Indulge in a Valentine's Day treat that's as easy to love as it is to make: Dark Chocolate Valentine's Day Shortbread Cookies. These aren't just any cookies; they're buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness kissed with the rich, deep flavor of dark chocolate. They're quick to whip up, surprisingly healthy (thanks to that dark chocolate!), and bursting with flavor. Honestly, as someone who's always short on time but never wants to compromise on deliciousness, these cookies are my Valentine's Day go-to!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, a woman who understood the language of love through baking, always said that the best treats are those made with simplicity and heart. Dark Chocolate Valentine's Day Shortbread Cookies embody that perfectly. They remind me of her warm kitchen, filled with the aroma of baking, and the joy of sharing something delicious with loved ones. This recipe is a modern twist on her classic shortbread, made even more special with the addition of decadent dark chocolate. It's a way to keep her love alive, one cookie at a time, and I'm thrilled to share that with you.
Ingredients
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For the Shortbread:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
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For the Dark Chocolate:
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cream: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Combine: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape: Gently press the dough into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut: Use Valentine's Day-themed cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt: While the cookies are cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. If desired, stir in the coconut oil.
- Decorate: Dip the cooled cookies in the melted dark chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over them. Immediately add sprinkles, if using.
- Set: Let the chocolate set completely before serving or storing.
Dark Chocolate Valentine’s Day Shortbread Cookies
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies kissed with the rich flavor of dark chocolate, perfect for Valentine’s Day.Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.1 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.2 cups all-purpose flour
- Gently press the dough into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use Valentine’s Day-themed cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. If desired, stir in the coconut oil.4 ounces dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Dip the cooled cookies in the melted dark chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over them. Immediately add sprinkles, if using.4 ounces dark chocolate, sprinkles
- Let the chocolate set completely before serving or storing.