• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
    • Press
    • Privacy Policy
    • Photo Use Policy
    • Media
    • Podcast
    • Videos
  • Pro Tips
    • Resources
    • Blogging
      • How to Start a Blog
    • My Presets
  • Recipes
    • Recipes by Season
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Fall
      • Easter
      • Summer
    • Meals
      • Breakfast
      • Side dish
      • Appetizers
      • Dinner
      • Dessert
    • Special Diets
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Healthy recipes
      • Keto
      • Paleo
      • Sugar free
      • Mediterranean Diet
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Ingredients
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Popular
      • American Recipes
      • Baking
      • Bread
      • Cookies
      • Sourdough
      • Slow cooker
      • Soup
    • Recipe Stories
  • Italy
    • Italian Baking
    • Italian Recipes
    • Italian Travel
    • Italian Language
  • Pasta Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
    • Freebies
      • Lightroom Filter Freebie
      • Packing List Freebie
      • Content Scheduler Freebie

Savoring Italy logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Italy
  • Resources
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Italy
    • Resources
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    February 6, 2021 American Recipes

    Easy Espresso Shortbread Cookies

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Espresso Shortbreads- Crisp shortbread cookies made with espresso and a luscious chocolate icing are the perfect treat for your sweetheart! These little treats are so simple to make and are sure to please the coffee lover in your life. The espresso flavor is subtle but definitely noticeable, adding a hint of complexity to the traditional shortbread cookie.

    overhead image of espresso shortbreads on a baking rack

    You know that February is the month that I want to make every thing I cook and bake heart shaped! It was the perfect moment to make these adorable Espresso Shortbreads I've been craving since Christmas time.

    Originally published February 2016 and updated on January 18, 2023. I thought you would enjoy these very easy to make cookies for your Valentine!

    It really wasn't that long ago since I enjoyed these delights, but it was time to get them made in cute heart shapes for all my sweet hearts! We arrived at my family's adorable home in Ohio to my cousin taking trays and trays of cookies out of the oven. I felt almost as if I had arrived in a bakery.

    There were chocolate chip cookies and thumbprint cookies being baked on this day. My cousin, quite the avid baker, was taking each tray out with swift precision and ease and placing them throughout the kitchen to cool so she could add more to the oven. There were also ricotta cookies and chocolate crinkle cookies.

    But the cookie that I fell in love with were her espresso shortbreads!I have been told by some family members that I drink way too much espresso. Like, way too much!

    And I always come to my own defense explaining I only have my espresso in the morning and then one in the afternoon to pick me up a little. Don't most people drink American coffee all day long in the office?

    Contents hide
    1 Why you'll love these espresso cookies?
    2 What ingredients do you need?
    3 Why are shortbreads called shortbreads?
    4 How to make these easy shortbread cookies?
    5 Do you need eggs in this recipe?
    6 Are shortbread cookies the same as butter cookies?
    7 Expert Tips
    8 Some other cookie recipes to enjoy:
    9 Espresso Shortbreads
    9.1 Ingredients
    9.2 Instructions
    9.3 Nutrition

    Why you'll love these espresso cookies?

    • They have a deep and rich flavor that will surely impress your taste buds.
    • The espresso is subtle, adding just the right amount of complexity to the classic shortbread cookie.
    • They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
    • The chocolate icing adds an extra special touch and makes them really indulgent.

    What ingredients do you need?

    • cold unsalted butter- make sure the butter is room temperature
    • confectioner's sugar- makes the cookie soft and tender
    • salt-brings out the flavor of the other ingredients
    • espresso or coffee or tea decaf or regular- this is what gives the cookie a coffee flavor
    • vanilla extract-adds flavor
    • all-purpose flour
    • cocoa powder
    overhead image of espresso cookies on a rack

    Why are shortbreads called shortbreads?

    Well, I did. I guess I'm a cooking/baking nerd because I like to know more about the background of dishes and their names. I'm not usually content just baking or cooking it. I like to be at a dinner party with friends and impress them with the history of the name shortbreads...don't you???

    How to make these easy shortbread cookies?

    • In a small bowl, add the cocoa powder to the flour by whisking it together; set aside. Using a paddle attachment on your mixer on low speed, beat the butter and confectioner's sugar until smooth, about 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in the espresso, vanilla, and salt and beat until combined.
    • Add the flour/cocoa powder mixture and mix on low speed until combined (about 3 minutes), making sure not to overmix the dough.
    • Dump the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disk. Chill for 30-60 minutes (or until the dough is firm enough to work with).
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure you're rolling it out evenly so the cookies will bake evenly.
    • Using a heart or other shape cookie cutter, cut out shapes as close to one another as possible. Use the scraps to roll out and cut more cookie shapes. Chill dough a little bit more if it becomes sticky. Arrange the cookies on two parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate until chilled, at least 20 minutes.
    • Preheat oven to 350 F.
    image of heart shaped cookies stacked up

    Well, anyway, this is what I found out on a cool blog called British Food History...shortbreads were made all the way back in the 12th century and they used to be made from leftover bread dough that was sweetened and dried out. The word short means there is a lot of butter used to make them. So if you use the word short in describing biscuits or pastry, it means crumbly, because you are using loads of butter!

    Do you need eggs in this recipe?

    To use eggs or not? The recipe I found recently The Chicago Tribune did have eggs. Every other recipe I've ever used or seen has not had eggs. I think either way, they are delightful! Can they truly be a shortbread if they have eggs?

    According to George Read’s 1854 book The complete biscuit and gingerbread baker’s assistant, they do have eggs. These are the list of shortbread ingredients from his book:1 ¼ lb. of flour, ½ lb. of sugar, ½ lb. of butter, 3 eggs, ¼ oz. of volatile salts…a little essence of lemon.

    Are you shaking your head as I was wondering what in the world are volatile salts?? They were smelling salts and they were used as a leavening agent!

    Are shortbread cookies the same as butter cookies?

    While butter cookies still have a high proportion of butter, the amount of flour and sugar is increased, which means they will hold their shape better than a shortbread.

    So if you're wondering what sort of a cookie you should use for cutouts, sugar cookies have the highest ratio of flour to fat, giving a sturdier dough that makes it easier to work with.

    The large amount of butter is what makes shortbread short: the term short, when applied to cookies and pastry, means crumbly, like shortcrust pastry should be. This is explains why the fat added to biscuits and pastries is called shortening.

    image of heart shaped cookies with chocolate icing

    Much better than the typical hot and humid air we get here in FL. These cookies are super easy to put together.

    Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

    Absolutely! To make up for the weaker taste of espresso powder, add an extra teaspoon to guarantee a delicious cup.

    What to do if your dough gets too warm

    As I prepared the cookies, there were instances where the dough became too warm. As a reminder, it is ideal for them to be cold when baking so that they come out perfectly. In case this happens while you're working with your cookie dough, place it back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before continuing on.

    What is the difference between a shortbread cookie and a Scottish shortbread cookie?

    A regular shortbread cookie is made with butter, sugar, and flour. Scottish shortbread usually has a higher ratio of butter to dry ingredients, resulting in an even richer flavor. It also typically uses rice flour or cornstarch which gives it a more melt-in-your-mouth texture.

    Expert Tips

    • I melted a little Nutella that I had on hand and after the cookies cooled, I smeared some on and sprinkled on some Maldon salt to make it sparkly and pretty.
    • Make sure you measure out the flour correctly: spoon it into the measuring cup, not scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour will make for tough cookies.
    • Bake for 13-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges and no longer wet in the center. Let cool completely before icing (if desired).
    • You could skip the Nutella part (but why would you??)and you could sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles or turbinado sugar if you don't have the salt. Valentine's is right around the corner...bake these for your sweethearts!!

    Some other cookie recipes to enjoy:

    • Italian Rainbow Cookies
    • World Peace Cookies
    • Chocolate Crackle Cookies
    • Sicilian S Cookies

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below:)

    Please Subscribe and give a follow on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok xx

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Espresso Shortbreads

    Crisp shortbread cookies made with espresso and a luscious chocolate icing are the perfect treat for your sweetheart!
    Prep Time40 mins
    Cook Time13 mins
    Total Time53 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Cookies
    Servings: 4 dozen
    Calories: 268kcal
    Author: Lora

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup 8 oz. cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
    • ½ cup confectioner's sugar
    • ½ tsp. table salt
    • 2 Tbs. espresso or coffee or tea decaf or regular
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2-¼ cups all-purpose flour
    • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, add the cocoa powder to the flour by whisking it together; set aside. Using a paddle attachment on your mixer on low speed, beat the butter and confectioner's sugar until smooth, about 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in the espresso, vanilla, and salt and beat until combined.
    • Add the flour/cocoa powder mixture and mix on low speed until combined (about 3 minutes), making sure not to overmix the dough.
    • Dump the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disk. Chill for 30-60 minutes (or until the dough is firm enough to work with).
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure you're rolling it out evenly so the cookies will bake evenly.
    • Using a heart or other shape cookie cutter, cut out shapes as close to one another as possible. Use the scraps to roll out and cut more cookie shapes. Chill dough a little bit more if it becomes sticky. Arrange the cookies on two parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate until chilled, at least 20 minutes.
    • Preheat oven to 350 F.
    • Bake the cookies until golden on the bottom and edges and pale to golden on top, 13-18 minutes.
    • Cool and spread on some melted chocolate or Nutella. Add Maldon salt or sprinkles.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!
    « Salted Caramel Brownies
    Anadama Bread - A Comforting Bread to Make with Pantry Ingredients »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cristina says

      April 09, 2019 at 9:02 pm

      Ciao Lora. So that is why pasta frolla is called ‘short crust pastry’ interesting. The cookies look yummy! I make an espresso shortbread cookie too, but the recipe is quite different and uses powdered espresso. I like the idea of using actual caffè. Ciao, Cristina

      Reply
      • Lora says

        April 14, 2019 at 7:39 am

        Ciao Cristina! I saw quite a few recipes that use powdered espresso but thought I wanted to give it a little extra kick;) Buona Domenica!!

    2. Katyy says

      January 23, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      How much vanilla?? It's not in the ingredient list but is in the written instructions. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Lora says

        January 23, 2022 at 9:55 pm

        Hi Katyy-I added that in the ingredients (sorry about that!) It's 1 teaspoon. Happy Baking! XX

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    lora and gabby

    Welcome to our Italian kitchen! We are Lora and Gabriella, the mother-daughter team behind Savoring Italy. With more than 30+ years of experience in the kitchen, Lora has had a great advantage – receiving guidance from both her husband who is an executive chef/restaurant owner and her mother who is a renowned private chef. 

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Best Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms (Mushroom Risotto)
    • Authentic Italian Cheesecake Recipe with Ricotta and Mascarpone
    • Best Cherry Tomato Confit Recipe
    • penna arrabiata overhead shot
      Easy Penne all' Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe)

    Pasta

    • spaghetti algio e olio
      Easy Garlic and Oil Pasta (Spaghetti Aglio e Olio)
    • pasta amatriciana
      Easy Pasta Amatriciana (Roman Recipe)
    • cacio e pepe overhead with red wine on the side.
      Authentic & Easy Cacio e Pepe (4 ingredients)
    • traditional spaghetti alla carbonara
      Traditional Spaghetti alla Carbonara

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Photo Use Policy
    • Podcast
    • Press
    • Videos

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Savoring Italy