Toffee Shortbread Cookies : A Perfect Holiday Treat

There’s something truly magical about the combination of buttery shortbread and crunchy toffee bits in Toffee Shortbread Cookies. These delicious cookies are the perfect mix of rich, buttery flavor and sweet, caramelized goodness. Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season, a special occasion, or simply a treat for yourself, Toffee Shortbread Cookies are a timeless and delightful choice.

Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also work wonderfully as Christmas goodies, making them a favorite during the festive season. Paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee, these gourmet cookies homemade are sure to please everyone in your household and beyond. Let’s explore why these cookies are a must-try and how you can easily prepare them at home.

If you’re looking for more big batch cookies recipes, or want to try other fancy shortbread cookies, be sure to check out our Toffee Snowball Cookies and Cookie on a Stick for additional dessert ideas!

Why You’ll Love Toffee Shortbread Cookies

There are plenty of reasons to love these Toffee Shortbread Cookies. Here are just a few:

• Rich and Buttery: The base of the cookie is made with shortbread, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor that is irresistible.
• Toffee Crunch: The toffee bits add a sweet crunch, making each bite even more delightful.
• Perfect for Holidays: Whether you’re baking for Christmas goodies or a holiday cookie exchange, these gourmet cookies homemade are sure to impress.
• Simple Ingredients: Shortbread cookies are easy to make with just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Versatile: These cookies are great for any time of year, but especially around the holidays when you’re looking for a big batch cookies recipe to share with loved ones.

If you love shortbread cookies recipes, these Toffee Shortbread Cookies will quickly become a new favorite. They’re ideal for sharing during the holidays, packaging in gift boxes, or even enjoying on their own!

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Ingredients for Toffee Shortbread Cookies

Making Toffee Shortbread Cookies requires only a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bake a batch of these delicious cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for that melt-in-your-mouth texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup toffee bits (you can find these in most baking aisles or use crushed toffee bars)

These simple ingredients come together quickly to create the perfect shortbread cookie dough. The addition of toffee bits is what sets these apart, adding that delicious crunchy texture and a burst of caramelized sweetness.

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How to Make Toffee Shortbread Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Toffee Shortbread Cookies is a breeze, and they bake up beautifully with minimal effort. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick while baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This will give the cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s characteristic of shortbread.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly crumbly, which is perfectly fine for shortbread.

Step 4: Incorporate the Toffee Bits

Gently fold in the toffee bits. The toffee will add the perfect crunchy texture and caramel flavor to every bite.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter of your choice (a round cutter is traditional, but feel free to get creative), cut out the cookies and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into a log, chill it, and slice it into rounds.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. These cookies should be soft in the center but firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Let the Cookies Cool

Allow the Toffee Shortbread Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will crisp up as they cool, leaving you with the perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth softness.

How to Store and Freeze Toffee Shortbread Cookies

These cookies store beautifully, and you can make a big batch to enjoy for days to come.

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

For a fun twist, you can also dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate before freezing them for an added layer of indulgence.

What to Serve with Toffee Shortbread Cookies

While Toffee Shortbread Cookies are delicious on their own, you can pair them with a variety of drinks and desserts for a complete treat. Here are a few ideas:

• Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of Earl Grey or green tea, making them a great afternoon snack.
• Coffee: If you’re more of a coffee person, try pairing these cookies with a latte or Americano for a perfect pick-me-up.
• Ice Cream: Crumble some cookies on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

For an additional sweet treat, try pairing them with our Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies or Snickers Apple Salad for an indulgent dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Toffee Shortbread Cookies

While these cookies are simple to make, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough will result in cookies that are tough instead of tender. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Not Chilling the Dough: If your dough is too soft to work with, it’s a good idea to chill it for 30 minutes in the fridge before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle.
• Underbaking: Shortbread cookies should be slightly golden on the edges, but they should not be soft and pale in the center. Ensure that they’re fully baked for the right texture.

If you love experimenting with gourmet cookies homemade, try our Half Baked Cookie Recipe for another delicious twist!

Variations of Toffee Shortbread Cookies

While the classic Toffee Shortbread Cookie recipe is amazing on its own, you can customize it by adding different ingredients or toppings. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Chocolate Dipped Toffee Shortbread Cookies: After baking, dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate and let them set for a decadent treat.
• Toffee Hazelnut Shortbread: Add some chopped hazelnuts to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cinnamon Toffee Shortbread: Mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced version of these cookies.

For more shortbread cookie recipes, try our Fancy Shortbread Cookies for another fun twist on this classic treat.

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FAQs About Toffee Shortbread Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake the cookies directly from the freezer.

Can I use different types of toffee?
Yes! You can use crushed toffee bars or chocolate-covered toffee bits to add variety and enhance the flavor of the cookies.

How long should I bake the cookies?
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts on Toffee Shortbread Cookies

These Toffee Shortbread Cookies are a perfect blend of buttery shortbread and crunchy toffee bits. With their simple ingredients and delicious flavor, they’re ideal for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to everyday treats. Whether you’re looking for Christmas goodies or just want a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies will not disappoint.

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