Espresso Shortbread With Toffee (Print Version)
Buttery espresso-infused shortbread loaded with sweet toffee pieces, ideal for coffee lovers.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
02 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Mix-Ins
07 - 3/4 cup toffee bits
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
03 - Mix in the instant espresso powder and vanilla extract until well combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix just until the dough comes together.
05 - Fold in the toffee bits by hand, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
07 - Bake 16–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
08 - Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The espresso intensifies the butters natural sweetness without making these taste like coffee candy
- These cookies freeze beautifully so you can bake half now and keep dough ready for unexpected guests
02 -
- Overmixing the flour makes these tough so stop as soon as the dough forms
- The cookies continue firming up as they cool so do not overbake
03 -
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft or sticky to work with
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing so everything bakes evenly