Espresso Shortbread With Toffee (Printable)

Buttery espresso-infused shortbread loaded with sweet toffee bits for a perfect coffee companion.

# 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

# Directions:

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 coffee flavor is subtle enough for non-coffee drinkers but pronounced enough to satisfy espresso lovers
  • They have that perfect shortbread texture—meltingly tender with a slight crisp edge from the toffee
02 -
  • These cookies look underbaked when you take them out but firm up beautifully during the cooling time
  • The toffee bits can become extremely hot in the oven, so let them cool longer than you think before tasting
03 -
  • If your espresso powder has clumped, crush it with the back of a spoon before adding it to the dough
  • Room temperature ingredients make all the difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture