Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees are perfect for the holiday season or any festive occasion. These charming cookies not only look delightful, but they also melt in your mouth with every bite. The buttery shortbread combined with rich chocolate creates a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone will love.
Making these cookies is a simple and enjoyable activity, whether you’re baking alone or with family. The shapes can be made fun and creative, and the crushed peppermint adds a festive touch. Your guests will be impressed by these sweet treats, making them a must-try recipe.
Equipment Needed for Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
To prepare Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees, you will need some essential kitchen equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (Christmas tree shape)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
What You Need to Make Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
You will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz (226g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother dipping)
- 3 to 4 crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
How to Cook Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees Step by Step
Start by making the shortbread dough. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Once the butter and sugar are combined, mix in the pure vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix everything on low speed until just combined. At this point, the dough may appear somewhat crumbly, but don’t worry. It should come together nicely when pressed. Gather the dough into a disc shape, wrap it tightly using plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough for about 30 to 45 minutes is important as it helps to firm it up and makes it easier to roll out.
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure that the cookies don’t stick. Take the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Now it’s time to cut out your Christmas tree shapes using the cookie cutter. Re-roll any scraps gently as needed until there’s no dough left.
Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is at least an inch of space between each cookie. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to become just slightly golden; do not overbake. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step of dipping.
Now, let’s dip and decorate the cookies. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate along with the coconut oil (if you chose to use it). Melt the mixture in intervals of 20 seconds, stirring after each interval until the chocolate becomes smooth and fully melted. This careful method prevents scorching and keeps your chocolate silky.
Take each of the cooled cookies and dip the top half into the melted chocolate. As you dip, let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each cookie with crushed peppermint. This adds a festive flair and a delightful crunch.
You can leave the chocolate to set at room temperature, but if you’re in a hurry, placing the cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes can speed up the process. Once the chocolate has fully hardened, your beautiful Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
Serving these cookies is a festive delight! You can arrange them on a decorative platter for a beautiful display or place them in clear treat bags tied with ribbons for a charming gift. Their delightful appearance makes them a treat on any dessert table during holiday gatherings.
Additionally, consider pairing them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for an even more enjoyable experience. Their buttery flavor and crunch complement warm drinks perfectly. Be prepared to share, as your friends and family will surely keep coming back for more!
What to Serve with Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
To enhance your holiday dessert table, serve these Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees with other festive treats. Great options include sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark. A variety of cookies can create a beautiful cookie platter, offering a little something for everyone.
You can also offer drinks like hot chocolate, spiced cider, or eggnog. These warm beverages are perfect companions for the sweet and crunchy shortbread cookies. With the combination of flavors and textures from other treats, your dessert spread will become a beloved centerpiece.
How to Store Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
Proper storage of your cookies is key to keeping them fresh. To store Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees, place them in an airtight container. If you’ve layered the cookies, put parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
You can keep the cookies in a cool, dry place for about a week. However, they can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
When making your Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees, a few tips can ensure they turn out perfectly. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. Cold butter may lead to a dense cookie.
Be mindful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour, as it can result in tougher cookies. It’s good to work quickly with the chocolate when dipping since it can begin to set if left too long.
Lastly, feel free to get creative with decorations! In addition to crushed peppermint, you can use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to make your cookies even more festive.
Variation
If you want to change things up a bit, consider adding different flavored extracts to the shortbread dough, such as almond or peppermint. You could also dip the cookies in white chocolate for a different taste and aesthetic. For a crunchier texture, consider adding finely chopped nuts to the shortbread dough before baking.
Furthermore, you can use cookie cutters in various shapes beyond Christmas trees for other occasions, making these versatile treats for any event of the year.
Best Time to Make Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
The best time to make Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees is during the holiday season. They are perfect for Christmas parties or gatherings, adding a festive touch to your dessert spread. However, extending the enjoyment, they can also be adapted for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebratory event throughout the year.
Baking these cookies can also become a cherished tradition, creating memories with family and friends while engaging in a delicious activity together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees, be cautious of a few common mistakes. One frequent error is not chilling the dough long enough. Insufficient chilling can lead to cookies spreading too much during baking, losing their tree shape.
Another mistake is not allowing the cookies to cool completely before dipping. If the cookies are warm, the chocolate may melt or not adhere properly.
Finally, avoid using chocolate that hasn’t been tempered correctly. Local grocery stores sell chocolate chips that are ideal for dipping, but ensure you follow the melting instructions to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning.
Nutritional Notes
While Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees are a delightful treat, it’s essential to keep in mind their nutritional content. These cookies are typically high in sugar and fat due to the butter and chocolate. Moderation is key, especially during the holiday season when it is easy to indulge.
For those who keep an eye on their sugar intake or dietary restrictions, consider making fewer cookies or sharing them with friends and family. Enjoying these sweet delights is best when balanced with a wholesome diet.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with margarine or a vegan butter alternative. However, this may affect the flavor and texture slightly.
2. How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
3. Can I use different flavors of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate for dipping. Each will provide a different taste experience.
Conclusion
Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees are undeniably charming and delicious. They make a wonderful addition to any festive gathering or a cozy evening at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making these cookies is a delightful experience.
Their crunchy and buttery flavor, complemented by smooth chocolate and colorful peppermint, will surely impress your guests. Keep this recipe on hand for holiday baking, for sharing with loved ones, or simply indulging in sweet moments.
