If you love the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the buttery delight of shortbread cookies, then this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. These Coffee Shortbread Cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a delightful treat to enjoy with your morning cup of coffee. The rich, slightly bitter note of coffee perfectly complements the sweet and crumbly texture of the shortbread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into how to whip up these delicious Coffee Shortbread Cookies in your own kitchen.
**Coffee Shortbread Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: melted dark chocolate for drizzling
**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Dissolve the instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of hot water, then add it to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well to evenly distribute the coffee flavor.
3. Sift in the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into cookies.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
8. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional: Melt some dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.
10. Serve your Coffee Shortbread Cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite tea, and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors.
These Coffee Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat for coffee enthusiasts and cookie lovers alike. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering with friends or simply want to indulge in a special treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. The subtle coffee flavor, paired with the buttery richness of the shortbread, creates a truly irresistible combination that will have you coming back for more. Try out this recipe and add a touch of coffee-infused bliss to your baking adventures.
