Chocolate Raspberry Shortbread Cookie Bars combine a buttery shortbread base, a rich chocolate layer, sweet raspberry jam, and a nutty crumb topping. These bars bake up soft, melty, and decadent with gorgeous pops of raspberry in every bite. If you love chocolate and fruit together, you’re about to make these on repeat.
Recipe Highlights
- Layers of flavor that feel bakery-level. The buttery shortbread melts into the chocolate layer, the raspberry jam brightens everything, and the nuts give just enough crunch to keep each bite interesting.
- Quick to assemble, no special tools needed. Everything mixes in basic bowls and bakes in a single pan, making these ideal for weekday baking or last-minute gatherings.
- Beautiful presentation with almost no effort. The jam peeking through the crumb topping and the scattered chocolate chips make these bars look much more complicated than they really are.
- Perfect for gifting and parties. They slice cleanly, pack well, and stay soft for days, so they’re great for cookie platters, potlucks, or holiday dessert tables.
- Chocolate + raspberry is always a win. The tartness from the raspberry cuts the richness of the chocolate in the best possible way.
Ingredients in Chocolate Raspberry Shortbread Cookie Bars
- Butter – Softened butter gives the shortbread its rich, tender texture and helps the crumb topping bake into a golden, slightly crunchy layer.
- Flour – Provides structure and creates that classic shortbread crumb.
- Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a warm caramel-like note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Salt – A tiny bit makes everything taste more balanced and brings forward the buttery flavor.
- Chocolate chips – These melt into a smooth, fudge-like layer and also add chocolate pops on top of the bars.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Transforms the melted chocolate into a thick, creamy filling that sets perfectly.
- Chopped nuts – Add a pleasant crunch that contrasts the soft filling. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds all work.
- Seedless raspberry jam – Adds the fruity swirl that makes these bars irresistible.
Tips & Tricks
Full instructions for making the recipe can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.
- Seedless jam is your friend. Without seeds, the jam spreads smoothly and creates those gorgeous ruby-red pockets throughout the bars.
- Parchment makes life easier. Line the pan with parchment if you want effortless lifting, slicing, and cleanup.
- Chill before slicing. Pop the cooled bars in the fridge for 20–30 minutes for razor-sharp edges and perfect squares.
- Swap the nuts freely. Almonds offer a lighter flavor, walnuts give more richness, and pecans add natural sweetness. You can even toast them first for extra depth.
- Try different jam flavors. Cherry, blackberry, apricot, and strawberry all work beautifully and completely change the vibe of the bars.
- Want thicker bars? Use a 9×9 pan and extend the baking time slightly for a more decadent, dense bar.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days. They stay soft, buttery, and delicious.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week for a firmer texture and extra-long freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Thaw slowly in the fridge to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use different chocolate?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor, milk chocolate makes the bars sweeter, and semi-sweet keeps everything balanced. Use whatever fits your vibe.
Do I have to add nuts?
Nope. You can keep the crumb topping nut-free or replace the nuts with extra crumb mixture. The bars will still bake up beautifully.
Can I double the chocolate layer?
Oh yes. If you want a richer bar, add extra chocolate chips and condensed milk for a thicker, fudgier center.
Can I use a smaller pan?
A 9×9 pan gives you tall, bakery-style bars. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time and check that the center is set.
Can I swirl the jam instead of dolloping it?
Definitely. Swirling the jam lightly through the crumb topping creates a beautiful marbled look.
More delicious cookie bar recipes to try:
- Classic cookie recipes are fantastic in cookie bar form. Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, Sugar Cookie Bars, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are easier to make than scooping out individual cookies.
- Don’t want to turn on the oven? These No-Bake Cookie Bars are super easy to make and everyone loves them!
- Some of our favorite cookie bar recipes have several layers. Twix Cookie Bars and Tagalong Cookie Bars are two of my most requested recipes – everyone who has tasted them just has to have the recipe!
With their layers of chocolate, raspberry, and buttery shortbread, Chocolate Raspberry Shortbread Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll make again and again.
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