Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies with a Bold Coffee Kick

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Author: Catherine
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Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies with a Bold Coffee Kick

Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies with a Bold Coffee Kick are the perfect addition to your dessert repertoire, combining the rich flavors of coffee with the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread. This delightful treat is not only delicious but also incredibly straightforward to make. In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to whip up a batch of these cookies that will impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies are fantastic for several reasons. First, they capture the essence of coffee lovers’ dreams, delivering a lovely espresso flavor that isn’t too overpowering. The combination of granulated and powdered sugars ensures the cookies are sweet without being cloying, while the buttery texture makes them irresistibly delectable.

Furthermore, this recipe is simple to follow, making it a great choice for both experienced bakers and those who are just starting. The ingredients are pantry staples, and you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite chocolate chunks or nuts. They also make a wonderful addition to coffee breaks or holiday gatherings, ensuring everyone will reach for just one more!

Ingredients

To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely ground espresso beans
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be able to create rich, buttery cookies infused with a bold coffee kick.

Step-by-Step Directions

Here’s how to make your Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies with a Bold Coffee Kick:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground espresso beans. This combination will give your cookies an aromatic base.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-the-mouth texture.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract to add a delightful depth of flavor.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
  6. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to work with.
  7. Roll the chilled dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to shape them into fun designs.
  8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  9. Allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma of buttery coffee goodness, and your cookies are ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

  • Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra twist.
  • Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to roll out, it’s okay to chill it a bit longer.
  • Customize Shapes: Use seasonal cookie cutters to create festive shapes for holidays or celebrations.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies pair wonderfully with:

  • A warm cup of your favorite coffee or espresso.
  • A glass of cold milk for a delightful contrast.
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
  • Serve them on a beautiful platter during gatherings, alongside other cookies or desserts.

Nutritional Information

For those conscious about nutrition, here’s a general breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 1g

Storing Tips & Variations

To keep your Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies fresh:

  • Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well—just layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking!
  • Variations: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for unique twists.

Conclusion

Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies with a Bold Coffee Kick are not only a delicious treat but also a fantastic way to elevate your baking game. Perfect for enjoying with family and friends or indulging solo with a perfect cup of coffee, these cookies are truly a must-try. Make sure to follow the recipe step-by-step, and savor each buttery bite with the bold essence of coffee.

FAQs

  1. Can I use decaffeinated espresso beans?
    Yes! Feel free to substitute decaf espresso beans if you prefer a caffeine-free option.

  2. What if I don’t have espresso beans?
    You can use finely ground coffee instead, but the flavor may be slightly different.

  3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it’s designed for baking.

  4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
    The edges should be lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as over-baking can result in a crumbly texture.

  5. Can I add chocolate to the dough?
    Yes! Mixing in chocolate chips or chunks would add a delightful sweetness to your cookies. Just adjust the sugar accordingly.

Now that you have all the tips, techniques, and tasty details about Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies with a Bold Coffee Kick, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy this delectable treat that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Print

Buttery Espresso Shortbread Cookies with a Bold Coffee Kick

Delicious shortbread cookies infused with a bold espresso flavor, combining a melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich coffee goodness.

  • Author: catherine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely ground espresso beans
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and espresso beans.
  3. In another bowl, beat the butter with granulated and powdered sugars until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
  6. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Roll the chilled dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and use cookie cutters to shape them.
  8. Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
  9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or chocolate chips. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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