Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a rich, buttery dessert that practically melts in your mouth. These Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars combine the delightful taste of shortbread with the ooey-gooey goodness of a butter cake, all while being studded with chocolate chips. Perfect for any gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars are destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

These Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a combination of textures and flavors. The buttery shortbread base is complemented by a gooey, rich topping that’s enhanced by semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a potluck, or just craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. Plus, they come together quickly and with minimal fuss, making them a go-to recipe for busy bakers.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 1 cup unsalted butter, very soft
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, very soft
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, plus about 2 tablespoons for sprinkling over the top

Must-Have Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Perfect for baking and cutting into bars.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy.
• Rubber Spatula: For folding in the chocolate chips and spreading the batter.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking pan for easy removal.

Make Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of very soft unsalted butter and 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Step 3: Spread the Base

Spread the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to smooth it out, ensuring it’s even across the base.

Step 4: Bake the Shortbread Base

Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it is just starting to turn golden around the edges. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the gooey topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Gooey Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of very soft unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat until creamy. Add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of light-colored corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined. Gradually add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until just combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet mini chocolate chips.

Step 6: Assemble the Bars

Pour the gooey topping over the baked shortbread base, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Sprinkle an additional 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips on top.

Step 7: Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The bars will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares and enjoy!

What to Use Instead

• Butter: You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if you prefer.
• All-purpose flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
• Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips can be used based on your preference.

Little Things that Matter

For the best flavor, ensure your butter is at room temperature, which helps in creating a creamy, smooth batter. Using mini chocolate chips is highly recommended as they distribute evenly throughout the gooey topping, giving you a chocolatey bite in every piece. Don’t skip lining your pan with parchment paper; it makes removing the bars a breeze!

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

These Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Helpful Q&A

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. However, the texture may be slightly different.

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, while mini chocolate chips are recommended for even distribution, you can use regular-sized chocolate chips if that’s what you have on hand.

Why did my bars turn out too gooey?

If your bars are too gooey, they may need a bit more time in the oven. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly before cooling.

More from the Kitchen

• Salted Caramel Brownies
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Lemon Blueberry Muffins
• Peanut Butter Oreo Truffles

Hungry for More?

If you’re craving more delicious recipes like these Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars, stay tuned for more delightful concoctions that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From decadent brownies to fluffy cakes, there’s always something new to try in our kitchen.

Dive into the world of baking with these bars, and let the gooey goodness envelop your senses. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with your friends (if you can bear to part with them)!