- Almond extract (optional, 1/2 teaspoon for a nutty flavor)
Use these ingredients to make delicious chocolate chip shortbread cookies that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for holiday baking or as an everyday treat! Make sure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing to achieve the best texture in your cookies. Enjoy crafting these SEO-friendly keywords into your recipe description to optimize it for search engines.
Steps
### Delicious Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies II: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
Looking to indulge in some sweet, buttery delight? Try making these Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies II! These cookies are not only easy to make but also packed with rich chocolate chips and a satisfying shortbread texture. Perfect for any baking enthusiast or as a treat for your friends and family.
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### Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
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### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Baking tray
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### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### 1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This helps in achieving a smooth and creamy dough.
#### 2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-5 minutes if using an electric mixer or can be done by hand with a whisk for a few minutes.
#### 3. Add Vanilla Extract and Salt
Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
#### 4. Mix in Flour and Chocolate Chips
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without breaking them too much.
#### 5. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
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### Tips for Perfect Cookies
- **Chill the dough**: Helps in maintaining shape and texture.
- **Use high-quality chocolate chips**: For richer flavor and better results.
- **Handle the dough gently**: Overworking can make the cookies tough.
- **Bake at 350°F (175°C)**: Ensure even baking for golden perfection.
#### 6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Roll out the dough into small balls about 2 inches in diameter and place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
#### 7. Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake as it will make the cookies tough.
#### 8. Cool Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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### Conclusion
Enjoy your freshly baked Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies II, perfect for any occasion or just because! Share them with friends and family, or keep some for yourself. The rich chocolate flavor combined with a soft shortbread texture will make this recipe a hit every time you bake it.
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