Imagine biting into a buttery, golden shortbread that's packed with rich brown sugar and crunchy toffee bits - a dessert so irresistible, it'll make your taste buds dance with pure joy! These Brown Sugar Toffee Shortbread bars are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering results every single time.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to cut the bars once they are baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in 1 cup of toffee bits using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure the toffee bits are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure it is smooth and level.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Keep an eye on the bars to prevent overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the shortbread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the shortbread out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the shortbread into 16 bars using a sharp knife. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Toffee Shortbread as a sweet treat with coffee or tea!
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest mixture
- Don't overmix the dough - this can make your shortbread tough
- Make sure to press the dough evenly in the pan for consistent baking
- Let the shortbread cool completely before cutting for clean, crisp edges
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture
- These bars freeze beautifully - perfect for make-ahead dessert planning
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 256kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg