Oh wow, let me tell you about these *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars*! They’re like a little slice of sunshine, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that just begs for a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon. The buttery goodness pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart flavor of dried apricots, making them an irresistible treat.
remember the first time I made these bars; the whole house smelled like a bakery, and my neighbors couldn’t resist popping over to see what was baking. I love how simple they are to whip up, yet they feel so special! You really can’t go wrong with a dessert that’s both comforting and a bit fancy at the same time. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars
Making these *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars* is a breeze, and I promise, the process is just as enjoyable as the end result! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust we all love.
Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s super smooth and fluffy. This will give your bars that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once that’s done, it’s time to add in the flour, salt, finely chopped dried apricots, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overdo it, or your bars might lose that tender crumb!
Now, take the dough and press it evenly into a greased baking pan. Make sure it’s spread out nicely to ensure even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help them hold their shape. And there you have it! Your very own batch of buttery apricot goodness ready to share—or not!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, chopped dried apricots, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Press the dough into a greased baking pan evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—these bars come together in just 15 minutes!
- Delightful flavor that balances buttery richness with the sweet-tart notes of apricots.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy to make ahead of time and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- They cut beautifully into squares, making them an elegant treat for any dessert table.
- Every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving more!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to have an idea of what’s in your treats, right? Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these are just general estimates. For each *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bar*, you can expect the following:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
So there you have it! These buttery bars are definitely a delicious indulgence, but with a bit of sweetness and some fruitiness from the apricots, they can feel a little less guilty. Enjoy them as a treat, and don’t forget to share—if you can resist eating them all yourself!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars* turn out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature—this helps it cream smoothly with the sugar, resulting in that lovely fluffy texture we crave. If your butter’s too cold, it won’t mix well, and you might end up with dense bars.
When you add the flour and other ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your bars tough, and we definitely want them to be tender! Also, be careful not to skip the cooling step before cutting—this helps them hold their shape and makes for prettier squares. Trust me, they’ll be worth the wait!
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or even some orange zest for a fresh twist. And if you want to get a little fancy, drizzle some melted chocolate on top after they cool. Yum! These little tweaks can make your bars even more delightful. Enjoy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up these delicious *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long, of course! If you want to keep them even longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about two weeks.
Now, if you find yourself with some bars that have been chilling in the fridge and you want to bring back that fresh-baked vibe, don’t worry! Just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before enjoying. This little warm-up will help soften them up again, making every bite just as delightful as the first.
If you’re in the mood for a warm treat, you can also microwave them for about 10–15 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it! You want them warm, not hot and gooey. Trust me, a slightly warmed *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bar* paired with a cup of tea is pure bliss. Enjoy every crumb!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
While fresh apricots are delicious, I recommend using dried apricots for this recipe. They add a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that really complements the buttery shortbread. If you do decide to experiment with fresh apricots, be sure to adjust the quantity and maybe even reduce some of the moisture in the dough!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars* gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like the powdered sugar, are also gluten-free. They may not be quite as tender, but they’ll still be packed with flavor!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges of the bars. They should turn a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s too wet, they need a few more minutes. Remember, they’ll firm up a bit as they cool!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts would make a fantastic addition to the *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars*. Just fold them into the dough along with the chopped apricots for added crunch and flavor. Yum!
How should I cut the bars for serving?
I find that using a sharp knife works best, especially if you give it a little warm-up in hot water before slicing. This makes cutting through the buttery goodness a breeze, ensuring you get nice, clean squares. Just remember to let them cool completely before cutting to keep their shape!
Serving Suggestions
These *Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars* are incredibly versatile and can shine at any occasion! Picture this: a sunny afternoon picnic with friends, and you’ve brought along these delightful bars. They’re perfect for sharing and will surely impress everyone with their buttery richness and fruity flavor. Or maybe you’re hosting a cozy book club? These bars paired with a steaming cup of herbal tea create the ultimate comforting vibe.
They’re also a fantastic dessert option for holiday gatherings, like Thanksgiving or Christmas—just cut them into festive shapes and sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a lovely touch! And don’t forget about potlucks; they’re easy to transport and will disappear in no time. Honestly, whether it’s brunch, dessert, or just a sweet snack, these bars are a delightful addition to any spread. Enjoy them anytime, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Print
Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars: Bake 1 Irresistible Batch
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Delicious buttery shortbread bars with apricot flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add flour, salt, apricots, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Press the dough into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed within a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars