If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect blend of buttery, crumbly texture with rich, fudgy chocolate, you are absolutely going to adore this Shortbread Brownies Recipe. This treat combines the best of both worlds: a delicate shortbread crust that melts in your mouth paired with a luscious, deep chocolate brownie layer. It’s a straightforward yet indulgent dessert that feels both classic and a little decadent, making it an absolute favorite for gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shortbread Brownies Recipe is all about simple, familiar ingredients that come together magically. Each component plays its part, from creating the buttery base to the chewy, chocolatey top layer, resulting in a treat that’s both satisfying and irresistible.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for shortbread: The foundation of that rich, crumbly crust everyone will rave about.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the shortbread layer.
- 1/2 cup softened vegan or unsalted butter: Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture and flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for crust): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs intense chocolate flavor into the brownie layer.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for brownies): Provides structure and chewiness to the brownies.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep brownies from being too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for brownies): Brings out the chocolate’s richness.
- 1/2 cup melted coconut or vegetable oil: Ensures moistness and a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweeter touch to balance with the cocoa bitterness.
- 1/4 cup milk of choice: Adds moisture and richness; dairy or plant-based both work beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or 1 egg: Keeps the recipe vegan-friendly or adds traditional binding if preferred.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the layers with warm and inviting aromatic notes.
- Optional 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts: Adds bursts of texture and flavor—totally optional but highly recommended!
How to Make Shortbread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C), which creates the perfect gentle heat for both the shortbread crust and brownie topping to bake evenly. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper—this step is key to making sure your brownies come out clean and ready to impress.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
Combine the 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and softened butter in a mixing bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the dough becomes crumbly yet sticks together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This crust will provide that signature buttery base that sets this recipe apart.
Step 3: Pre-Bake the Crust
Bake the pressed shortbread crust for about 12 minutes. This helps the crust firm up slightly and develop a subtle golden hue, which contrasts beautifully with the rich brownie layer later on. Letting this layer partially bake prevents sogginess and guarantees delightful texture.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients for Brownies
While the crust is baking, whisk together the cocoa powder, 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This blend is the chocolate powerhouse for the rich brownie topping you’ll pour over the crust.
Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the melted coconut or vegetable oil, sugar, milk of your choice, flaxseed (or egg), and vanilla extract. This wet mixture keeps your brownie layer moist and flavorful. Stir in the dry ingredients until you have a smooth, luscious batter.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-ins
If you want to up the indulgence factor, fold in chocolate chips or chopped walnuts here. These extras add texture and savory-sweet bursts to every bite.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the brownie batter evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re aiming for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with just a few moist crumbs—this keeps your brownies fudgy and soft.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the Shortbread Brownies Recipe to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This rest time helps the layers set perfectly, making cutting neat squares a breeze.
How to Serve Shortbread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These Shortbread Brownies shine on their own but topping them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can add an extra touch of elegance. Fresh berries provide a bright contrast and fresh flavor, making your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea alongside creates a cozy and complete dessert experience perfect for any season.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the brownies cut into bite-sized squares on a platter with different dipping sauces like raspberry coulis or salted caramel. You can also layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and berries for an impressively easy dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Shortbread Brownies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the shortbread crisp and the brownie layer rich and moist without drying out.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and they will taste just as fresh and delightful as the day you made them.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, heat brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the soft fudgy texture and buttery crust beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and your Shortbread Brownies Recipe will turn out just as stunning.
What if I don’t have flaxseed for the vegan option?
No worries! You can replace the flaxseed with a traditional egg if you’re not vegan. One large egg will do the trick and provide the same binding power.
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Yes, regular unsalted butter works perfectly and will give the shortbread crust an even richer flavor. Vegan butter keeps the recipe plant-based but both yield delicious results.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. When it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are perfectly baked – fudgy and not cake-like.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter adds wonderful texture and bursts of flavor, but they are optional depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that wonderfully balances buttery crispness with deep, fudgy chocolate, try this Shortbread Brownies Recipe. It’s simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and sure to become a new favorite whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a go—you won’t regret discovering this little slice of heaven.
Print
Shortbread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 34 minutes
- Total Time: 49 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Shortbread Brownies combine a buttery, crumbly shortbread base with a rich, fudgy vegan-friendly brownie topping. Featuring a decadent cocoa layer with optional chocolate chips or walnuts, this dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, baked to perfection in less than an hour. Ideal for a cozy treat or special occasion, these brownies can be easily customized to suit vegan preferences using flaxseed as an egg substitute.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (or 1 egg if not vegan)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don’t stick and are easy to remove.
- Make Shortbread Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup softened butter. Mix together until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring the butter is fully incorporated for a tender crust.
- Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this crust for 12 minutes to set and lightly brown it, creating a firm base for the brownies.
- Prepare Dry Brownie Ingredients: While the crust bakes, whisk together the cocoa powder, 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix melted oil, sugar, milk, ground flaxseed (or egg), and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will provide moisture and richness to the brownie layer.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined to form a thick brownie batter.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped walnuts if desired, adding extra texture and flavor to the brownies.
- Assemble and Bake Brownie Layer: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares. This ensures clean cuts and perfect texture.
Notes
- You can substitute regular unsalted butter for vegan butter if you are not strictly vegan.
- Ground flaxseed mixed with water is a great vegan alternative to eggs for binding.
- Feel free to swap milk of choice with almond, soy, or oat milk to suit dietary preferences.
- Adding chocolate chips or walnuts is optional but adds delicious texture and flavor complexity.
- Make sure the brownies cool completely before slicing to maintain their structure.
