CANDY CANE SHORTBREAD BARS

Candy Cane Shortbread Bars image

I created these bars for my daughter, who loves peppermint. The buttery shortbread texture just melts in your mouth. It's a hit wherever I take it. -Susan Ciuffreda, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
BUTTERCREAM:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 drops red food coloring, optional
TOPPING:
9 ounces white baking chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
3/4 cup crushed candy canes (about 10 regular)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-in. baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides., In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and extract. Gradually beat in flour. Press evenly into prepared pan., Bake 16-19 minutes or until edges are brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack., In a bowl, combine buttercream ingredients; beat until smooth. Spread over shortbread. Carefully spread white chocolate over top. Sprinkle with candy canes; let stand until set., Lifting with parchment, remove shortbread from pan. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 97mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.