Dark chocolate cherry shortbread are a traditional Scottish shortbread with a crisp and buttery texture and are melt in your mouth delicious!
Shortbread always feels like the ultimate indulgence. So buttery!! Slightly sweet and the perfect crumbly, but soft texture! This is baking simplicity at it's peak!
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I know I've shared on numerous occasions that my house is filled with cookie monsters. Sugar cookies will always be my very favorite, closely followed by oatmeal cookies, but shortbread run a really tight race with both {for me}!
Are dark chocolate cherry shortbread a traditional Scottish shortbread?
I think a true shortbread is composed of four simple ingredients; butter, sugar, flour and salt. But, one of my very good friends is Scottish and she tells me that for the holidays the Scottish like to add dried fruit or chocolate {or both} to shortbread. So, I am going to say yes, this dark chocolate cherry shortbread is a traditional Scottish style cookie {although the Scottish would call it a biscuit!}
What's the difference between a shortbread cookie and a sugar cookie?
Sugar cookies usually contain more sugar, vanilla and a small amount of leavener. Shortbread cookies traditionally contain sugar, butter and flour. This dark chocolate cherry shortbread recipe has a crisp exterior and a soft and buttery interior and is cut into thick slices or bars.
do you need to use good butter for shortbread?
The short answer, no. BUT butter is a big flavor component of this recipe and this is where you may want to splurge for a better butter. I like Kerrygold {not sponsored, just a fan!}. I typically use unsalted butter, but I kind of like the salted butter for this recipe. Kosher salt is what I use in my kitchen and the addition of it with Kerrygold salted butter works just fine. If you tend to be extra sensitive to salt, use the unsalted version and only add kosher salt.
what is superfine sugar?
Superfine sugar is has a very fine grain. This allows it to blend and melt more evenly. It is also referred to as baker's sugar or caster sugar. If you cannot find superfine sugar, you can process granulated sugar in a food processor for 30 seconds to create your own.
how do you make dark chocolate cherry shortbread?
This recipe couldn't be any easier! A food processor creates this cookie dough in minutes. I created another video to show you how easy it is! Are you finding these videos helpful??
Dark Chocolate Cherry Shortbread by twosugarbugs on Jumprope.
Allow the shortbread to cool for 15 minutes. Then, if desired, add fork marks to the shortbread. You can cut the shortbread at this point as well or allow it to cool completely before cutting. I find this recipe works equally well either way.
How to store shortbread
Shortbread should be stored in an airtight container. It will keep for up to one week at room temperature.
Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Dark Chocolate Cherry Shortbread. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!
more cookie recipes to enjoy!
- Caramel and Brown Sugar Shortbread
- Chocolate Chippers
- Easy German Chocolate Cookies
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sprinkle Cookies
If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating. I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!
Dark Chocolate Cherry Shortbread
These buttery shortbread bars are easy to make and full of chocolate and dried cherries. This recipe is a traditional Scottish shortbread with a crisp and buttery texture and are melt in your mouth delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- ½ cup superfine sugar* (110g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate, chopped or mini chips (44g/1.5ounces)
- ⅓ cup dried cherries*, chopped (45g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Place the flour, sugar, butter and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the dough resembles coarse meal. Then add the chocolate and chopped cherries, pulse a few times to combine them. The dough should stick together easily when squeezed between your fingers, it should not be dry. If the dough is crumbly, process it a little longer.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.
- Allow the shortbread to cool for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper to remove from the pan and cut into desired bars. Let cool completely.
Notes
*Superfine sugar is also referred to as baker's sugar or caster sugar. If you need to make your own, pulse granulated sugar in a food processor for 30 seconds, until very fine in texture.
**measure or weigh dried cherries, then chop
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 147Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 52mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 1g
The nutrition information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.
Christie
That dark chocolate cherry shortbread is totally making me swoon Tasia! Thanks for also sharing how to store it! I never know how to properly do it to make it last!
Tasia
Thank you Christie! Our shortbread never lasts more than a week, but I hear that shortbread stored in an airtight container can last up to several weeks.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
I agree, quality butter really does make everything better. Including your amazing chocolate cherry shortbread!
Tasia
Thank you Heidi! It's amazing how a good butter can improve a recipe like this!
Josiah - DIY Thrill
I'll have to try this dark chocolate cherry shortbread, looks so flavorful!
Tasia
Thank you Josiah! I'm thinking it will be perfect for holiday baking!!😉. I hope you get to try the recipe!
Never Ending Journeys
Wow, what a decadent and delicious treat! I love a good shortbread, and with cherry, it looks simply irresistible!
Tasia
Thank you! The dried cherries add just a little hint of extra sweetness. I also think they make the shortbread look pretty!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Dark chocolate and cherry is a fantastic combo! These would be addictive!
Tasia
Thank you Katherine! My mom was the one who requested this combination and I have to say it's really good with the buttery shortbread!
Michelle | Sift & Simmer
Dark chocolate and cherries is such a great combination! This shortbread looks delicious!
Tasia
Thank you Michelle! The dark cherries and chocolate make this one perfect for the holiday cookie season!
Aarthi | Prepbowls
These DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRY SHORTBREAD looks scrumptious. I love this combination of chocolates, and cherries , so yummy!! Your recipe looks so easy, and I cannot wait to try these shortbread, Thanks for sharing these, Tasia!!
Tasia
Thank you Aarthi! This shortbread recipe really is so EASY! I hope you get to enjoy this recipe!