooled.
9. Carefully dip half of each shortbread finger into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off naturally. Place the chocolate-dipped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set and solidify.
10. Store the finished chocolate-dipped shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature, preserving their delicate texture and rich flavor for several days.

Notes

• Prevent kitchen chaos by chilling the dough for 30 minutes, which helps Shortbreads maintain their perfect shape during baking.
• Roll the dough consistently to a 1/2-inch thickness, guaranteeing uniform baking and a delightful texture across every delicate cookie.
• Melt chocolate gently and carefully to avoid unsightly white bloom, ensuring a smooth, glossy chocolate coating that looks professional.
• Give chocolate-dipped Shortbreads ample time to set at room temperature, creating a beautiful hard finish that won’t smudge or smear.
• Store cooled Shortbreads in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to preserve their crisp texture and delectable flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg