Description
Experience the perfect blend of rich espresso and buttery shortbread in these delightful Espresso Shortbread Cookies. Crisp, tender, and flavorful, these cookies are an elegant treat for coffee lovers and a great companion to your afternoon tea or coffee breaks.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons finely ground espresso or instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together using a mixer or by hand until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Espresso and Vanilla: Mix in the finely ground espresso powder and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with the coffee flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture delicate.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap these logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier slicing.
- Slice and Arrange Cookies: Once chilled, slice the dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them evenly spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn just lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked but still tender inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their crisp texture.
Notes
- For an extra espresso kick, sprinkle a little additional espresso powder on top of the cookies before baking.
- Consider dipping the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for a decadent and flavorful twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
