Description
Delight in these rich and buttery Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, which combine the classic crisp texture of traditional shortbread with a deep chocolate flavor from cocoa powder. Perfectly tender and subtly sweet, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for any chocolate lover’s treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined to enhance the overall flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the cocoa and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could result in tougher cookies.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into your desired cookie shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
- Bake Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set but not browned for a delicate texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to help them set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and better shape retention during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
