08 February 2018

Chocolate Shortbread

Chocolate Shortbread Hearts (but you can make any shape you want) / www.delightfulrepast.com

Why Chocolate Shortbread Hearts? Because this month is my 8th blogiversary here at Delightful Repast, and I was thinking how much I you, my dear readers.

I had no idea when I started out that I would be doing it for so long! Or that I would actually build a community of nice people who enjoy the same things I do. 

Like comfort food and tea and wine and the occasional sweet treat like this. I like things less sweet, so I prefer this recipe with 1/3 cup sugar, but you might like it with 1/2 cup. 

When I gave Mr Delightful a heart from Batch #1 with 1/2 cup sugar and asked him if he thought it was too sweet, he didn't. But when I gave him one from Batch #2 with 1/3 cup sugar, he said it was more chocolatey. 👍

(Sorry. Couldn't resist the thumbs-up emoji. Can you tell I only just learned how to insert "special characters" in a post?)

He's the chocolate fan in the family (and is currently enjoying some 86% cacao chocolate, which is pretty intense), so I defer to him in all matters chocolate, since I can take it or leave it myself.

I know, I know, that isn't natural. But hey, I hate shopping, too. I'm just a freak of nature!

If you think this is just a paltry amount of cookies, you can easily double or triple the recipe. 

Also, you can shape them lots of different ways. I have a small collection of 2-inch cookie stamps and used the teapot stamp for the cookies below.


Chocolate Shortbread - Stamped Cookies / www.delightfulrepast.com

The teapots show up much more clearly on pale, plain shortbread cookies, but still these are kind of cute, don't you think? I just used a 2-teaspoon measuring spoon of dough for each, rolled it in a ball, put it in the center of the stamp, then placed it on the parchment-lined baking sheet and pressed till the dough reached the edge of the stamp.

The coffee is optional. I don't use enough that you really taste the coffee, just enough to do that certain something that coffee does to perk up the chocolate flavor.

Thank you for visiting Delightful Repast here and, perhaps, on Pinterest and Twitter as well. I love your comments and am happy to take questions and requests!

Chocolate Shortbread Hearts (but you can make any shape you want) / www.delightfulrepast.com


Chocolate Shortbread


(Makes about 16 2.5-inch hearts)

1 dip-and-sweep cup (5 ounces/142 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 dip-and-sweep cup (0.75 ounce/21 grams) unsweetened natural cocoa powder*
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 stick (4 ounces/113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 to 1/2 cup (2.33 to 3.5 ounces/66 to 99 grams) sugar
1 tablespoon very strong coffee (1.5 teaspoons coffee brewed in 1/4 cup hot water)
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

* I always buy organic and Fair Trade Certified coffee and cocoa products.

1 In small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa and salt.

2 In medium bowl, cream the butter, sugar, coffee and vanilla extract just until smooth.

3 Add flour mixture to creamed mixture and mix well without beating a lot of air into it.

4 Roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) thickness between 2 squares of parchment paper. Place on baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Note: If you want to use the same technique that I use for making the butter sheet for Croissants, it makes rolling out the dough evenly very easy. Fold a 24-inch length of parchment or wax paper in half widthwise and fold up the open sides to make a 10x7-inch package. Unfold it and place it on the work surface. Arrange the slab of dough in the middle of one end of the paper within the "package" area; flatten it a bit. Refold the package and turn it over so that folds are underneath. With a rolling pin, roll the dough in an even layer to fill the package. Place on baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

5 With heart-shaped cutter about 2.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches tall, cut out shortbread. Re-roll scraps and cut out more. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Preheat oven to 325F/165C/Gas3.

Note: If you roll the dough into a 10x7-inch rectangle as in Note above, you can just cut the dough into 25 rectangles. 

6 Bake for 25 to 30* minutes, until quite firm. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

* I'm sure that depends on the size and thickness of the cookies, as well as your oven; so start checking at 20 minutes and don't walk away. If you make them the same every time, you can settle on a time.

Jean

104 comments:

Zaa said...

OMG ...DON'T DO THIS TO ME... I have to make them for HUBBY... infact my mouth is watering ... Let me see, now, I still have a few days to get baking( Ha Ha) and let me tell you, I can’t do it too early or I’ll have them all eaten before he comes home...So much for our waist lines.. but THANKS for the lovely Valentine treats....Hugs

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

Can’t go wrong with Coffee and Chocolate. Cue the music – “CC Rider.” On my palate, dark chocolate and coffee vs. milk chocolate and coffee are distinctly separate treats. In any event, your Valentine heart plate needs a little glue under each cookie. That’s because it begs to be hung on the wall. Mr. Delightful will have to gnaw at it while standing up. 5 cleavers for that image and 5 cleavers for the cookie hearts!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Zaa, too funny! I *have* been known to finish something off before Mr Delightful got home! :D

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Sully. Hadn't thought of hanging it on the wall; but now that you mention it, one *could* make a clock out of them!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh Jean, you've outdone yourself, ma'am!

Those are perfect for St. Valentine's Day - and the teapots on top so so perfect for every tea party! Thank you for the recipe, I think I need to try that BEFORE the 14th - when Lent season starts and I leave desserts behind. : - )

I appreciate the inspiration - yum yum YUM!!!

Pauline Wiles said...

Oh my gosh, that teapot stamp has absolutely made my week! I'm quite overcome by the possible uses for it.
The shortbreads look divine, Jean. Happy bloggiversary!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Michele, thank you, ma'am! :-) Yes, I'll be making those teapot cookies for my next afternoon tea party. Let me know how they turn out for you!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Pauline, I knooooww! I've seen teapot stamps before, but this one (given to me a couple months ago by a dear friend) is especially pretty. And stamps come in all sizes, but I only ever get the 2-inch stamps because that size cookie is perfect for afternoon tea.

Carole said...

Delightful, indeed! thanks

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Carole!

Antiques And Teacups said...

We dearly love chocolate shortbread so it would indeed be perfect in heart shapes for Valentine's Day. Posting a lnk to this on my FB page! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

These look amazing.....why must you do this to me when I started back to weight watchers this week????????? Pinning for the future!!

Louca por porcelana said...

Your shortbreads look wonderful,Jean!Happy Bloggiversary,love your amazing blog!Hugs!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ruth, thank you so much! FB and all social media shares are much appreciated.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Debbie! Wouldn't WW allow one or two?!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Maristella. And a big hug to you!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Jean, these sound wonderful. My daughter is visiting and we both agree we must give them a try. ♥

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Martha. I hope you both like them!

Margie said...

Congratulations on your 8-year blogiversary, Jean! I always enjoy learning about new foods on your blog. I also didn't know that you can insert emojis in blogs. I love the chocolate shortbread with the teapot design!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Margie. I'm glad you enjoy it. And, of course, you would like the teapot design! :-) I really enjoy reading your tea posts.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Happy Blogiversary, Jean! These do look tasty and love the teapot design. I like that you have reduced the sugar, too. xx Karen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Karen, thank you. It's hard to believe I've been at this for 8 years!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Happy 8 years of blogging, Jean!!
I just love your chocolate shortbread cookies. The stamped teapot design is adorable, but I love the ❤'s as well. These would be perfect with a cup of tea. Thank you for sharing!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Kitty! It's been quite a journey, and I've gotten acquainted with the nicest people (and their adorable little kitchen assistants!).

Lady of the Manor said...

Happy blog anniversary! These shortbread cookies sound delicious. I’ll be making a batch this weekend. Thanks for the recipe!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, LOTM! I hope they turn out well for you.

ellen b said...

Looks like a great Valentine Day treat. Did you ever try sprinkling the tea pot with powdered sugar. I suppose you'd have to cut out a template. Cute stamp.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I have a chocoholic husband, too! He'd love this shortbread!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ellen, that's a great idea! I'll have to try it next time.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Liz. Lots of chocoholics around! I was one until I was about 30 and just lost my taste for it.

Dr. Elise Ho said...

Two of my favorite things...chocolate and shortbread. YUMMY.

Marilyn Miller said...

Love chocolate shortbread and the teapot is definitely cute on the round cookies. Thanks for visiting me today at Delights of the Heart.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Elise, thank you. I love a nice crunchy shortbread with my tea.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Marilyn, I had to include a few tea-themed cookies for all my fellow tea aficionados!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Sweet little hearts - not too sweet is good for me too ♥

Angie's Recipes said...

Shortbread is my favourite cookie! Happy Blog Anniversary, Jean!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Carrie. Another reason to eat only homemade - store-bought cookies are almost all too sweet.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Angie. And you've been at this a couple years longer than I have!

Cindy D. said...

These are so perfect for Valentine's Day! I have never had chocolate shortbread cookies before. I think I've been missing out. There has to be no better way to eat shortbread cookies than having them be chocolate. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

-Natalie A

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Natalie! If you're a chocolate fan and have never had chocolate shortbread, you ARE missing out. I first had it in an assortment box of Walkers shortbread years ago. Hope you'll try it soon.

Anonymous said...

You had me at chocolate, Jean, but then chocolate shortbread cookies, oh my, I'm trying this asap. Yum and sharing to so others can find this treat. Thanks.
Dropped by from #BloggersPitStop and always happy to be here. :)
Hope this weekend treats you kindly. :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

D, thank you so much. I need all the social media shares I can get! (And, everyone, D is hilarious, you must check out her blog!)

Tracey Gemmell said...

Happy blogiversary! Here's to many more. And where can I get that teapot stamp??

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Tracey! I'll track that down for you and email you.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

How wonderful to have been blogging for so long! Happy Blogaversary! And what better way to celebrate than with these chocolate darlings! I agree with you, I'm not much on really sweet food, and these sound really marvelous. I love the little teapot stamp you used as well, just soo perfect for little tea parties! Have a blessed weekend :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Marilyn, thank you! And I am soooo longing to have a little tea party.

Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond said...

I love the little teapot stamps and actually bought some Christmas ones recently. The hearts are pretty cute for Valentine's Day as well. Thanks so much for linking up and sharing with us at #BloggersPitStop and have a great week.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sue. I always enjoy the great variety of links at #BloggersPitStop.

Bernideen said...

Dear Jean:
There is much fun here with these heart shaped cookies - great recipe and thanks for sharing.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Bernideen. But you know I'd be happier if they weren't chocolate! :-)

Cheryl said...

You are speaking my language here, Jean!! My, they look good!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Cheryl. They'd go really well with your cup of coffee!

Jeanie said...

These look good. I might have to make those for Valentine's Day dessert, since the sugar cutouts from our crafternoon a few days ago won't be fresh -- if they even still exist! And Mr. Rick loves chocolate! A smaller recipe would be a plus, too! Danger, Will Robinson!

Amy Johnson said...

These are so cute! And perfect if you're not into overly sweet things like me! Pinning!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jeanie. And you just might let Rick make them, since he's so handy in the kitchen!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Amy, thank you so much! AND for pinning - social media shares are much appreciated!

Lorrie said...

Chocolate plus shortbread equals a perfect cookie, to me! And I like the small batch!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Lorrie. So good with a cup of tea! And I'm glad to get another person in favor of a small batch.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

Many, many years ago, Jean, there was a song by Elton John called “Cold Cold Heart.“ Me, being an absolute lover of anything with cocoa, just assumed that the song was “Cocoa Heart.“ Every time I see a heart shaped chocolate shortbread, I can’t help but sing the song! These are lovely, and I hope you two have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, David. That is so funny - I guess we hear what we want to hear, and some of us hear food!

FABBY'S LIVING said...


Oh my sweet friend, these shortbread cookies look so appetizing, I'd love a couple with a glass of milk right now !!
Thank you for sharing the recipe with us.
Fabby

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Aaww, thank you, Fabby. I haven't had milk and cookies in decades - now you've made me nostalgic!

TONY said...

Space age doilies in my football teams colours and chocolate shortbread stamped with tea pots. Hits the spot, Jean!!!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Tony. And "space age doilies"? You've made me see my tired old placemat in a whole new light!

Suzy said...

Happy blogiversary!! those cookies would be lovely with a cuppa tea. Thank you for visiting my blog and your lovely comment.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Looks really good - I've never made or had chocolate shortbread and I love the stamped teapots on those.

Unknown said...

Wow, these sound amazing! I love shortbread AND chocolate so these are a double thumbs up from me! #BlogCrush

Phil in the Kitchen said...

Eight years of very fine recipes is quite an achievement. Since I'm the one in our house to be serious about chocolate, I can assure you that I'd love these. I love the tea pot design too, but then I just possibly love tea even more than chocolate.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Suzy, thank you! And I hope you'll find other things you like here as well.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Lauren. I love those little teapots, too! And I like the light crunch of shortbread.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Alice. I hope you'll give them a try!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Phil, thank you so much! And I definitely love tea more than chocolate - I love tea more than most anything!

Lynda Hardy said...

oh my! I love shortbread but I've never tried Chocolate shortbread! Yum! Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Lynda. You must try it soon!

Stephanie said...

Congratulations on 8 years of blogging, dear Jean! The blogging community is a beautiful one that is filled with precious people.

Your chocolate shortbread cookies look and sound wonderful! Many thanks for the recipe.

Hugs to you!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Stephanie, thank you. So good to hear from you! Hugs.

mrs mummy harris said...

oooo these look amazing!!!! Love the shortbread twist to it!
Thank you for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back next week!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Lianne! I do love shortbread of any flavor. The light crunch and buttery flavor go so well with a nice cup of tea.

csuhpat1 said...

Those look yummy. Thanks for sharing them #TriumphantTales

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, csuhpat1. I hope you'll give them a try!

Kathleen said...

Chocolate Shortbread Hearts we will feature this post on the Blogger's Pit Stop. Big congratulations on your 8th year of blogging. Well done and keep it coming :)

Kathleen
Blogger's Pit Stop

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Kathleen! On every blogiversary, I can't quite believe how long I've been at it! I love the wide variety of links at Blogger's Pit Stop.

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

This sounds and looks so good...I wish I could pick one off the screen!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Cathy, if I lived next door to The 1929 Charmer, I'd tell you, Put the kettle on, I'm bringing over some chocolate shortbread!

All That I'm Eating said...

You can never go wrong with chocolate shortbread!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

So true, ATIE!

April J Harris said...

Happy 8th Blogiversary, Jean! Congratulations!! I like the idea of being able to reduce the sugar in these lovely cookies - and I'm all for more chocolate-y flavour. They are so pretty in their sweet heart shapes. Sharing on the Hearth and Soul Facebook page and around. Thank you so much for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Happy 8th Blogiversary! And thanks for this delish dish! Love shortbread. And chocolate? Say no more. :-)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, April. And for hosting AND sharing!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

John, thank you. Where did the years go?!

Karen said...

Hi Jean,
Your chocolate heart shaped cookies look delightful! So perfect for today! Happy Valentine's Day! and Happy Blogaversary! Blessings! Karen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Karen, thank you so much! I hope you're having a wonderful day as well!

Cranberry Morning said...

Well I love shortbread in any shape or size or probably flavor, so this one really appeals to me. They look delightful! :-)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Judy! I like any shape or size, too, but they've gotta be "cute" for afternoon tea!

xinex said...

I like shortbread and I love chocolate so I will definitely devour the mixture. Yummy!., Christine

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Christine! Everyone loves cutout cookies!

Anonymous said...

These look delicious. I could just eat one or two with my cuppa tea now :) Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays :) Hope you can join us tomorrow.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you! I'm having a cup of tea right now and could definitely use one of these!

loopyloulaura said...

I love shortbread and love the idea of adding coffee. Will pin to try later! #triumphanttales

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Tired Mummy! Let me know how it turns out for you!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Happy Anniversary!!! Your cookies are the perfect way to celebrate, they sound so good!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, BRnLC! I hope you'll try these soon!

Lisa L Lombardo said...

These look delicious, Jean! Thank you so much for sharing on the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Party! Feel free to share as many Christmas recipes as you like!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Lisa. As I said, I don't have any holiday recipes, just things I make any time at all!