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.