Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Dare I say the C word? With just over a month to go, it's time to start planning those Christmas bakes.  I don't know about you, but there is always shortbread in my house at Christmas time. I love getting shortbread biscuits that are themed, especially christmas trees or stars. I think I'm just a sucker for a theme... These chocolate chip shortbread biscuits are buttery and crumble in the mouth, the dark chocolate chips add a little extra piece of decadence.

These shortbreads would make a great foodie gift for a loved one. All you need is a clear cellphone bag and some ribbon. Just put as many shortbread biscuits in the bag and tie it up with some colourful ribbon, write your Christmas message on a tag and tie it to the bag.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread
(Makes 16) 

125g Butter
180g Plain flour
65g Caster sugar
50g Dark Chocolate Chips
1 Tsp Salt

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees, Gas mark 4.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Sift in the flour and salt and mix together until a dough starts to form. Then add in the chocolate drops and combine until you have a smooth dough. Roll the dough into a ball and cover in cling film, place in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm.

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough, around half an inch thick. Using a star and a tree cutter, or any cutter of your choice, cut out the shapes and place them on a tray lined with grease proof paper .

Once you have cut out as many shapes as you can, place the tray in the fridge for a further 20 minutes.

Place in the oven for 12 minutes until they just start to brown. Take out and transfer on to a cooling rack.