recipes

This Mocha Shortbread Is About To Be The Answer To All Your Sweet Cravings

If you love baked goods and especially coffee flavoured baked goods, this shortbread is the only way to go!

Contributed By

OT Staff

May 6, 2026

Mocha shortbread for sweet lovers!

Mocha shortbread for sweet lovers!

Some recipes feel like they come paired with a feel-good spirit attached to them, and that’s very much the spirit of the Anāyu – Stories from Vana. Rooted in the philosophy of mindful living, the Dehradun retreat—Six Senses Vana—focuses on food that is simple, nourishing, and satisfying not just for the body but also the soul. It’s less about complicated techniques and more about slowing down, paying attention, and finding comfort in the process of making something from scratch.

This mocha shortbread fits right in. It’s the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something homemade without committing to a whole day and then some more in the kitchen. Playing around with the richness of cocoa, the gentle bitterness of coffee, and the sweetness of white chocolate, all come together to make the most perfect, delicious mocha shortbread. The best part? It’s homemade, so the calories basically don’t exist. If your sweet tooth doesn’t seem to catch a break, especially in the summer, this is the perfect way to combat the craving!

What makes it especially appealing is how approachable it is. You don’t need to be an expert baker to get it right, and yet the result feels just as good as something store-bought!

Quick Info
Prep Time 30 min
Cook Time 35 min
Total Time 65 min
Servings 15
Difficulty medium
Ingredients
  • Butter (Unsalted) - 2 cup
  • Brown sugar (finely powdered) - 0.5 cup
  • Cocoa powder (unsweetened) - 0.33 cup
  • Whole wheat flour - 2.25 cup
  • Cornstarch - 3 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract - 1.5 tsp
  • Coffee beans (finely ground) - 1 tbsp
  • White chocolate (roughly chopped) - 0.5 cup
  • Salt - 0.5 tsp
Instructions
Step-1
Preheat the oven to 165°C or 330°F.
Step-2
Lightly butter a baking pan with a pastry brush. Keep aside.
Step-3
In a small bowl, sift the sugar with the cocoa powder to remove any lumps or large pieces.
Step-4
In another bowl, sift flour, cornstarch and salt together.
Step-5
Use a hand blender to beat the butter for 4-5 minutes until light and smooth.
Step-6
Lower the speed of the machine and add in sugar and cocoa mixture. Beat until all is fully incorporated.
Step-7
Add the vanilla and coffee powder and continue whisking until well mixed.
Step-8
Finally, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and combine until the dough comes together.
Step-9
Add in the chopped white chocolate.
Step-10
Spread the dough over the bottom of the prepared pan and gently press down on it. (Note: You can use a spatula to form an even thickness.)
Step-11
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Step-12
Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
Step-13
Using a sharp knife, cut the shortbread into small bite-sized pieces while the bread is still warm. Enjoy.
Recipe
Prep Time 30 min
Cook Time 35 min
Total Time 65 min
Servings 15
Difficulty medium
Ingredients
  • Butter (Unsalted) - 2 cup
  • Brown sugar (finely powdered) - 0.5 cup
  • Cocoa powder (unsweetened) - 0.33 cup
  • Whole wheat flour - 2.25 cup
  • Cornstarch - 3 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract - 1.5 tsp
  • Coffee beans (finely ground) - 1 tbsp
  • White chocolate (roughly chopped) - 0.5 cup
  • Salt - 0.5 tsp
Instructions
Step-1
Preheat the oven to 165°C or 330°F.
Step-2
Lightly butter a baking pan with a pastry brush. Keep aside.
Step-3
In a small bowl, sift the sugar with the cocoa powder to remove any lumps or large pieces.
Step-4
In another bowl, sift flour, cornstarch and salt together.
Step-5
Use a hand blender to beat the butter for 4-5 minutes until light and smooth.
Step-6
Lower the speed of the machine and add in sugar and cocoa mixture. Beat until all is fully incorporated.
Step-7
Add the vanilla and coffee powder and continue whisking until well mixed.
Step-8
Finally, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and combine until the dough comes together.
Step-9
Add in the chopped white chocolate.
Step-10
Spread the dough over the bottom of the prepared pan and gently press down on it. (Note: You can use a spatula to form an even thickness.)
Step-11
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Step-12
Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
Step-13
Using a sharp knife, cut the shortbread into small bite-sized pieces while the bread is still warm. Enjoy.
Note:
  • Double the ingredients when cooking for more people to ensure everyone gets a fluffy stack.
  • Swap out eggs for mashed bananas, yogurt, or flaxseed mix if you're vegetarian or allergic to eggs.
  • Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra soft and airy pancakes.
  • Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to get fluffier pancakes.
  • Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
  • Add vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
  • Top with fresh fruits, nuts, or honey for a delicious and healthy twist.
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