Mocha Shortbread Squares

MAKES: 25 Squares

COOK TIME: 20 Min

Lookin' for a little late-night pick-me-up? This chocolatey treat is a coffee house classic, perfect for serving up after a big meal or leaving out as a sweet treat for your guests to nibble on. If you're looking for an easy chocolate dessert recipe you can whip together from items from your cupboard, then you've found a winner with our Mocha Shortbread Squares!

What You'll Need

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted (optional; see note)

What to Do

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine flour, confectioners' sugar, and coffee granules; add butter and vanilla. With an electric mixer on low speed, beat until blended. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips.
Press dough into an ungreased 9-inch square pan; prick dough with a fork.
Bake 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cut into small squares while warm. Drizzle each square with melted chocolate, if desired.

Notes

Place 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a resealable plastic bag; microwave at HIGH 15 seconds or until soft. Knead bag until smooth. Snip a tiny hole in the corner of the bag, and drizzle chocolate over shortbread.