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Chocolate Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

These Chocolate Shortbread Cookies feature a rich cocoa-infused buttery dough studded with melted dark chocolate and rolled in festive red, white, and pink nonpareil sprinkles for a delightful texture and color. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, these cookies are a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Mixture

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Creaming Mixture

  • 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Decoration

  • 1 ½ cups red, white and pink nonpareil sprinkles (approximately 2 – five-ounce bottles)
  • Jumbo heart sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue melting in 15-second intervals until smooth and fully melted. If using a chocolate bar, chop into small pieces before melting.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium speed until creamy and well combined.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
  5. Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Add the melted dark chocolate to the mixture and blend on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients in ½ cup increments. Mix on medium speed just until the flour is incorporated and the dough forms a cohesive mass. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Form Dough Logs: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a 6-inch by 2-inch log. Place each log onto plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll the dough gently between your hands to smooth the shape; the dough will be slightly sticky from the warmth of your hands.
  8. Prepare Sprinkles: Pour the red, white, and pink nonpareil sprinkles into a pan or casserole dish that has sides large enough to accommodate the dough logs.
  9. Coat Dough Logs: Roll each dough log in the sprinkles, ensuring they stick all over the surface. The dough’s stickiness from hand warmth helps the sprinkles adhere well.
  10. Chill Dough Logs: Wrap the sprinkle-coated dough logs snugly in parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to firm up.
  11. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats to prevent sticking.
  12. Slice Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from wrapping and place on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into ¼-inch thick rounds.
  13. Add Optional Decorations: If desired, press a jumbo candy heart sprinkle into the center of each cookie slice for a festive touch.
  14. Bake Cookies: Arrange the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until cookies are set and edges are slightly crisp.
  15. Cool and Store: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
  • Do not overmix dough once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
  • Using the microwave to melt chocolate requires stirring every 15 seconds to prevent burning.
  • Chilling dough is essential for easier slicing and helps cookies maintain their shape.
  • Jumbo heart sprinkles are optional and can be added for an extra decorative effect, especially for themed occasions like Valentine’s Day.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to retain freshness and crispness.

Keywords: chocolate shortbread cookies, cocoa cookies, sprinkles cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies, chocolate butter cookies

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/chocolate-shortbread-cookies-with-sprinkles-recipe/