With the abundance of fresh fruit recipes coming out of my kitchen, I thought I would take a break from berries and make a Mocha Shortbread Cookie recipe. Once these lovelies came of of the oven, they were begging for a smear of Nutella.
I tasted Nutella for the first time last year and I have not been without a jar since. This chocolate hazelnut spread is loved by many bakers and adds a delicious complexity to baked goods that chocolate alone cannot accomplish. Whether you smear it on toast, dip fresh fruit it, or drizzle it on ice cream…Nutella is a pretty fabulous accompaniment to many different foods.
I got inspiration for Mocha Shortbread while sipping a Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks. Although I am not a huge chocolate lover or a regular coffee drinker, there is something about this pairing that makes me a very happy girl. The combination of chocolate and coffee combined very well in these shortbread cookies. The coffee flavor was quite subtle, so feel free to amp up the amount of espresso powder to kick up the flavor a notch. These cookies are buttery and crumbly just how how I like my shortbread. If you are not a Nutella fan (are there any out there) the cookies are simply delish on their own. If you are a Nutella fan, I highly suggest you spread this chocolatey goodness on these cookies, I promise you won’t be sorry. I hope you have a fantastic weekend and thanks so much for stopping by MBA.
Mocha Shortbread with Nutella
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons instant espresso granules
1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
If desired; Hazelnut Spread (Nutella) to sandwich cookies
Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars, vanilla and instant espresso granules.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt
3. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture until fully incorporated
4. Cover bowl and refrigerate for one hour.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to ¼ inch thickness. Cut with floured 2-in. to 3-in. cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets.
6. Bake at 300 degrees F for 20 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.
7. Once cookies are completely cooled, sandwich them together with your desired amount of Hazelnut Spread (Nutella).
*Note: When not working with the Shortbread dough, place it back into the refrigerator; this will enable an easier rolling process.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
My wife Joanne loves Nutella and I love chocolate. It is the perfect cookie for us
THIS LOOKS DELICIOUS!
I’m in love with Nutella…I have a cheesecake I bake using it & a chocolate chip cookies crust, super delish. Thanks for sharing the recipe for the cookies they look amazing. This one is definitely going into the “to-be-made” stack.
Swoon! As I am a Nutella-holic you had me at Nutella! I am putting these on my list : )
Yum! Definitely trying these this weekend.
Thank you – beautiful pictures!
Oh good gosh…I think I just had a heart attack. I need those.
As excited as we are about the bounty of fresh fruit that the season is offering up – we are SO thrilled to see some fruit free sweets…and especially one featuring Nutella. And really – anything is Nutella is just better right? Thanks for posting…yum yum yum.
I think most things in life could use a smear of Nutella. These shortbread cookies sound delicious!
Nutella, my favorite!!!
Great idea to spread it on a cookie.
Thanks, Jamie.
P.S.: Real Nutella lovers eat it with a spoon, directly out of the jar.
Nutella does make everything better!!
Wonderful cookies! A fabulous treat!
Love the combination of mocha and Nutella, plus the crispy and smooth together. This one’s a keeper!
I love shortbread. I love mocha. And I just bought nutella at the store last night.. I think I know what needs to be done
If there is anyone out there who doesn’t love Nutella, they’d better not step foot in my path, or there will be a ooey gooey Nutella mess on their hands! MY GOODNESS, I’ve found another weekend yummy to bake! Thanks again, Jamie!
They look so good. Totally gorgeous : )
Congratulations on your blog luxe award nomination. How very exciting for you : ) I love your pictures and can totally see why you were chosen. They are simply gorgeous!
Not sure what I like more – the cookie or that nutella swirl hanging off the spatula! Hmmmm.
nutella should be available intravenously. Are you in NYC? when here-go to Supper restaurant for their hazelnut panna cotta with nutella.
Delish and Deeeeee-lish! This looks fab.
Another great recipe! Anything with Nutella tastes GOOD! Seriously
What amazing photos, Jamie. Seriously mouthwatering!
I’m in Switzerland right now and nutella is everywhere!! This is perfect.
the recipe says to bake at 300, is that the correct temp or just a typo.. these cookies look divine.. but then again what doesnt when nutella is involved!