Candy Cane Shortbread Bars Recipes

SHORTBREAD CANDY BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and salt on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 minutes. With mixer on low, add flour in three additions and beat until combined (dough will be crumbly). Press dough evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake until golden brown and firm, 30 to 35 minutes.
• Scatter chocolate chips on top of shortbread. Bake until soft, 1 minute. With the back of a spoon, spread chocolate evenly over shortbread. Scatter candies over top. Let cool on a wire rack 30 minutes. Refrigerate briefly to set chocolate, then cut into 16 bars.

CANDY CANE SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 7x11-inch glass baking dish.
• Sift flour and cornstarch together in a bowl.
• Place butter in mixing bowl. Add the salt and mix well. Then add granulated sugar to butter and mix to just combine. Add flour mixture and mix just till a smooth dough forms. This may be done with a mixer or in the food processor.
• Pat dough evenly into prepared baking dish. Dough should be no more than 2/3-inch deep. Bake until the top and bottom are lightly browned, about 30 minutes. The middle should remain light.
• Meanwhile, combine the powdered sugar and crushed candy canes.
• Remove the baked dough from the oven and place on a rack. Sprinkle the shortbread with the candy cane mixture. When the baked dough has cooled a bit but is still warm to the touch, use a long knife to cut into 1-inch squares; 7 cuts lengthwise and 11 across. Cool thoroughly before removing from dish.