Name: Coffee Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick Unsalted Butter (113g); ½ cup Granulated Sugar (100g); ½ cup Light Brown Sugar (110g); 1 Large Egg; 3 tablespoons Espresso Powder; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 ½ cups All-purpose Flour (187g); ½ teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ teaspoon Salt

If you consider yourself a fan of bold flavors and crave that irresistible combo of crispy edges and chewy centers, these Coffee Cookies are about to become your new go-to treat. Each bite carries a deep, aromatic note of coffee, balanced by a dreamy sweetness and buttery richness. Whether enjoyed with your morning cup or as an afternoon pick-me-up, Coffee Cookies are the ultimate way to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your caffeine craving, all in one glorious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about these Coffee Cookies is how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so special. Every item on this list has a purpose, each element adding its own touch to the texture, flavor, and irresistible aroma you’ll experience.

Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture while letting you control the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those delicately crisp edges we all love.
Light Brown Sugar: Provides a hint of molasses flavor and gives chewiness to the center of the cookies.
Large Egg: Binds everything together and lends extra moisture for that perfect cookie texture.
Espresso Powder: The star of the show, this intensifies the coffee flavor and adds an unmistakably bold taste.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the coffee notes and adds depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and that familiar cookie bite.
Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a subtle lift for a softer middle.
Baking Soda: Helps spread the cookies just enough for that beautiful, bakery-style look.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the other flavors—don’t skip it!

How to Make Coffee Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Mix With Sugars

Start by melting your butter in the microwave, just until it’s liquid and velvety. Pour it into a mixing bowl along with both sugars. Stir everything together until no lumps remain. This melted butter method gives Coffee Cookies their signature chewy centers and ensures every speck of sugar gets thoroughly incorporated.

Step 2: Activate the Espresso Powder

To coax the most flavor out of your coffee, combine the espresso powder with a small splash of hot water to make a fragrant, thick paste. Stir this directly into your butter and sugar mix. You’ll immediately notice the room filling with that rich, inviting aroma that makes Coffee Cookies so tantalizing.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Gently stir to combine until your mixture becomes glossy and unified. This step binds your flavors together and creates the luscious, creamy dough base—one of the secrets to perfect Coffee Cookies every time.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You want everything evenly blended, but avoid overmixing to keep your Coffee Cookies tender and chewy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough into the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps manage the spread of your cookies and makes the dough easier to handle. Trust me, this short break in the fridge makes all the difference for those signature crisp edges and gooey middles.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out walnut-sized portions and roll them into balls with your hands. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment, leaving plenty of space between each. Coffee Cookies will spread as they bake, so don’t crowd the pan.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for exactly 12 minutes—just until the edges are set but the centers look a touch soft. Remove from the oven and let them rest on the tray for at least 10 minutes. This is the secret to getting that perfect combination of crisp and chewy. Once slightly cooled, transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve Coffee Cookies

Garnishes

For a simple flourish, dust your Coffee Cookies with a fine sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Feeling fancy? Try a few espresso beans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right on top for added crunch and a punch of flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Coffee Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or—naturally—your favorite cup of freshly brewed coffee. If you prefer something lighter, serve alongside a fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer Coffee Cookies in a clear jar for a lovely homemade gift, or stack them on a plate with parchment in between for a rustic, bakery-style vibe. For special occasions, create a cookie “sandwich” by spreading a layer of mocha buttercream between two cookies—a guaranteed showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, these Coffee Cookies will keep perfectly fresh for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment paper between each to avoid sticking and to preserve their crisp edges and chewy centers.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, simply roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Baked Coffee Cookies can also be frozen—just wrap well and store in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, pop chilled or thawed Coffee Cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes or give them a super-quick zap in the microwave. They’ll taste just like they came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Absolutely! While espresso powder delivers a more concentrated flavor, instant coffee works in a pinch—just use the same amount, but expect a slightly milder coffee punch in your Coffee Cookies.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a measure-for-measure gluten-free blend. Just keep an eye on the texture, as some blends may absorb moisture differently.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling is highly recommended! It not only makes the dough easier to handle but also improves the final texture, giving you those crisp-yet-chewy Coffee Cookies everyone loves.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even white chocolate chunks pair beautifully with the coffee flavor. Toss in about a half cup along with the dry ingredients to customize your batch.

What’s the best way to get perfectly chewy centers?

The key is to bake until just set and let the cookies finish setting up on the tray after you remove them from the oven. This locks in the moisture for that soft chewy bite in every Coffee Cookie.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cookie that’s both comforting and crave-worthy, look no further than these Coffee Cookies. They’re quick to make, packed with deep coffee flavor, and offer that perfect mix of crisp and chewy with every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion—go ahead and bake a batch today, and share them with someone who loves coffee as much as you do!