Name: Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups (300 g) all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon espresso powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, cold and sliced; ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (80 g) unsulphured molasses; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract; 1½ cup (180 g) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon espresso powder or to taste; 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk or half and half

If you adore the cozy, spicy warmth of gingerbread with a rich coffee twist, then you are in for a real treat with this Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe. These cookies masterfully blend the classic holiday spices with luscious espresso notes, creating a cookie that’s both comfortingly familiar and delightfully new. Perfectly soft with a slight crisp on the edges and finished with a creamy espresso glaze, these cookies are a fantastic way to bring a little festive magic into any season or celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six white bowls and one small glass cup placed on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the top contains different dry ingredients: a large white powder area, a brown powder section, and two small brown clumps. Below it and to the left is a medium white bowl filled with several chunks of pale yellow butter. To the right of this bowl is a smaller bowl containing a mix of brown and white powders. Directly below these, an egg rests on the marble surface just above a small white bowl filled with a dark liquid. At the bottom left is a small glass cup holding a darker amber liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to baking cookies that truly sing with flavor. Each component in this Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe plays a vital role: from the warm spices that evoke holiday spirit to the espresso powder that deepens the flavor profile, ensuring every bite is fantastic.

All purpose flour (2½ cups): The foundation of your cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness.
Espresso powder (1 tablespoon + ½ teaspoon): Gives a rich coffee hit that uniquely complements the gingerbread spices.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just right, giving a lovely texture.
Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): The star spice delivering that classic gingerbread warmth and zing.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a sweet, woody aroma.
Ground cloves (½ teaspoon): Imparts a slight peppery, aromatic bite for complexity.
Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Subtle and nutty, rounding out the spice mix brilliantly.
Cold unsalted butter (¾ cup): For richness and a tender crumb, sliced for easy blending.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup): Moist and caramelly sweetness that keeps your cookies chewy.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a crisp edge and balances the brown sugar.
Unsulphured molasses (⅓ cup): Deep, robust flavor with a slight bitterness that defines gingerbread.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and gives structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm sweetness.
Powdered sugar (1½ cups): For the silky espresso glaze that finishes these cookies with style.
Milk or half and half (2 – 3 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze to a perfect dipping consistency.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining all the flour, espresso powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisking these together ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes with that signature gingerbread latte flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Gently heat the cold butter cubes just enough to soften them, then cream together with both the light brown and granulated sugar using a stand mixer. This step creates a smooth, fluffy base that lends your cookies exquisite tenderness and a perfect balance of sweetness.

Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the molasses for its rich, dark depth, then slowly add the egg and vanilla extract on low speed. These ingredients add moisture and a subtle sweetness that compliment the espresso and spices beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the creamed wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies soft and chewy instead of tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and pop it into the refrigerator for 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Scoop and Sugar Coat

Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C) and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll each ball in sugar before placing them a couple of inches apart on the tray. This sugar coating adds a delightful sparkle and crispy edge.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies just until the edges are set and the centers puff up slightly—about 10 to 12 minutes. Let them rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a cooling rack so they firm up without breaking.

Step 8: Whisk Espresso Latte Glaze

While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with espresso powder and your choice of milk or half and half. Whisk until smooth and glossy. This creamy glaze is the perfect crowning touch, enhancing the coffee flavor and adding a bit of elegant shine.

Step 9: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the espresso glaze. Shake off any excess and return them to the rack to let the glaze set for up to 45 minutes. The result is an irresistibly pretty and flavorful cookie you’ll want to share immediately.

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe

The image shows two trays side by side on a white marbled surface. The left tray is lined with parchment paper and holds 15 round brown cookies with cracks on top, arranged in three neat rows of five. A woman's hand is holding one cookie near the bottom right. The right tray contains a metal cooling rack full of 24 round, lighter beige cookies with cracked tops, arranged in four rows of six. Both sets of cookies have a rough texture and look soft. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a festive finish, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or finely grated dark chocolate over the glaze before it dries. You can also add a small piece of crystallized ginger on top for an extra zing and pretty look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of chai tea, a latte, or even a glass of cold milk. The warm spices and espresso notes in the cookies complement the creamy drinks perfectly, turning any break into a cozy moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of coffee beans and cinnamon sticks. Tie them in little bundles with twine as thoughtful edible gifts or set them in a decorative tin lined with holiday tissue paper for festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to keep the glaze intact and avoid sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls or baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before glazing.

Reheating

Reheat cookies gently in a warm oven (about 300 F) for 5 minutes to revive soft textures. Avoid microwaving to keep the glaze from melting too much. Freshly warmed cookies delight every time!

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee powder instead of espresso powder?

Yes, instant coffee powder can be used, but espresso powder has a more intense flavor that really makes this recipe shine. If using instant coffee, adjust the amount to your taste, starting with less.

What if I don’t have molasses? Can I substitute?

Molasses is key for that deep, rich gingerbread flavor. You can try dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch, but the flavor will be milder and less traditional.

How do I get the cookies soft and chewy?

Be sure not to overbake; remove the cookies when edges are set but centers are still slightly puffy. Also, chilling dough before baking helps keep them tender.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some ingredient swaps—using vegan butter and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or applesauce—you can enjoy a vegan version, though the texture and flavor might be slightly different.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough solidifies fats and melds flavors, which helps with texture and makes the cookies easier to handle. Skipping this step might result in flatter cookies and less depth in flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe that combines nostalgia with a hint of sophistication in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting friends, or indulging yourself, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover how simple ingredients and a little care turn into something extraordinary.