Ah, coffee cookies—the treat you never knew you needed but can’t imagine living without! These cookies are everything you love about your morning cup of coffee, wrapped up in a soft, chewy, and slightly crisp-around-the-edges bite. Imagine the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, now baked into a decadent cookie. Perfect with a cup of tea, a glass of milk, or even—dare I say—another coffee! Trust me, once you’ve tried these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.
They’re a little bit indulgent, a lot comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just love experimenting with unique flavors, this recipe is a game-changer. So, let’s dive in, shall we?
Why You’ll Love Coffee Cookies
A Match Made in Heaven: Coffee and cookies are already best friends, but this recipe takes that friendship to the next level by combining them into one irresistible treat.
Perfect Pick-Me-Up: These cookies have just enough coffee flavor to give you a subtle boost without being overpowering.
Easy to Make: Minimal steps, simple ingredients, and a foolproof method make these cookies a breeze to whip up.
Customizable: Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of glaze for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: Coffee lover or not, everyone will love the warm, comforting flavor of these cookies.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Coffee
The star of the show. Instant coffee or espresso powder gives these cookies their rich, bold flavor.
Butter
The base for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar
Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses-like depth that pairs perfectly with the coffee.
Egg
Binds everything together and gives the cookies their chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract
A warm, aromatic addition that enhances the coffee flavor.
All-Purpose Flour
The structure of the cookie—light and fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold together.
Baking Powder
A touch of leavening for just the right amount of lift.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and brings out the coffee flavor even more.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the Coffee Base
In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in a tablespoon of warm water. This ensures the flavor is evenly distributed in your cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving soft cookies, so take your time.
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and dissolved coffee. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so go easy!
Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you like, sprinkle a little extra coffee powder on top for a decorative touch.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. They might look a little underdone in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container for later (if they last that long!).
How to Serve Coffee Cookies
Classic Pairing: Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage—coffee, of course, or maybe tea or hot cocoa.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
Breakfast Treat: Who says cookies can’t be breakfast? Pair with fruit for a sweet morning indulgence.
Additional Tips
Make It Decaf: Use decaffeinated coffee if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Add Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped hazelnuts make excellent additions.
Freeze for Later: Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
A1: Instant coffee or espresso powder works best for a strong flavor without adding extra liquid.
Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Absolutely. Just make sure to bake in batches or use multiple trays.
Q4: How should I store the cookies?
A4: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q5: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A5: Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Q6: How do I get perfectly round cookies?
A6: Roll the dough balls gently between your palms before placing them on the baking sheet.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
A7: Pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.
Q8: Can I reduce the sugar?
A8: Yes, but reducing the sugar may slightly affect the texture and flavor.
Q9: Can I use flavored coffee?
A9: Definitely! Try caramel, hazelnut, or vanilla coffee for a fun twist.
Q10: What’s the secret to soft cookies?
A10: Don’t overbake! Take them out when the edges are set, and the centers look slightly underdone.
Conclusion
These coffee cookies are the perfect balance of indulgent and comforting, with a rich, aromatic flavor that will make you feel like a baking superstar. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, go ahead—pour yourself a cup of coffee, grab a cookie, and savor the magic!
PrintCoffee Cookies
Dive into the rich, bold flavors of these Coffee Cookies! Infused with espresso powder and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chunks and dark chocolate chips, these cookies are a dream for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a sweet pick-me-up!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ⅓ cup espresso powder (e.g., Delallo)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter (12 tbsp, softened)
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 extra-large egg (room temperature)
- 1 extra-large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chunks (e.g., Nestle Toll House)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (e.g., Hershey’s)
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. - Cream Butter and Sugars:
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined (1½ to 2 minutes). - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until no streaks remain. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add half of the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture. - Add Chocolate:
Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks and dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed. - Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Shape and Bake:
Use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, placing cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are set. - Cool the Cookies:
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder slightly.
- Chill the dough longer for thicker cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg