If you’re a coffee lover like me, you’re going to absolutely adore this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture that rich, bold espresso essence in a soft, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. The espresso powder blends seamlessly into the dough, giving each bite a warm, comforting coffee kick without being overpowering.
I find these cookies work beautifully for afternoon snacks or paired with a cup of your favorite brew first thing in the morning. What makes this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe so worth trying is how simple it is to whip up with everyday ingredients, yet the flavor outcome feels so luxe and indulgent. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be hooked after your first batch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Flavorful: Combining espresso powder with butter and sugars creates a perfect coffee aroma without complicated steps.
- Soft, Chewy Texture: I love how these cookies stay tender and chewy, making them so satisfying to bite into.
- Quick to Make: The dough comes together fast and just needs a short chill; perfect for busy days when you want a coffee treat ASAP.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these cookies, whether for holidays or just casual coffee breaks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavor and texture. I always opt for good quality espresso powder to get that authentic coffee taste. Here’s what I use and some tips to help you choose the right stuff.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter clamps together for a soft dough and rich flavor—avoid salted butter to control the saltiness.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies crisp a little on the outside while staying soft inside.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the coffee beautifully.
- Large Egg: Helps bind all the ingredients while adding tenderness to the cookies.
- Espresso Powder: This is the star! Use instant espresso powder for a clean coffee taste without bitterness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth that pairs nicely with espresso.
- All-purpose Flour: Provides structure; spoon it in gently for the best texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help give the cookies a gentle lift without puffing them up too much.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Variations
I love how flexible this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe can be, inviting you to get creative. For example, tossing in some chocolate chips or nuts can elevate the cookies into something even more special.
- Mocha Twist: Adding mini chocolate chips is my go-to for a mocha flavor combo—my family can’t get enough of these!
- Nutty Delight: Walnuts or pecans give a lovely crunch and pair beautifully with coffee flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Try a gluten-free flour blend if you need to avoid gluten—it works well but chill the dough a bit longer for easier handling.
- Spiced Version: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom makes the cookies perfect for fall or winter vibes.
How to Make Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Mix Sugars
Start by melting the butter in the microwave—just until fully melted, no more. Pour it into a mixing bowl and stir together with both the granulated and light brown sugars until smooth and glossy. This step ensures a rich base for the dough with balanced sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Espresso Paste
Add a splash of hot water (about a teaspoon) to your espresso powder and stir until you get a smooth paste. This little trick really intensifies the coffee flavor and helps it distribute evenly throughout the dough. Mix this paste right into the butter and sugar mixture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract. Stir everything together until fully combined—you’ll notice the mixture getting smoother and a bit thicker. This step is key for a soft, tender cookie.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix here—just combine until you lose all the visible flour for the best texture.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. I know it’s tempting to skip chilling, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Preheat Oven & Shape Cookies
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands, scoop walnut-sized balls of dough and roll them gently before placing on the sheet—make sure to space them well to allow spreading. I often use two baking sheets so I can bake one while the other rests and cools.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes. When you see slightly golden edges, they’re done. Resist the urge to move them right away; let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes to finish setting up before transferring to a wire rack. This step keeps them tender inside.
Pro Tips for Making Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
- Use Fresh Espresso Powder: I learned the hard way that stale espresso powder loses punch, so always opt for a fresh container or store it airtight.
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling helps control spread and gives a better chew—trust me, just do it even if you’re in a hurry!
- Even Cookie Sizes: I find a cookie scoop or tablespoon measures ensures all cookies bake evenly, avoiding burnt edges or raw middles.
- Rest on Sheet After Baking: Letting cookies rest on the tray is key to maintain softness; moving too fast can cause them to break apart.
How to Serve Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes just before baking for a lovely contrast that brings out coffee’s bitterness. These little touches make the cookies feel extra special without messing with the classic flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with your morning latte or afternoon cappuccino for the ultimate coffee break. They also go surprisingly well alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert twist. Trust me, your guests will ask for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love stacking these cookies tall on a tiered plate with little espresso cups filled with dipping chocolate on the side. Another fun idea is to sandwich two cookies with espresso-infused buttercream for a decadent coffee cookie sandwich. Presentation can totally elevate this humble treat into a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, I store these Coffee Flavored Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! If you want them softer, add a slice of bread in the container overnight to keep moisture in.
Freezing
I like to portion out the dough balls on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies straight from the freezer anytime you crave a coffee treat. The flavor stays fantastic and the texture remains just as chewy.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat briefly in a 300°F oven. This reactivates their softness and intensifies the coffee aroma, making them taste freshly baked again. You’ll love how cozy they feel fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use regular instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
While you can, espresso powder is specially formulated to be more concentrated and soluble, giving a richer coffee flavor without bitterness. If you use regular instant coffee, reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the cookies and possibly add a teaspoon less sugar to balance the taste.
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What if I don’t have light brown sugar? Can I substitute?
If you don’t have light brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dark brown sugar—just be aware the cookies will have a deeper molasses flavor and darker color. Alternatively, mixing regular granulated sugar and a teaspoon of molasses makes a decent homemade brown sugar substitute.
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How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free coffee flavored cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You might find chilling the dough a bit longer (up to an hour) helps with firmness. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
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Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips or chopped nuts are fantastic additions that complement the coffee flavor. I usually mix in about ½ cup of either for a nice texture and flavor boost. Just fold them into the dough before chilling.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe has become one of my kitchen staples because it’s a simple way to combine two of my loves: coffee and homemade treats. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or paired with your daily cup, they never disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own — it’s the kind of cookie that feels like a little hug in every bite. So go ahead, brew a strong espresso and get baking; you’re in for a deliciously cozy treat!
Print
Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These coffee flavored cookies combine the rich taste of espresso with the classic buttery sweetness of a soft cookie. Perfect for coffee lovers, these treats offer a delightful balance of robust coffee flavor and tender crumb, making them ideal for afternoon snacks or dessert accompaniments.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (113g)
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Sugars
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (110g)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Espresso Powder
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour (187g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: Melt the butter in the microwave and pour into a bowl. Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar, then mix until well combined.
- Prepare Espresso Paste: Add a splash of hot water to the espresso powder and stir to form a smooth paste. Add this paste to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring thoroughly.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture, mixing until fully combined to create a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, which will make it easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop walnut-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Remove the tray from the oven.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Bake cookies in batches if you can’t fit all dough balls on one baking sheet; this helps maintain even baking.
- Using two baking sheets allows one batch to cool while the next is baking, speeding up the process.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder up to 1 tablespoon, but be careful not to overpower the cookie sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
