The Ultimate Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sweet remnants of holiday joy transform into delectable leftover candy shortbread bars that promise pure indulgence.

Buttery, crumbly shortbread serves as the perfect canvas for those forgotten chocolate treats lurking in your pantry.

Chocolate chips, caramel bits, and crushed candies meld into a decadent layer atop the golden shortbread base.

Each bite brings a delightful surprise of unexpected flavor combinations.

Rich, crisp, and incredibly simple to prepare, these bars rescue those lonely candy pieces from potential waste.

You’ll savor every crumbly, sweet morsel of this ingenious dessert.

Let these bars become your delicious solution to post-holiday candy overflow.

Shortbread Tips from the Test Kitchen

• Break leftover candy into small, even pieces to ensure uniform distribution and prevent large, hard chunks in your shortbread bars.
• Refrigerate the shortbread dough for 10-15 minutes before pressing into the pan to achieve a more compact and crisp texture.
• Select white chocolate chips that melt smoothly and avoid brands prone to seizing or becoming grainy when heated.
• Watch the shortbread closely during baking, as the low temperature requires careful monitoring to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without overcooking.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their crisp texture.

Mix & Match Ideas for Shortbread Bar Flavors

• Gluten-Free Shortbread: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic buttery texture.
• Vegan Candy Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based candy alternatives like dark chocolate chunks or vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and use sugar-free candies to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly shortbread bar.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Mix cocoa powder into the dough and top with melted dark chocolate and chocolate candy pieces for an intensely rich chocolate experience.

Fun Ways to Serve Up Candy Shortbread Bars

• Candy Crush Delight: Sprinkle chopped candy pieces across the top for a colorful, sweet crunch that adds texture and excitement to each bite.
• Sweet Drizzle Finish: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars to create an elegant, gourmet-looking dessert that elevates the simple shortbread.
• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves for a stunning dessert centerpiece that will impress guests.
• Gifting Goodness: Package cooled bars in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a homemade treat perfect as a hostess gift or sweet surprise for friends and family.

How to Store Candy Shortbread

• Store leftover candy shortbread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to restore softness. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.

FAQs

• What candy works best for this recipe?

Chocolate bars, chocolate-covered candies, and hard candies like peppermints or butterscotch are perfect. Soft or chewy candies might not provide the best texture.

• Can I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe.

• How do I know when the shortbread is done baking?

Look for light golden brown edges and a set center. The shortbread should be firm but not dark brown. It will continue to firm up while cooling.

• Do I need any special equipment?

You’ll need an 8-inch square baking pan, parchment paper or aluminum foil, mixing bowl, and basic baking tools like a mixer or whisk.

Reasons to Love Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars

• Transform extra candy into a mouthwatering shortbread treat that gives new life to holiday or special occasion sweets.
• Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe perfect for novice bakers wanting to create something impressive without complex techniques.
• Versatile recipe allows customization with different candy types, ensuring everyone finds a flavor they love while enjoying a homemade sweet snack.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up these delectable bars with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients to Transform Leftover Candy Bars

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the shortbread bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, crumbly shortbread base.
• Flour: The main structural component that gives the shortbread its classic texture and form.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the shortbread.

• Leftover Candy Pieces: Adds a fun and colorful twist to the classic shortbread, creating a unique and personalized dessert.
• White Chocolate Chips: Provides a smooth, creamy coating that helps secure the candy pieces and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Equipment Checklist for Candy Shortbread Bars

• Baking Pan (8-inch square): Essential for creating perfectly shaped shortbread bars.
• Parchment Paper Or Aluminum Foil: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing dough.
• Electric Mixer Or Whisk: Helps create light, fluffy butter and sugar mixture.
• Measuring Cups And Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for melting white chocolate smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting bars into clean, even pieces.

Steps for Delicious Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space

Grab your 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing extra edges to hang over.

This will make lifting your bars super easy later.

Set your oven to warm up at 300F (150C).

Step 2: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and fluffy.

Your goal is a smooth, airy texture that looks like soft clouds.

Step 3: Form Magical Shortbread Dough

Gently fold flour and salt into your butter mixture.

Keep mixing until the dough starts to come together and forms a cohesive, crumbly texture.

Don’t overmix – just blend until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Shape Your Delicious Foundation

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan.

Use your fingertips to create a smooth, uniform layer that will become the delectable base of your bars.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautiful light golden color.

The edges should look slightly crisp and the center firm.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Allow the shortbread to cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, sprinkle your favorite leftover candy pieces across the surface.

Think colorful, crunchy, and delightful!

Step 7: Add Luxurious Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Zap in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure smooth melting.

Drizzle the silky chocolate over your candy-covered shortbread.

Step 8: Chill and Slice

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Once firm, lift out using the parchment paper edges.

Slice into bars and prepare for a taste sensation!

Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Delightful leftover candy shortbread bars offer a sweet solution for post-holiday treats. Crumbly, buttery shortbread meets chopped chocolate bars, creating a simple dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups leftover candy pieces (such as M&M’s, chopped peanut butter cups, chopped candy bars, etc.)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend for effortless removal. Preheat the oven to 300F (150C).
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until achieving a pillowy, aerated consistency with a pale, creamy texture.
3. Gently incorporate flour and salt into the butter mixture, blending until the dough coheres into a uniform mass.
4. Distribute the dough evenly across the prepared pan, using fingertips or a spatula to create a smooth, compact layer.
5. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn a delicate golden hue and the surface appears set.
6. Allow the shortbread to cool completely within the pan, enabling it to firm up and stabilize.
7. Artfully scatter leftover candy pieces across the cooled shortbread surface, ensuring consistent distribution.
8. For the white chocolate drizzle, utilize a microwave-safe container to melt chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until achieving a silky, glossy consistency.
9. Cascade the molten white chocolate over the candy-studded surface, creating an elegant, marbled effect.
10. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes to solidify the chocolate and set the topping.
11. Utilize the extended parchment edges to extract the shortbread from the pan, then slice into precise, rectangular bars for serving.

Notes

• Choose high-quality butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Chill the dough for 15 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent spreading and ensure clean, crisp edges during baking.
• Mix different candy types for a colorful, surprising flavor profile that makes each bite unique and exciting.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts when serving the bars, preventing crumbling and maintaining a professional presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg