Best 7 Espresso Shortbread Bars Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful symphony of espresso and butter in these delectable Espresso Shortbread Bars. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust infused with rich espresso powder, these bars are topped with a velvety chocolate ganache, making them the perfect treat for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the art of creating these irresistible bars, providing two enticing variations to cater to different taste preferences. From the classic Espresso Shortbread Bars with their intense coffee flavor to the heavenly Espresso Shortbread Bars with White Chocolate Ganache, where sweetness meets a hint of bitterness, these recipes offer a delightful journey for your taste buds.

Each variation includes step-by-step instructions, ensuring success even for novice bakers. With a detailed ingredient list, precise measurements, and cooking times, you'll be able to recreate these café-worthy treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, prepare to tantalize your senses with the aromatic blend of espresso and the richness of chocolate in these exquisite Espresso Shortbread Bars.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Chocolate Espresso Shortbread image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h55m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups (1 pound) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, beat the butter with the flat paddle attachment on the medium speed until creamy. Add the sugar gradually and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. In another bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, espresso powder and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and beat on low speed until incorporated. Scrape the soft dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and gather together into a ball. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll out. You may chill it overnight; just let it soften a bit at room temperature before proceeding. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with a cookie cutter of your choice. These baking instructions are for 3-inch cookies. If you make small cookies, reduce the baking time, larger cookies will require a longer baking time. Reroll any extra dough and cut out as many cookies as possible. Transfer the cookies to the prepared pans, keeping them at least 1-inch apart. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans front to back halfway through the baking time. These cookies are so dark that it is impossible to see if they are beginning to color. Use the time suggested and check to see if the edges and bottoms are completely dry. You should be able to lift a cookie up with a spatula to peek at the bottom; the cookie should be baked enough to remain stiff and not break. Set the pans directly on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Then remove the cookies to the rack and cool completely. The sheet pans must be cooled completely between uses, but you will probably be able to reuse the parchment. The cookies are best eaten within 1 week; store them at room temperature in an airtight container.

ESPRESSO-BEAN SHORTBREAD



Espresso-Bean Shortbread image

These shortbread cookies are an ideal companion to a well-made cup of coffee.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes about 4 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons finely ground espresso beans
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, stir espresso powder into 2 teaspoons hot water until coffee has dissolved. Add coffee mixture and ground espresso beans to butter mixture; beat to combine.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add to butter mixture, and beat on medium low speed until well combined, about 4 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Shape heaping tablespoons of dough into ovals. Arrange ovals about 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Using a wooden skewer dipped in flour, make an indentation in dough lengthwise to achieve the look of a coffee bean. Freeze or refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.
  • Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are just beginning to brown, 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store up to 1 week in airtight containers at room temperature.

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Espresso Shortbread image

From the show Party Line with Dan and Steve, these have gotten rave reviews! A Spanish touch to the Scottish shortbread! Spanish, British, New England

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 9-12 shortbread cookies

Number Of Ingredients 6

3/4 cup butter, room temperature (3/4 cup)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder
1/4 cup espresso beans, coarsely ground

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • First, cream the butter and sugar together until it's light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix for about 30 seconds. Then add the flour and espresso powder and mix until dough is smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Spray a 9"x9" pan with cooking spray and scatter the ground espresso across the bottom of the pan. Gently press dough evenly into the espresso covered pan. Place pan into the top part of the oven and bake until shortbread is set, about 17 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool about 15 minutes.
  • Using a sharp knife, score the top of the still warm short bread. Cut in 2" squares(or how you like). Run a butter knife around the edge of the pan and invert onto a cutting board. Give a sharp rap and the shortbread will release from the pan. Let it cool aobut 10 more minutes and slice along the scored lines. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256.9, Fat 15.6, SaturatedFat 9.8, Cholesterol 40.7, Sodium 109.6, Carbohydrate 27.3, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 11.2, Protein 2.4

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Espresso Shortbread image

This wonderful holiday recipe for shortbread uses basic shortbread as its base.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 2 dozen rounds

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 batch Basic Shortbread
2 tablespoons espresso powder
1 teaspoon hot water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Dissolve espresso powder in hot water. Prepare basic shortbread, adding espresso to creamed butter mixture along with vanilla extract before adding flour mixture. Form dough into a disk; wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds. Score a line down the middle of each with the back of a knife; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Bake until firm, about 20 minutes.

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Espresso Shortbread image

This crisp and buttery Espresso Shortbread is flecked with ground espresso beans and dipped in a coffee glaze...the perfect treat for any coffee lover.

Provided by cosmic cookie

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 16 cookies, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, cold
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground espresso beans
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 tablespoon milk or 1 tablespoon water

Steps:

  • Cut the butter into cubes.
  • Place all of the shortbread ingredients in the bowl of your food processor. (You can also use a mixer, or just work the butter in with your fingers.).
  • Blend until the mixture looks sandy and dry. Turn the mixture out onto a flat surface and keep pressing until the dough comes together.
  • Lightly flour your surface and roll the shortbread into a 1/2 inch thick square. It will be roughly 5.5 x 5.5 inches.
  • Cut in half horizontally, and then cut each half into eight fingers (16 cookies total).
  • You can also use cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
  • Transfer to a baking sheet spacing an inch apart. There is no need to grease the pan.
  • Refrigerate the shortbread for about 20 minutes.
  • In the meantime, preheat your oven to 350ºF.
  • Bake for 25 minutes until the edges are golden. If some of the cookies have spread a bit and you want them all to look identical, you can trim them as soon as you take them out of the oven.
  • Let the shortbread cool.
  • Place the powdered sugar, instant espresso powder and milk in a small bowl and mix until smooth.
  • If the glaze is too thick add an bit of extra milk or water a half teaspoon at a time, until you get the desired consistency.
  • Dip half the shortbread into the glaze. You can also drizzle the glaze over the baked shortbread.
  • Allow the glaze to harden.
  • Store in an airtight container in a single layer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107, Fat 5.9, SaturatedFat 3.7, Cholesterol 15.4, Sodium 87.7, Carbohydrate 12.9, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 6.8, Protein 0.9

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD BARS



Espresso Shortbread Bars image

Decadent, rich, espresso flavor makes these bars a hit. I got this recipe from Food & Wine stand mixer Recipes.

Provided by BetterLate

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 50m

Yield 40 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 lb butter, unsalted, softened
9 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon instant espresso (or finely ground espresso beans)
4 tablespoons butter, unsalted, softened
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon instant espresso, strong-brewed (or instant)
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
20 chocolate-covered coffee beans, halved (espresso beans)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300. Line 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper.
  • For the BARS: In a large bowl beat butter and sugar at med speed until fluffy and very pale. Beat in vanilla and salt. In a small bowl, combine flour and espresso powder. Add dry ingredients to large bowl in 3rds, scraping and beating until just combined.
  • Firmly press dough into the baking pan in an even layer using plastic wrap on top with a flat utensil to spread to entire pan. Toss plastic.
  • Bake about 40 minutes or until very lightly browned and firm but not solid to the touch. Do not over cook. Cool pan on rack about 10 minutes.
  • Cut bars into 5 strips by 8 strips. (40 bars) Cool completely.
  • For the GLAZE: In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, espresso, corn syrup and salt. Boil over moderate heat, swirling the pan, until slightly thickened (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat. When bubbling subsides, pour quickly over shortbread, spreading in an even layer with a spatula. Using a lightly oiled knife, score the glaze without dragging, along cuts. Press an espresso bean in the center of each bar. Cool slightly then separate bars and transfer to a plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.2, Fat 6, SaturatedFat 3.8, Cholesterol 15.3, Sodium 73.4, Carbohydrate 11.1, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 5.1, Protein 0.9

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD COOKIES



Espresso Shortbread Cookies image

Perk up our Basic Shortbread Wedges with this espresso flavored variation.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup confectioners’ or granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
2 tablespoons espresso powder

Steps:

  • Butter an 8 1/2-inch cake or springform pan; set aside. Sift together flour and salt into a small bowl; set aside. Place butter in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Cream until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add sugar, and continue to beat until very light in color and fluffy, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, about 2 minutes more. Add vanilla, if using. Dissolve 2 tablespoons espresso powder in 1 teaspoon hot water. Add mixture to creamed butter-and-sugar mixture with vanilla, before adding flour. Add flour mixture, and combine on low speed, scraping with spatula if necessary, until flour is just incorporated and dough sticks together when squeezed with fingers.
  • Pat dough into prepared pan. If rolling out dough to cut into shapes, form into a flat disk; wrap in plastic. Chill until firm, at least 1 hour.
  • Roll dough out 1/4 inch thick. Cut into ovals with 2-inch cutter. Score a line down the middle with the back of a knife; chill.
  • Heat oven to 325 degrees. Bake until firm, about 20 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality espresso powder: This will ensure that your shortbread bars have a rich and intense coffee flavor. If you can't find espresso powder, you can use instant coffee granules instead. Just be sure to use twice the amount of instant coffee granules as espresso powder.
  • Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will make your shortbread bars tough. Mix the dough just until it comes together, then stop.
  • Chill the dough before baking: Chilling the dough will help it to hold its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Bake the shortbread bars until they are just set: Overbaking the shortbread bars will make them dry and crumbly. Bake them until they are just set in the center, then remove them from the oven.
  • Let the shortbread bars cool completely before cutting them: This will help to prevent them from falling apart.

Conclusion:

Espresso shortbread bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their rich coffee flavor and crumbly texture, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a sweet snack, give these espresso shortbread bars a try. You won't be disappointed!

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