Guide to Baking Coffee Flavored Cookies at Home: 3 Recipes.
Coffee flavored cookies are a delightful treat for any coffee lover. The rich, bold coffee flavor pairs perfectly with sweet cookie dough to create an irresistible dessert. These cookies can be enjoyed on their own, allowing the coffee flavor to take center stage or they can be enhanced with mix-ins like chocolate chips for a mocha twist.
The versatility of coffee cookies makes them an easy crowd-pleaser to bake at home. Whether you prefer your cookies simple or loaded with chocolate, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bake up the perfect batch of coffee-infused cookies. Let's get started!
The Basics
To create great coffee cookies, there are a few basic ingredients and pieces of equipment to have on hand. Understanding the role each play will set you up for cookie success!
Importance of Key Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients, there are a few all-stars that make coffee cookies shine:
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder
The key to packing an intense coffee flavor into cookies is using either instant coffee granules or espresso powder. For an exceptional choice, Lifeboost’s Espresso Powder can be used to infuse your cookies with a rich, bold coffee taste.
This concentrated form of coffee dissolves easily into cookie dough and gives each bite of cookie a rich, bold coffee taste. Without it, the coffee flavor will be far too subtle.
So be sure to have either instant coffee or espresso powder on hand! Instant coffee is more readily available and provides a smooth flavor, while espresso powder gives an extra caffeinated kick for true coffee lovers.
Butter
Butter is the base of most cookie recipes. Using unsalted butter allows you full control over the saltiness of the final cookies. It also ensures the pure, rich flavor of the butter shines through. Butter helps give the cookies a tender and delicate texture.
Sugars
When it comes to sweetening coffee flavored cookies, a combination of white and brown sugars is key. The brown sugar enhances moisture, while the white sugar lightens the overall sweetness. Together, they provide the perfect sweet counterpart to bold, bitter coffee.
You can play around with using dark or light brown sugars, as well as organic cane sugar, depending on your preferences. But having both brown and white sugar on hand gives you flexibility.
Equipment Needed
Baking delicious coffee cookies relies on having a few basic supplies on hand:
- Mixing bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients
- Baking sheets and parchment paper for evenly baked cookies
- Cookie scoops for consistent sizing
- Electric mixer to properly cream butter and sugar
- Wire cooling rack for air circulation
Having the right equipment makes a big difference in both easing the baking process and achieving great results. Investing in a few quality baking tools pays dividends in the form of perfect cookies every time!
Coffee Cookie Recipes
Coffee cookies come in all kinds of delicious variations. Let's explore some of the most popular recipes, from classic coffee cookies to mocha stuffed treats!
1. Classic Coffee Flavored Cookies
Can't go wrong with a classic coffee cookie that puts the rich, aromatic coffee flavor front and center. Here's an easy go-to recipe:
Overview
These no-fuss coffee cookies are made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, sugar butter and baking soda. The addition of instant coffee powder gives them an unmistakable bold, slightly bitter coffee taste that coffee lovers crave.
Enjoy these cookies on their own to fully savor the coffee flavor. The crisp edges and chewy center make them perfect for dunking into a cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee!
Ingredients Highlight
- 2 Tbsp instant coffee powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure out 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules and place in a small bowl. Boil water and pour 2 tablespoons into the bowl with the coffee granules. Stir the coffee and hot water together using a spoon or small whisk until the coffee granules have fully dissolved and the liquid is smooth and uniform. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup room temperature butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light in color and fluffy in texture. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically.
3. Crack 1 large egg into the creamed butter and sugar. Add in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Turn the mixer to low and beat until the egg and vanilla are fully incorporated into the batter and the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Pour the dissolved coffee mixture from step 1 into the cookie batter. Mix on low speed until well blended, about 30 seconds. Verify there are no streaks of coffee visible.
5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3 additions, mixing just until combined after each. Do not overmix.
6. Use a small cookie scoop, about 1 tablespoon capacity, to scoop rounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the cookies at 375°F for 9 minutes until the edges just begin to brown.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before using a thin spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies:
- Alongside a steaming cup of coffee.
- Crumbled over coffee ice cream for a tasty twist.
- Sandwiched together with coffee buttercream frosting.
2. Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies
For chocolate lovers, coffee flavored chocolate chip cookies are sheer perfection. The sweet chocolate pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of coffee.
Overview
This cookie recipe combines a coffee sugar cookie base loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each bite delivers a delicious medley of flavors and textures. The rich coffee cookie gives way to melted pockets of chocolate.
Feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet version or even substitute chunks of chocolate bars chopped into pieces.
Ingredients Highlight
- 2 Tbsp instant coffee powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules into a small bowl. Boil water and pour 2 tablespoons into the bowl. Whisk vigorously until a smooth, uniform paste forms, about 1 minute. Set aside.
2. Cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup each white and brown sugars using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Add in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat on low until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour the dissolved coffee paste from step 1 into the cookie batter. Mix on low until thoroughly blended, about 1 minute.
5. Whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium bowl. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 3 additions until just combined after each.
6. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in 1 cup chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
7. Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough 2 inches apart onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slightly flatten each mound.
8. Bake at 375°F for 10 to 11 minutes until cookies look set around the edges.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before using a thin spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Cooling and Storage
The chocolate chips make these cookies a bit more delicate and prone to breaking. Allow them to completely cool before storing to allow chocolate to set. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
3. Mocha Espresso Cookies
For the true coffee connoisseur, these mocha espresso cookies are intensely flavored with espresso powder and rich chocolate.
Overview
If you really want to highlight coffee flavor in cookies, opt for an intense espresso powder instead of standard instant coffee granules. The result is a crisp, profoundly aromatic cookie with an uncompromising espresso punch.
Take them over the top by adding a hint of cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a "mocha" flavor twist.
Ingredients Highlight
- 1/4 cup espresso powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together 1/4 cup espresso powder and 1/4 cup very hot water until espresso dissolves into a smooth paste, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Stop to scrape down sides as needed.
3. Add in 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
4. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in espresso paste from step 1. Mix until thoroughly blended, no streaks remain, about 2 minutes.
5. If using cocoa powder, whisk it together with the dry ingredients before proceeding to next step.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 3 additions, mixing until just incorporated after each addition.
7. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in 1 cup chocolate chips, if using, being careful not to overmix.
8. Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough 2 inches apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Serving and Pairing
Serve these with:
- A double shot of espresso.
- A frothy cappuccino.
- Sweetened coffee drinks like a mocha latte.
The intense coffee notes stand up well to other strong flavors!
Customizing Your Cookies
Once you master the basics, the fun part is customizing your own signature coffee cookie creation!
Flavor Adjustments
Start by playing around with the type and amount of coffee flavoring:
Coffee Options
- For a smoother, more mellow flavor, use instant coffee granules.
- For an intense caffeine kick, use espresso powder.
- For a nutty, aromatic flavor, try a teaspoon of instant espresso powder mixed with instant coffee granules.
Coffee Ratio
- For subtle coffee undertones, use 1 Tbsp instant coffee for 12 cookies.
- For an unmistakable coffee flavor, use 2 to 3 Tbsp for 12 cookies.
- For an intense coffee experience, use 1/4 cup espresso powder for 12 cookies.
Mix-Ins
- To make Mexican coffee cookies: Add 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder.
- For a tropical twist: Add 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes.
- For extra crunch: Use chopped toasted nuts like almonds, pecans or walnuts.
Chocolate
- Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Sandwich two cookies together with chocolate hazelnut spread.
Dietary Modifications
You can easily adapt coffee cookies to be gluten-free or vegan:
Gluten-Free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Verify ingredients like chocolate chips are certified gluten-free
Vegan
- Use vegan butter
- Replace egg with:
- 1 banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 Tbsp ground flax or chia seeds whisked with 3 Tbsp water
- Use vegan chocolate chips
- Use vegan sugar
Baking Tips and Techniques
Apply these tips for coffee cookies with the perfect texture:
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Mixing Technique
Over-mixing causes the gluten in flour to toughen, leading to crisp cookies. But under-mixing leaves pockets of dry ingredients and results in crumbly cookies.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately at first.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until *just* combined. Mix only long enough to incorporate everything without seeing streaks of flour.
- Avoid using a heavy-duty stand mixer which makes it easier to overwork the dough.
Baking Time
It can be tempting to bake cookies longer to crisp them up. But for chewy cookies, err on the lower end of the recommended baking time range.
Set the timer and watch cookies closely near the end of the recommended baking time. Carefully remove them once the edges start browning. They'll continue to set as they cool.
Storage Solutions
To keep cookies fresh for as long as possible:
Cooling
Allow cookies to cool completely before storage. Warm cookies lead to condensation inside storage containers which causes sogginess.
Air-Tight Container
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container like a cookie tin or storage bag. Air exposure causes cookies to dry out.
Shelf Life
Store cookies at room temperature to enjoy chewy goodness for 5-7 days. For maximum freshness up to a month, store cookie dough logs or baked cookie cylinders in the freezer.
Freezing Baked Cookies
To freeze baked cookies:
- Allow cookies to cool completely first.
- Place cookies in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until hard.
- Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Defrost at room temperature or bake frozen cookies by adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Apply these tips to troubleshoot issues with your next batch:
Cookies Spread Too Much
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for added structure.
- Replace a small portion of all-purpose flour with cornstarch to inhibit spreading.
Cookies Come Out Too Flat
- Use an ice cream scoop to portion uniform balls of dough instead of pressing with fingers.
- Let dough portions rest briefly at room temperature before baking to "relax" into the proper shape.
- Bake cookies one sheet at a time for best heat circulation.
Cookies Lack Coffee Flavor
- Brew a strong coffee, allow it to fully cool and substitute water in the recipe with an equal amount of cooled coffee.
- Increase the amount of instant coffee granules or espresso powder.
- Opt for an intense espresso powder instead of mild instant coffee.
- Add a teaspoon of coffee extract for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Coffee cookies are a versatile blank canvas for creating all kinds of delicious baked treats to delight family and friends. Whether you prefer simple, classic coffee cookies or mocha chocolate chip variations, this guide equips you with everything needed to bake up sweet coffeehouse-worthy cookies at home.
The options for customizing textures, flavors and mix-ins are endless. So, embrace your inner barista baker! Be bold and creative with each batch until you craft that perfect cookie to enjoy alongside your morning coffee.
FAQs
What is the difference between instant coffee and espresso powder?
Instant coffee granules are made from brewed coffee that has been freeze-dried or spray-dried into soluble powder form. This makes for a convenient way to quickly prepare coffee with the addition of hot water. The resulting flavor tends to be milder. Espresso powder starts with a bolder espresso coffee base and undergoes a similar process to transform it into instant powder form. It has a far more intense, bitter coffee flavor.
How do I make vegan coffee cookies?
To adapt coffee cookie recipes to be vegan: use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of dairy butter, replace the egg with mashed banana, applesauce or a flax "egg", opt for vegan chocolate chips and use vegan sugar instead of traditional white sugar.
Can I use already brewed coffee instead of instant coffee powder?
It's best to use instant coffee granules or espresso powder. The concentrated coffee flavor gets evenly distributed throughout raw cookie dough. If using already brewed coffee, you'd need to let it cool completely first, then remove some other liquid from the recipe to account for the added volume. This diluted coffee flavor gets further muted when baked.
Why are my coffee cookies not chewy?
If your coffee cookies turn out crunchy instead of chewy, it likely means they were overbaked. Be sure to set a timer and don't walk away. Carefully watch cookies in the final minutes of baking time and remove them once the edges are just beginning to brown. They may appear underdone but will continue to set as they cool. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture!
How can I avoid flat or spread out cookies?
To help coffee cookie dough hold its shape for nicely rounded cookies, chill the scooped dough balls for 30 minutes before baking. You can also swap a bit of all-purpose flour for cornstarch to inhibit spreading. Finally, be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet which can prevent proper heat circulation.
How long do coffee cookies stay fresh at room temperature?
Properly stored coffee cookies stay fresh at room temperature for 5-7 days when kept in an airtight container. For maximum freshness, store cookie dough logs or baked cookies in the freezer for up to 1 month. Defrost frozen cookies overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!