If you adore the rich, bold flavor of coffee and the comforting delight of cookies, this Coffee Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft, golden cookies infused with real coffee essence that awaken your senses with every bite. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and just a hint of espresso, these cookies are a comforting treat that pairs beautifully with your morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up. Easy to whip up, this recipe combines simple pantry staples with that special coffee touch, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to bring these delicious Coffee Cookies to life. Each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these cookies irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that provides structure and tenderness to the cookies.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies to rise just enough for a light, soft texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and coffee flavors, rounding out the taste beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s wonderful crisp edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds a lovely chewiness.
- Instant coffee granules (2 tablespoons, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water): The star ingredient providing that unmistakable coffee aroma and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a subtle sweetness and enriches the coffee notes.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For an extra layer of sweetness that melds perfectly with coffee.
- Ground coffee (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a delightful texture and an even deeper coffee kick.
How to Make Coffee Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This prep step makes all the difference for an easy release and a clean clean-up.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, which helps the cookies bake beautifully and evenly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to creating a light texture and incorporating air into the dough.
Step 4: Mix in Coffee, Egg, and Vanilla
Beat in the dissolved instant coffee granules, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined and the coffee scent begins to infuse the dough.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients Gently
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your cookies tough rather than tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Ground Coffee
If you’re including them, gently fold in the chocolate chips and ground coffee at this stage for extra texture, sweetness, and a bolder coffee flavor that makes these cookies special.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers look set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up to the perfect texture without crumbling.
How to Serve Coffee Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar can lift the humble coffee cookie to something visually special and add a subtle sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the coffee flavor. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra touch of aroma and warmth.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a creamy latte or a frothy cappuccino to enhance the coffee notes. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, creating a mini dessert experience that’s rich and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your coffee cookies on a pretty plate tied with a rustic twine for a charming gift idea, or arrange them on a platter alongside biscotti and chocolate-covered espresso beans for an indulgent coffee-themed spread everyone will love at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed preserves that tender texture and coffee flavor, so they taste fresh every time you reach for one.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later, coffee cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly-baked softness and intensify the coffee aroma, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Instant coffee granules are ideal because they dissolve quickly and don’t add extra moisture, which could affect the cookie texture. However, a very strong brewed coffee can be used if you reduce other liquids slightly, but the flavor and consistency might vary.
Are these coffee cookies gluten-free?
This Coffee Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free cookies, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but note that texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The chocolate chips are optional and add extra sweetness, but the cookies will still be deliciously rich in coffee flavor without them.
How do I make the cookies more crunchy or chewy?
For crunchier cookies, bake them a bit longer until the edges are darker. If you prefer chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet to set for that soft, chewy center.
Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and space the cookies properly on multiple baking sheets to ensure even baking.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that marries the comforting flavor of coffee with the joy of homemade cookies. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply savor a moment with a warm beverage, these cookies deliver every time. I promise, once you try making these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire and a quick go-to whenever you need a little pick-me-up with a homemade touch.
Print
Coffee Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and aromatic Coffee Cookies, perfectly balanced with the robust flavor of instant coffee and a hint of vanilla. Optional chocolate chips and ground coffee add extra sweetness and texture, making these cookies a perfect treat for coffee lovers. Crispy on the edges and chewy in the center, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake, ideal for sharing or indulging with your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules (dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon ground coffee (optional, for added texture and flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Coffee, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the dissolved instant coffee, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chocolate chips and ground coffee to enhance flavor and texture.
- Shape Cookies and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up and develop their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies; mix until ingredients are just combined.
- For stronger coffee flavor, increase the instant coffee granules to 3 tablespoons but be cautious as it may alter the texture slightly.
- Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugar for a light texture.
- Chocolate chips add sweetness, but for a less sweet cookie, omit them.
- Ground coffee adds texture and an intense coffee flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing cookie dough balls before baking can enhance flavor and texture.
