Bring a touch of sweetness to your cookie jar with these Toffee Shortbread Cookies. This recipe combines the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread with the crunchy surprise of toffee bits, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, packing a special dessert, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1½ cups toffee pieces (like Heath, with or without chocolate)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure that the cookies do not stick and are easy to remove.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. This will form the base of your cookie dough, giving it a light and creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract, adding a subtle flavor depth to the dough. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and optional cinnamon, stirring until the dough comes together without being too sticky.
Step 4: Incorporate Toffee Pieces
Gently fold in the toffee pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The toffee adds a delightful crunch and a rich flavor that complements the buttery shortbread.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough to a ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, or roll the dough into a log and slice into ¼-inch rounds for a simpler approach. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 11-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn lightly golden. This short baking time ensures that the cookies remain soft in the center with a slightly crisp edge.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies set properly and develop the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Toffee Shortbread Cookies are a wonderful complement to tea or coffee. Serve them as part of an afternoon tea spread, or package them up for a delightful homemade gift. They also make an excellent accompaniment to ice cream or as a base for dessert canapés topped with fruit and cream.
Tips
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is properly softened for easier creaming with sugar.
- Cookie Uniformity: Use a measuring tool or scale to ensure all your cookies are the same size for even baking.
- Storing: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and flavor for up to a week.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Conclusion
Toffee Shortbread Cookies offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making them a favorite choice for cookie lovers. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will quickly become a go-to recipe for any baker looking to add a little sweetness to their repertoire.
