Name: Coffee Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional)

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Get ready to fall head-over-heels for these Coffee Cookies, a treat that combines bold coffee notes with the familiar comfort of homemade cookies. Each bite offers a perfectly chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for coffee lovers and cookie fans alike. Whether you’re savored with a morning brew or shared as a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to become your new go-to for weekday treats and special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Coffee Cookies lies in their wonderfully simple ingredient list, where each component plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and aroma. Peek through your pantry and you’ll likely find everything you need!

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Essential for rich, tender cookies and that characteristic “just-baked” softness.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings caramel undertones and helps keep the cookies chewy and moist.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness and aids in perfecting the cookie’s crisp edges.
Large egg (1): Acts as the binder, ensuring your cookies hold together while adding a touch of richness.
Instant coffee or espresso powder (1 tbsp, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water): The heart of these Coffee Cookies, delivering that beloved bold coffee flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Invites warmth and rounds out the coffee flavor beautifully.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and gives the cookies their classic bite.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp) and baking powder (1/2 tsp): Team up to help the cookies rise just enough for the perfect texture.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Brings all the flavors into harmony and enhances the overall taste.
Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (1/2 cup, optional): Adds chocolatey pops that mingle oh-so-nicely with the coffee essence.

How to Make Coffee Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step means easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies that lift right off without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where air gets whisked in to guarantee tender Coffee Cookies every time.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, dissolved coffee or espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Mixing until smooth ensures that distinctive coffee flavor is spread evenly throughout each bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Don’t skip this step—the even distribution of leaveners is key for an even rise.

Step 5: Mix It All Together and Add Chocolate

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until the batter comes together. If you’re team chocolate, now’s the time to gently fold in those mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 6: Portion and Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each one slightly using your fingers or the back of a spoon to encourage a classic cookie shape.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and lightly golden. Let the Coffee Cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This pause helps them hold together perfectly!

How to Serve Coffee Cookies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt as soon as the cookies come out of the oven, or drizzle them with a touch of melted chocolate for an extra WOW factor. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add delicate flair, perfect for a special treat.

Side Dishes

Of course, these Coffee Cookies are spectacular with your favorite cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. For an extra indulgent afternoon snack, pair them with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream—your taste buds will thank you!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few Coffee Cookies and tie them with twine for a charming homemade gift, or arrange on a pretty platter beside chocolate-covered espresso beans for a sophisticated dessert tray. They’re also perfect for building an upscale cookie sandwich with coffee buttercream or mascarpone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Coffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They hold onto their marvelous chew and flavor, making them perfect for a slow, delicious week of snacking.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies or the raw dough. To freeze the dough, scoop into balls, place on a lined tray, and freeze until hard; then move them to a zip-top freezer bag. That way, you can bake up a fresh cookie (or three!) whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

If you like your Coffee Cookies warm and gooey, give them a quick 10-second burst in the microwave. Frozen dough balls can be baked directly from the freezer—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use decaf coffee for these cookies?

Absolutely! If you love the taste of coffee but want to skip the caffeine, using decaf instant coffee or espresso powder works perfectly. You’ll get all the flavor and none of the jitters.

How strong is the coffee flavor?

The cookies have a pleasantly bold coffee aroma, noticeable but not overpowering. If you’re a true coffee devotee, you can bump up the coffee or espresso powder for an even stronger kick.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can swap in a vegan butter and use a flaxseed egg replacement. Double-check your chocolate chips for dairy-free status, and you’ll have vegan-friendly Coffee Cookies sure to please.

What’s the best way to get the cookies to stay soft?

Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the edges; when they’re just golden, it’s time to pull them out. Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps set the soft, chewy centers.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a few toffee bits make fantastic additions. Just be careful not to overload the dough with mix-ins so the cookies don’t fall apart.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cookies are pure joy in edible form—a perfect mashup of cozy, aromatic flavors and bakery-style indulgence. Whether you’re an all-in coffee fanatic or just looking to shake up your cookie routine, I can’t recommend these enough. Give them a try and see just how irresistible homemade cookies with a jolt of coffee magic can be!

Coffee Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee with these soft and chewy coffee cookies that are perfect for pairing with your favorite hot beverage.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional:

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together: the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, dissolved coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Whisk together: the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Scoop and bake: tablespoon-sized balls of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.