Name: Espresso Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 226 g unsalted butter (1 cup), softened; Generous pinch of sea salt; 115 g caster sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp); 2 tsp instant coffee; 2 tsp hot water; 284 g all-purpose flour (2 ⅓ cups), spooned and leveled; 57 g cornstarch or rice flour (5 ½ tbsp), spooned and leveled; 1 tsp instant coffee; 226 g semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped or chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you adore the rich, bittersweet kick of coffee paired with buttery crumbly textures, then this Espresso Shortbread Cookies Recipe will become your new obsession. These cookies boast a perfectly tender bite infused with bold espresso flavor, making them irresistible for any coffee lover. Whether you’re craving a snack with your afternoon cup or looking for a charming homemade gift, these espresso shortbread cookies are the answer you’ve been searching for. Let me walk you through every delicious detail of how to make this delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a single mound of light tan dough with a slightly crumbly texture and small dark specks scattered throughout, sitting inside a clear glass bowl with a white marbled surface beneath. There are visible indentations and uneven marks on the dough, showing softness and slight roughness. No other layers or elements are present in the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let this list fool you; these simple yet essential ingredients each play a starring role in creating the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth magic of these cookies. From butter’s rich creaminess to the subtle caffeine punch of instant coffee, every component is carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and that iconic shortbread tenderness.

226 g unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened: The foundation of rich, creamy shortbread texture and flavor.
Generous pinch of sea salt: Enhances the buttery taste while balancing sweetness perfectly.
115 g caster sugar, ½ cup + 1 tbsp: Adds subtle sweetness and creates that delicate cookie crumb.
2 tsp instant coffee: Dissolved in hot water to infuse every bite with vibrant espresso flavor.
2 tsp hot water: Used to dissolve coffee granules for an even, smooth coffee essence.
284 g all-purpose flour, 2 ⅓ cups, spooned and leveled: Forms the tender but structured body of the cookies.
57 g cornstarch or rice flour, 5 ½ tbsp, spooned and leveled: Adds softness and delicate crumb; can substitute with more AP flour if needed.
1 tsp instant coffee: Stirred into the dough clumps for a second espresso boost.
226 g semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped or chips (optional): Perfect for dipping and adding a glossy, bittersweet finish.

How to Make Espresso Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso Extract and Cream the Butter

Start by dissolving 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 2 teaspoons of hot water, making your espresso coffee extract that will deeply flavor the dough. Then, in your mixer bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with a generous pinch of sea salt. Beat this mixture on medium speed using a paddle attachment until it turns smooth and lovely, about 2 to 4 minutes. This step is key for that iconic buttery texture, so be patient and watch your butter turn creamy.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Coffee Extract

Now mix in the caster sugar and the prepared coffee extract. Keep beating for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar fully integrates and the mixture looks light and creamy. This melding of sugar and butter sets the stage for the perfect cookie crumb and rich espresso flavor with every bite.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

On low speed, stir in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch carefully, just until the dough begins forming clumps. Over-mixing here is the enemy; a gentle touch ensures your cookies stay tender and not tough. Then, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of instant coffee directly onto the dough clumps and gently fold it in with a spatula or your hands for an extra espresso kick hidden within the dough.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Bring the dough clumps together by folding them over 2 to 3 times until you form a cohesive mass and flatten into a disc. Pop this disc inside an open gallon-size Ziploc bag on a smooth surface. Use a rolling pin to evenly press the dough through the bottom edge of the bag to form a roughly 10 x 10-inch square, about ⅜ inch thick. This clever technique keeps your workspace tidy and helps you roll out an evenly thick dough, critical for even baking. Seal the bag and place it on a baking sheet before chilling in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes, allowing the dough to firm up perfectly for cutting.

Step 5: Preheat, Cut, and Pierce the Dough

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the bag (carefully cut the bag open if needed) and trim the edges to tidy up your square. Cut the dough into 20 even pieces (4 by 5). Don’t forget to pierce each cookie piece 3 to 4 times with a fork—this step isn’t just tradition, it helps steam escape during baking and gives the classic shortbread look.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your cookies on the parchment-lined pans with about one inch of space between each. If the dough feels soft, pop the tray back in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill again to maintain shape while baking. Bake your espresso shortbread cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, watching closely as the edges just start to take on a light golden hue. Rotate pans halfway through if you’re using two racks. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely—this drying stage is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.

Step 7: Optional Chocolate Dip

Ready for a little extra indulgence? Line a sheet pan with parchment and chill it in the freezer for 30 minutes. Melt the bittersweet chocolate gently over a double boiler until mostly smooth, then remove from heat and stir to finish melting. Dip half of each cooled cookie in the warm chocolate and place on the chilled pan to set quickly. This chocolate-dipped version takes these cookies to dessert party superstar status!

How to Serve Espresso Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Several rectangular, light brown cookies with small dark specks are arranged in a neat grid on white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie shows a pattern of small holes in the center, adding texture to their smooth tops. The cookies are evenly spaced with slight imperfections around their edges, creating a uniform yet natural look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant finish. The contrast of the white or dark cocoa on the rich espresso color is visually stunning and adds a little extra flavor boost with every bite.

Side Dishes

These cookies are excellent companions to a freshly brewed espresso or a creamy cappuccino, echoing and intensifying the coffee notes. They also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or hot tea for those who want a different kind of relaxation moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them stacked on a decorative plate, tied with a rustic twine bow for gift-giving. You can also nestle them alongside biscotti or other coffee-flavored treats for a themed coffee bar setup. For a showstopper presentation, place chocolate-dipped cookies in mini cellophane bags with a personalized thank you tag.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your espresso shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and wonderfully crumbly for up to one week—perfect for making ahead of time for special occasions or treats.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in airtight containers separating layers with parchment paper. They can last in the freezer for several months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature to bring back that glorious buttery texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, pop a few in the oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This gently softens them while enhancing their buttery aroma, but avoid overbaking so they don’t lose their delicate crumb.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee in this Espresso Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

Instant coffee is preferable because it dissolves completely, ensuring an even coffee flavor without adding extra moisture. Using brewed coffee might alter the dough consistency, so if you want to experiment, reduce other liquids to compensate.

Is cornstarch necessary for these cookies?

Cornstarch lends a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the shortbread, but if you don’t have it, you can replace it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The cookies will still be delicious, though slightly less delicate.

What’s the best way to ensure even thickness when rolling the dough?

Rolling the dough inside an open Ziploc bag as described helps maintain an even thickness and prevents sticking. Using this method is a great trick to achieve uniform cookies that bake consistently.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend suited for cookies and ensure your cornstarch or rice flour is gluten-free, too. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delightful.

How can I store chocolate-dipped espresso shortbread cookies to keep the chocolate from melting?

Store them in a single layer in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator if your home is warm. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This will keep the chocolate intact without compromising the cookie’s texture.

Final Thoughts

These Espresso Shortbread Cookies Recipe are simply dazzling, combining buttery richness with a perfect espresso punch that coffee lovers will adore. They’re easy to make, infinitely satisfying, and versatile whether dipped in chocolate or enjoyed plain. I truly hope you try and savor each crumb of these delightful cookies—they just might become your next signature treat to bake for yourself and your loved ones!