Citrus Delight Shortbread Bars
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess with these Citrus Delight Shortbread Bars. A delectable twist on the classic shortbread, this recipe features the refreshing flavors of orange and a hint of liqueur, complemented by the chewy texture of dried fruits. Unlike traditional shortbread, this variation promises a soft and moist bite, making it more like a delightful bar cookie. Ideal for gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can choose to finish these bars with a luscious glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness. Even if you're a novice baker, this approachable recipe requires minimal effort but yields stunning results that are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange
1-2 (Juice and zest (1/4 cup juice, 1 tablespoon zest))
Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon
Dried apricot
1/4 cup (Diced)
Dried sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup
Butter
1 cup (Melted (no substitutions))
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
Powdered sugar
1/2 cup
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
All-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
Cake flour
1 cup
White chocolate chips
1/2 cup
Powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (Sifted for glaze)
Orange zest
1 teaspoon (For glaze)
Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon (For glaze)
Fresh squeezed orange juice
2-3 tablespoons (For glaze)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Delight Shortbread Bars?
These are a delectable twist on traditional shortbread bars, featuring refreshing orange flavors, a hint of liqueur, and chewy dried fruits.
How do these bars differ from traditional shortbread?
Unlike traditional shortbread which is crumbly, these bars have a soft and moist bite, giving them a texture more similar to a bar cookie.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The main flavors are citrusy orange, sweet vanilla, and a subtle hint of orange liqueur.
Can I make these bars without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the Cointreau or Grand Marnier with additional fresh orange juice if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
What type of liqueur is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Cointreau or Grand Marnier for the best citrus profile.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
No, the recipe specifically states to use melted butter with no substitutions for the best results.
What dried fruits are included in the bars?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of diced dried apricots and 1/4 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
What is the texture of these shortbread bars?
They have a soft, moist, and chewy texture due to the combination of sugars and dried fruits.
Do I need fresh oranges for this recipe?
Yes, you will need 1 to 2 oranges to provide 1/4 cup of fresh juice and 1 tablespoon of zest for the dough.
What types of flour are used?
The recipe uses a blend of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of cake flour for a delicate crumb.
Is there a glaze for these bars?
Yes, there is an optional luscious glaze made from powdered sugar, orange zest, liqueur, and fresh orange juice.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Absolutely, it is described as an approachable recipe that requires minimal effort but yields stunning results.
Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
While you can omit them, the 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips adds a lovely sweetness and texture to the bars.
How much orange zest is used in the dough?
The dough requires 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
How much orange juice is needed for the dough?
You will need 1/4 cup of orange juice for the shortbread base.
What sugars are used in the dough?
The dough uses a combination of 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
What is the purpose of the cake flour?
Cake flour helps give the bars a softer, more tender bite compared to using only all-purpose flour.
How should I prepare the dried apricots?
The dried apricots should be diced into small pieces before being added to the mixture.
What ingredients are in the optional glaze?
The glaze consists of 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1 tablespoon liqueur, and 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice.
Can I use these bars for a party?
Yes, they are described as an ideal treat for gatherings and parties.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What is the preparation for the orange zest in the glaze?
You should use 1 teaspoon of orange zest specifically for the glaze topping.
Does the butter need to be room temperature?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of melted butter.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are 15 ingredients total including the components for the glaze.
Are the cranberries sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifies using dried sweetened cranberries.
Is the glaze mandatory?
No, you can choose to finish the bars with the glaze for extra sweetness, but they are also delicious without it.
Can I use orange juice from a carton?
While you can, fresh squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best citrus flavor.
What kind of brown sugar should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Why are they called bar cookies in the description?
They are called bar cookies because their moist and soft texture is more characteristic of a bar than a traditional dry shortbread.
What is the best way to zest the orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.