Heavenly Espresso Shortbread Cookies | Mouthwatering Recipe

If you’re a fan of shortbread cookies and espresso, then you’ll love this recipe for Espresso Shortbread Cookies. These cookies are the perfect combination of buttery, crumbly shortbread with a flavorful espresso kick that will satisfy your cravings. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

The recipe requires simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. You’ll need flour, sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and espresso powder to make these delightful treats. The dough comes together quickly and can be made in advance so you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime you want.

What makes these espresso shortbread cookies special is the addition of Kahlua, which deepens the coffee flavor and creates a more complex taste profile. You can also dip them in dark chocolate for an extra decadent touch or add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate espresso chip version.

Whether you’re serving them with a hot cup of coffee or as a dessert, these cookies are sure to impress. So give them a try and experience the wonderful flavors of this Espresso Shortbread Cookie recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bite into a delicate, buttery cookie infused with the rich and bold flavors of espresso. Indulge in the deliciousness of our Espresso Shortbread Cookies that will tantalize your taste buds with each bite.

Our recipe is pure heaven for coffee lovers as it offers an unforgettable experience of the smoky aroma and intense flavor of espresso powder. It is perfect for all occasions, whether you’re craving a midday snack, serving guests, or wanting something sweet after dinner.

The combination of ingredients in this recipe creates a unique balance between the richness of butter and the bitterness of coffee, complemented by a hint of sweetness from granulated and powdered sugar, making these cookies irresistible to anyone’s palette. The use of Kahlua liqueur adds depth and dimension to the recipe, ultimately elevating its flavor profile.

These Espresso Shortbread Cookies are just one step away from being your new favourite treat. They are perfect for dunking in your morning brew, eating as a standalone snack, or even using as a base for an elegant dessert that will impress your guests. Try out our recipe and prepare to fall in love with its rich flavor and crumbly texture that marries perfectly with the boldness of coffee.

Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Espresso Shortbread Cookies:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) finely ground espresso powder
• 1/4 tsp (2g) sea salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup/226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract

Optional Flavorings:

• 1 tbsp Kahlúa or espresso liqueur
• 1 tbsp boiling water

Coating:

• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar

For Chocolate Dipped:

• 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped and melted
• Additional Espresso Powder for dusting on top, optional.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, cream 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter at room temperature with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp salt until light and fluffy, roughly 3-5 minutes. Then add 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp instant espresso powder, and continue to mix until well combined.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp espresso powder 1/4 tsp sea salt until evenly combined.

Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three increments. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 3: Knead and Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a clean working surface and knead until it forms a cohesive ball. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk and wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for no less than an hour.

Step 4: Preheat and Preapre

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 5: Roll Out

Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface until it is half an inch thick. Use cookie cutters of your choice to shape cookies.

Re-roll any scraps of dough to create more cookies.

Repeat this process with the other disc of dough.

Step 6: Bake

Place shaped cookies on lined baking sheets and bake for 10-15 mins or until the edges are lightly browned.

Cool completely before serving, pairing or storing.

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to put your own twist on our espresso shortbread recipe? Fear not, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to this delectable treat. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Flour: You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option or try swapping in some almond flour to add a nutty flavor to the cookies.

– Liquor: If you don’t have Kahlua on hand, feel free to substitute it with Baileys Irish Cream or another coffee-flavored liquor.

– Butter: Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but remember to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. You could also try using browned butter for a richer flavor.

– Sugar: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a richer taste. You could also try using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.

– Espresso Powder: If you don’t have instant espresso on hand, you can use strong brewed coffee that has been cooled down. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.

– Add-ins: You can add cocoa powder to turn these into chocolate espresso shortbread cookies, or chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts or almonds for extra crunch. For an extra chocolate hit, consider adding chocolate chips or dipping the cookies in melted dark chocolate.

Experiment with different substitutions and see which ones work for you. These options are great for creating new flavor profiles and making the recipe fit your preference. Have fun and get creative!

Serving and Pairing

These delightful espresso shortbread cookies are a delectable indulgence that can be paired with a wide range of foods and drinks. Their rich, buttery texture and subtle hint of espresso flavor make them perfect as an after-dinner treat or a midday snack.

To fully enjoy their delicate flavor, it is best to serve the cookies at room temperature with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

For those who love chocolate, try dipping the cookies in melted dark chocolate for a luxurious twist. These chocolate-dipped espresso shortbread cookies are ideal to serve at parties or as an elegant gift during the holiday season.

These cookies pair well with dark roasted coffee, vanilla bean ice cream, and even fruity red wines. If you are hosting a party or dinner, consider serving these sweet treats on a platter with fresh berries or sliced fruits like figs or apples.

In conclusion, the versatile and delicious flavors of espresso shortbread cookies allow them to be enjoyed in many forms and settings. They are perfect for afternoon tea, casual get-togethers, or even formal events when served with gourmet coffee or wine. Give them a try and trust me, you won’t regret it!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

These Espresso Shortbread Cookies benefit from extended resting periods, so it’s an ideal candidate for making ahead of time. The dough can be prepared up to a week in advance, wrapped tightly with cling wrap and refrigerated until ready to bake. Once the dough is shaped into a log, you can also freeze it for up to a month, so you’re always just minutes away from freshly baked cookies.

When baked, these cookies will last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best quality, add a slice of bread or an apple wedge to the container to act as a moisture absorber, preventing your cookies from getting stale.

To reheat previously baked cookies that may have lost their crispness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 3-4 minutes until the surface becomes slightly crispy again. Overheating the cookies could lead them to burn, so keep an eye on them.

One way to elevate this recipe even further is by dipping the cooled espresso shortbread in melted chocolate. If you decide to do this, store the chocolate-dipped cookies in a cool and dry place, as chocolate can melt at room temperature. Chocolate-dipped espresso shortbread cookies can last for up to 2-3 days when stored properly or refrigerated.

In summary, keeping these Espresso Shortbread Cookies fresh is easy: refrigerate or freeze the dough ahead of time or store baked treats in an airtight container with moisture absorbers. To bring the crispness back, bake for several minutes before serving. Can’t wait? Try dipping them in melted chocolate for added indulgence!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to baking the perfect espresso shortbread cookies, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference in the final product. As a barista with years of experience in crafting delicious pastries, I have learned some invaluable techniques to ensure that these cookies turn out perfect every time. Here are my top tips for baking the best espresso shortbread cookies possible:

1. Use high-quality ingredients – Investing in high-quality ingredients can significantly improve the flavor and texture of your cookies. Choose fresh unsalted butter, finely ground espresso powder, and pure vanilla extract for the best results.

2. Chill your dough – After mixing your dough, it’s essential to chill it before cutting into shapes. This will prevent the dough from sticking together and help it hold its shape while baking.

3. Roll out your dough evenly – Rolling out your dough evenly is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake uniformly. Use a rolling pin with guide rings or set up small dowels on either side of the dough as you roll it out.

4. Don’t over-bake – Over-baking will result in dry, crumbly cookies instead of tender, melt-in-your-mouth ones. Watch the oven carefully and remove them from the oven when they start turning golden brown around the edges.

5. Flavor variations – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors! Adding chocolate chips, drizzling melted chocolate or ganache on top, or even dipping them whole in dark chocolate can add an extra layer of deliciousness.

By following these simple tips and techniques, you should be well on your way to baking a batch of irresistible espresso shortbread cookies! So whether you’re making them for yourself or impressing a crowd, don’t skimp on quality ingredients or attention to detail when crafting this indulgent treat.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of rich, buttery cookies with a touch of coffee flavor, then this espresso shortbread cookies recipe is exactly what you need. With simple ingredients like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and instant espresso powder, these cookies are easy to make from scratch and have an irresistible taste.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can personalize it by adding chocolate chips or dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for added decadence. You can even use different variations of espresso powder or Kahlua liquor to experiment with different flavors.

By following the tips and instructions mentioned above, perfecting these cookies’ soft, crumbly texture is now within reach. You can store the baked goods up to five days in an airtight container or freeze the dough to enjoy later.

So why not give this smitten kitchen-inspired recipe a try? Not only will you delight in every bite of these little sandy delicacies with a caffeine kick, but you will also impress your guests with your baking prowess. What’s not to love about that?

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]