Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened.
02 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar.
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2 cups all-purpose flour.
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1/4 teaspoon salt.
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
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2 cups leftover candy pieces (such as M&M's, chopped peanut butter cups, chopped candy bars, etc.).
07 -
Optional: 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate.
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 -
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the flour and salt to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
04 -
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake the shortbread for 25-30 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
06 -
Once the shortbread is cool, sprinkle the leftover candy pieces evenly over the top.
07 -
If using white chocolate, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Pour the melted white chocolate over the candy pieces. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set the white chocolate.
08 -
Use the overhanging parchment paper or foil to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into bars and serve.
# Notes:
01 -
The recipe is quite straightforward and beginner-friendly.
02 -
Leftover candies can be mixed for variety.
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The total time needed, including cooling, is under an hour.