ESPRESSO, HAZELNUT & CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD

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Espresso, hazelnut & chocolate shortbread image

These biscuits are the perfect blend of rich coffee, dark chocolate and toasted nuts. Simple to make, they're ideal if you're sharing a cuppa with friends

Provided by Diana Henry

Categories     Snack, Treat

Time 1h20m

Yield makes 20

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tbsp instant espresso powder
250g butter , softened at room temperature
85g caster sugar
225g plain flour , plus extra for dusting
75g rice flour
75g unblanched hazelnuts , halved
150g 70% dark chocolate , broken into chunks
75g blanched hazelnuts , toasted and very roughly chopped (leave some pieces quite large)

Steps:

  • Mix the espresso powder with 1 tsp hot water to form a paste (you'll think it isn't enough water but it is - don't add more otherwise it'll be too watery). Set aside.
  • Beat the butter and sugar until soft and blended, then beat in the coffee mixture. Don't overbeat the mixture as you don't want to incorporate too much air. (If the coffee isn't completely incorporated, don't worry - it will be once you add the flours).
  • Sift together the flours and add them to the butter in three lots, mixing in with a wooden spoon and, eventually, your hands. Bring together into a ball, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and quickly knead in the hazelnuts. Don't overdo this - you don't want the butter to get too warm. Press the dough into a circle, wrap it in cling film and put in the fridge for about 40 mins.
  • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 0.75cm thick. Cut out circles about 6cm across with a biscuit cutter and put the circles on a non-stick baking sheet (or two baking sheets, depending on their size). Re-roll the dough as you need to, but try not to do this too often. Put the baking sheets in the coldest part of the fridge and leave them for about 45 mins. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3.
  • Bake the shortbread for 20 mins, or until the top is just firm when you press it with your index finger. Take out of the oven and leave on the baking sheets to cool for a while (it is very fragile when hot), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, then remove the bowl and leave to cool a little and rm up somewhat. Dip each piece of shortbread halfway in the melted chocolate, then put on a sheet of baking parchment. Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts on the chocolate half and leave to set completely. Will keep for 4 days in an airtight tin.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 19 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 6 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, Sodium 0.2 milligram of sodium

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