Chocolate chunk salted shortbread

A novel method for a traditional biscuit, the shortbread dough is rolled into logs then cut in rounds and baked, with the exterior rolled in sugar and the tops sprinkled with salt flakes.

Credit: Adam Liaw

• serves

  10

• prep

  20 minutes

• cook

  15 minutes

• difficulty

  Easy

Ingredients

• 225 g unsalted butter, softened
• 110 g (½ cup) caster sugar
• 60 g (¼ cup) light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 375 g (2 ½ cups) plain flour
• 170 g good-quality bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped into chunks
• demerara sugar, for rolling
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• flaked sea salt, for sprinkling

Resting time: 15 minutes

Chilling time: 2 hours

Instructions

1. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, caster sugar, light brown sugar and vanilla paste on medium-high speed for 3–5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Reduce the speed to low, then slowly add the flour, followed by the chocolate chunks and beat until just combined.
2. Divide the dough in half, placing each half on a large piece of plastic wrap. Fold the plastic over so that it covers the dough to protect your hands from getting sticky. Using your hands, form the dough into a log shape; rolling it on the counter will help you smooth it out (you can also do this using baking paper). Each half should form two logs about 5-7 cm in diameter. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until totally firm.
3. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Place the demerara sugar on a tray.
4. Unwrap the logs, then brush all over with the beaten egg. Roll the logs in the demerara sugar, then slice each log into 1.5 cm-thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking trays about 2 cm apart and sprinkle with a little flaked salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown. Remove from the oven and stand on the trays for 15 minutes to cool slightly.

 

Photography by Adam Liaw.

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Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.