If you love the cozy flavors of the holidays combined with that irresistible coffee kick, you’re going to adore this Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe. These cookies capture the warm spices of gingerbread perfectly balanced with a luscious coffee-infused glaze that adds a surprising depth of flavor. Soft, chewy, and bursting with aromatic spices and espresso notes, this treat feels like a hug in cookie form and is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside your favorite mug of coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial part in building the rich flavor profile and perfect texture of the cookies, from the creamy butter that ensures softness to the punch of spices that bring the classic gingerbread vibe to life.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that makes the cookies tender and rich.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel sweetness.
- ⅓ cup molasses: Brings that signature deep, bittersweet gingerbread flavor and dark color.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for chewy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds everything together.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for the perfect bite.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: The star spice giving that classic, zesty ginger taste.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and subtly sweet earthiness.
- ½ tsp ground cloves: Infuses a depth of aromatic spice.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty sweetness.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a silky, sweet coating perfect for glazing.
- 1½ tbsp brewed espresso or strong coffee (for glaze): Adds a vibrant coffee flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Lends a hint of fragrant sweetness.
- Pinch of cinnamon (plus more for topping): Ties the glaze back to the cookie’s warm flavor with a touch of spice.
How to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off the pan without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This aeration helps your cookies stay tender and soft.
Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in ⅓ cup molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. These ingredients combine to provide moisture, flavor, and hold the dough together.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix here to keep that tender chew you want in your Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, slightly flattening each one to help them bake evenly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges look set but the centers are still soft.
Step 7: Prepare the Coffee Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1½ tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and pourable. This luscious glaze adds a delightful coffee kick that sets this recipe apart.
Step 8: Glaze and Finish
Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the coffee glaze over the tops and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon for a fragrant, festive touch. Let the glaze set before enjoying every bite.
How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of cinnamon or a few coffee beans make charming garnishes that highlight the coffee and spice flavors in this Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe. You can also try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a festive twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of fresh coffee, hot cocoa, or even chai tea to complement the spicy, coffee-infused notes. Try serving alongside whipped cream-topped lattes or warm apple cider for a cozy treat spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cookie presentation into an event by arranging the cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine. Stack them with a ribbon as a sweet gift or serve on a wooden board with small bowls of remaining coffee glaze for dipping extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them ideal for preparing ahead of holidays or gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they’ll keep their shape and texture for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before glazing or enjoy as is!
Reheating
To enjoy freshly warmed cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Warm cookies beautifully enhance the flavors in this Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe and evoke that freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?
Molasses gives gingerbread its unique depth and slightly bitter-sweet flavor, so substituting it with honey or maple syrup will change the taste and color. If you prefer a milder sweetness, you can try it, but the cookie may lose some of its classic character.
What type of coffee works best for the glaze?
Strong brewed espresso is ideal for this coffee glaze because it delivers an intense, concentrated flavor that stands out against the sweet glaze. If you don’t have espresso, a strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate will work well too.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps deepen the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.
How do I make these cookies crispier instead of soft?
To get a crisper cookie, bake a minute or two longer until the edges are golden brown and the centers set more. Just watch carefully to avoid overbaking which could dry them out.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
You can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based vegan butter alternative that behaves similarly in baking. Make sure it’s softened to achieve the right dough consistency. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a cookie that combines the rich, nostalgic feel of gingerbread with the energizing charm of coffee, this Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to make, bursting with bold flavors, and absolutely perfect for any cozy occasion. Don’t hesitate—bake a batch today and watch everyone fall in love with every bite!
Print
Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Coffee Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Latte Cookies combine the warm, spicy flavors of classic gingerbread with a rich coffee glaze, creating a perfect treat for the holiday season or any cozy day. Soft and chewy with a fragrant blend of spices and topped with a sweet espresso-infused glaze, these cookies are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread.
Ingredients
Cookies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Coffee Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tbsp brewed espresso or strong coffee
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the molasses, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, giving the dough a rich flavor and moist texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices throughout the dough.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, then gently flatten each ball slightly with your hand or a spatula for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies have a slightly firm texture. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Coffee Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed espresso or strong coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and pourable to add a flavorful coffee finish.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle or spread the coffee glaze over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with additional cinnamon for extra warmth and presentation. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture in the cookies.
- The molasses adds depth and moisture; do not substitute with honey or maple syrup for the authentic flavor.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use brewed espresso instead of regular coffee.
- Cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust the spices according to preference for more or less warmth.
