Gooey Chocolate Toffee Shortbread Bars Recipe
This delectable holiday treat features a buttery shortbread crust layered with gooey chocolate and crunchy toffee bits, making it the perfect festive dessert to share with family and friends during Christmas or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/4 cups Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup Toffee bits
- 3/4 cup Toffee bits
- 1/3 cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
- Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the shortbread mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Toffee Bits: Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup of toffee bits evenly over the warm crust to add a crunchy, sweet texture.
- Pour Milk and Butter Mixture: Combine 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk with 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, then pour this evenly over the toffee bits on the crust.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and set.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the hot topping. Allow the chocolate chips to sit for 3 to 5 minutes until softened, then gently spread them evenly over the surface.
- Top with Remaining Toffee: Finish by sprinkling the remaining 3/4 cup toffee bits evenly over the melted chocolate layer for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother crust.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to help it hold together during baking.
- The baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so watch for the crust to be lightly golden and the topping to bubble.
- Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean bars.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: shortbread crust, chocolate, toffee bits, holiday dessert, Christmas bars, gooey chocolate, festive treat, easy bars
