coffee shortbread

coffee shortbread – with a (literal) twist!

coffee shortbread on wood board with orange zest and mug of coffee

This coffee shortbread? My new favorite version of this classic cookie.

I’ve made many shortbreads here, and you’ll find that I always add a “twist” – be it chocolate, orange, lime or rose.

This is because straight-up shortbread is very rich (like, VERY rich) and a bit one-note. Not that there’s anything wrong with a cookie composed of copious amounts of butter and sugar, but the addition of the right flavor can add a lot.

And since you know how much I love all things coffee-flavored I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to try a coffee shortbread! And it did NOT disappoint, in addition to making my kitchen smell amazing.

I added some orange zest to evoke the way espresso is often served in classic Italian cafes – with a twist of lemon or orange. The citrus is subtle and beautifully enhances the richness of the coffee flavor.

This shortbread is buttery, crumbly and full of coffee flavor – and nice and sturdy too, so perfect for shipping to a coffee-loving friend or loved one for the holidays.

Let me know if you make it, and tag me on Instagram @sherisilver if you do!

Coffee Shortbread

2 sticks (1 cup or 16 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 – 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (have you made your own yet?)
zest of one orange
2 cups all-purpose flour
pinch of kosher salt

Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees. Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with a parchment “sling”; set aside.

Beat the butter and sugar in your mixer till light and fluffy. Add the espresso powder and vanilla and beat again. Add the zest and beat briefly, just till combined. Scrape down the sides and add the flour and salt, beating till just combined. Transfer to your prepared pan and use clean, slightly damp fingertips (or an angled spatula) to press the dough in an even layer. Bake for 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes, keeping the oven on.

Using your parchment “sling”, transfer the shortbread to a cutting board and cut into 16 squares. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 more minutes. Transfer the shortbread to a wire rack and let cool completely.

(print this recipe)


This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2021/11/16/coffee-shortbread/

8 Comments

  1. Susan H on November 14, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Sherri- Your pictures and description are amazing as usual. I want to run to my kitchen and make this immediately. However, I live in CA and don’t have the luxury of the Lavazza Coffee. What would recommend to replace it? (terrible I know) I am going to look into buying it online. Can I just clarify, ground coffee- should I use instant coffee or the actual grounds? I have never done that, I have always used actual brewed coffee or instant powder so I just want to make sure I am doing it right. 🙂

    • sherisilver on November 14, 2013 at 11:06 am

      Thank you Susan! 🙂 You can use any ground coffee that you’d use in a drip coffee maker – not instant! Enjoy!

  2. Shalagh Hogan on November 16, 2013 at 8:19 am

    Ahhhh. I am absolutely certain that I would die/swoon at all of that. Living vicariously here Sheri. Thank you.
    Shalagh

    • sherisilver on November 16, 2013 at 8:55 am

      Thank YOU Shalagh!

  3. Marti on December 4, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    OMG just reading this has made me yearn to experience this place. My husband and I would enjoy this place so much however we would probably eat a weeks worth of food in one visit. Love the Picture of you and Debi and of course that gorgeous little boy, what an angel!!
    Marti

    • sherisilver on December 4, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      You’re the best – thank you! xo

  4. Emily D. Pelzer on February 5, 2024 at 3:58 am

    Sheri, your coffee shortbread looks absolutely divine! Your coffee shortbread recipe is inspiring, and it would pair perfectly with a cup brewed from a high-quality coffee maker. Imagine indulging in these delectable shortbreads alongside a rich coffee made from a top-notch coffee machine – the ultimate treat for any coffee enthusiast! Your creative touch on classic recipes truly elevates the whole experience. Looking forward to more delightful recipes and kitchen adventures! ☕✨

    • sherisilver on February 5, 2024 at 8:58 am

      Thank you so much! As a coffee lover myself I couldn’t agree more! 🙂

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!