Perfect Espresso Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These Perfect Espresso Shortbread Cookies combine the rich, aromatic flavor of finely ground espresso beans with a tender, buttery shortbread texture. Featuring a subtle coffee kick balanced by a light sweetness, these cookies are ideal for coffee lovers seeking a delightful homemade treat. Simple to prepare and baked to a golden finish, they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon finely ground espresso beans
Sugars
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground espresso beans evenly to distribute the coffee flavor throughout the dough.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add vanilla and combine: Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix gently until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overwork it to maintain a tender crumb.
- Chill dough: Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. This step makes rolling easier and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for clean cookie shapes and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use finely ground espresso beans for the best balance of flavor and texture; instant espresso powder can be a substitute but may alter the texture slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle a small pinch of granulated sugar on top of the cookies before baking.
Keywords: espresso shortbread cookies, coffee cookies, buttery shortbread, homemade cookies, easy dessert
