Fran's Easy Shortbread Bars
Indulge in the buttery simplicity of Fran’s Easy Shortbread Bars, a classic dessert made with just five pantry staples and minimal effort! These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a touch of vanilla for rich, sweet flavor, while a hint of salt balances each bite perfectly. With a quick 15-minute prep time and no fancy equipment required, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The shortbread dough is gently pressed into a baking dish, pricked for even baking, and baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes. Whether you're serving them as an afternoon snack, a tea-time treat, or a party dessert, these tender bars are sure to impress. Plus, they store beautifully, making them a delicious make-ahead option for busy weeks. Try Fran's Easy Shortbread Bars today for a timeless treat that's as satisfying to bake as it is to eat!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3
Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
Step 4
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender shortbread.
Step 5
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish using clean hands or the back of a spoon. Aim for an even thickness to ensure even baking.
Step 6
Using a fork, prick the surface of the dough lightly all over. This helps to prevent the dough from puffing up during baking.
Step 7
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Step 8
Remove the dish from the oven and allow the shortbread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Step 9
Once slightly cooled, cut the shortbread into bars while still in the pan. You can make 12 large bars or 16 smaller ones, depending on your preference.
Step 10
Allow the bars to cool completely before removing them from the pan for serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (457.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2082.6 |
| Total Fat 98.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 56.4g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 248mg | 0% |
| Sodium 610.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 283.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 101.0g | |
| Protein 25.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 57.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 290.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories