introduction
This gingerbread latte cookies recipe makes soft, warm, spiced cookies with a hint of coffee. The cookies mix ginger and molasses with a little espresso for a cozy taste. The recipe is easy to follow and uses common pantry items. If you want a similar ginger cookie to compare, check this best gingerbread cookies recipe for ideas and tips.
These cookies are good for a holiday plate, a quick snack, or a small gift. The steps are clear and the dough is simple to work with. You do not need fancy tools to make them. Read on for what you need, the full ingredient list, the directions, and helpful tips.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Latte Cookies
You will love these cookies for their warm spice and soft texture. The ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg give a classic gingerbread flavor. Molasses adds deep taste and a rich color. The espresso or strong coffee adds a faint coffee note that lifts the spice and gives the cookie a latte-like twist.
The cookies stay soft even after baking, so they feel fresh and comforting. They are easy to roll into balls and bake. A simple powdered sugar icing gives a nice sweet finish without being heavy. You can make a batch in one afternoon and share them with friends or family.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a small treat with big flavor. It is faster than many cookies because the dough does not need long chilling. The recipe uses familiar ingredients you likely have on hand. It also works well for cookie swaps and holiday trays.
This recipe balances sweet and spice. It also lets you add a small coffee kick. If you like new takes on classic cookies, this is a good one to try. The recipe is forgiving, so small changes will not break it. You can make it with more or less spice, or try different icings.
What You Need for Gingerbread Latte Cookies
You need a few simple tools. Get a medium bowl for dry ingredients and a larger bowl for the wet mix. A handheld mixer or stand mixer helps but is not required. You will need a baking sheet and parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. A cookie scoop helps make even balls.
If you like to try more cookie types later, you can look for other easy recipes like almond butter chocolate chip cookies to expand your baking options. But for this recipe, basic tools are enough: bowls, mixer or spoon, scoop, baking sheet, and a wire rack to cool.
How to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies
This section explains the method in clear steps. First, mix the dry spices and flour so the flavors spread evenly. Then cream the butter and sugars until light, which helps make a soft cookie. Add the egg, molasses, and espresso and mix well. Stir in the dry mix until you have a soft dough.
Shape the dough into balls, roll them in granulated sugar if you like a tiny crunch, and place them on the sheet. Bake until the cookies set but stay soft in the middle. Let them cool a bit on the sheet to firm up, then move them to a wire rack. Make a quick icing from powdered sugar and milk and drizzle it over cooled cookies for a sweet finish.
Below are the full ingredient list and the step-by-step directions you can follow exactly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong coffee
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1-2 tsp milk (for icing)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and espresso until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in granulated sugar before placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set but still soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
These directions are simple. Watch the cookies near the end of the bake time. They should be set at the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will finish setting as they cool. Use a timer and one sheet at a time if your oven bakes unevenly.
Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Latte Cookies
Serve these cookies warm with a hot drink. They pair well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie makes a nice dessert. For a party, place them on a platter with mixed cookies so guests can sample different flavors.
You can also wrap a few in wax paper and tie with twine for a simple gift. Put them in a box with other holiday treats or include a small bag of coffee for a themed gift. The icing gives a nice look, but you can skip it for a simpler cookie. For a fancy touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar or crushed candy cane on the icing.
How to Store Gingerbread Latte Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze the dough balls. Freeze them on a tray until firm, then move them into a bag. Bake from frozen but add 1-2 minutes to the bake time. Icing should be added after thawing and cooling.
Easy Tips to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife. Too much flour makes dry cookies.
- Use room temperature butter so it creams well with the sugars.
- Strong coffee or espresso works best for the latte flavor. If you use weak coffee, the taste will be mild. You can reduce coffee to 1/4 cup if you prefer less coffee flavor.
- Do not overmix after adding flour. Mix until just combined for a soft texture.
- Roll dough into even balls for cookies that bake at the same time. A cookie scoop helps.
- Check the cookies at 10 minutes. They should look set but still soft. They will firm as they cool.
- If you want extra depth, try using dark molasses. If you like lighter flavor, use light molasses or a bit less.
Try These Variations of Gingerbread Latte Cookies
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for more holiday spice.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for texture. White chocolate chips pair well with the spice.
- Replace part of the espresso with instant espresso powder for a stronger coffee note without extra liquid.
- Make a brown butter version: brown the butter, cool slightly, then use in the recipe for a nutty taste.
- Skip the icing and dust with powdered sugar for a simple look.
- Add orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus hint.
These small changes keep the base recipe but give new taste ways.
Common Questions About Gingerbread Latte Cookies
Q: Can I use ground coffee instead of brewed espresso?
A: It is better to use brewed strong coffee or espresso. If you only have instant coffee, dissolve it in the small amount of milk or water and add it. Ground coffee will not mix into the dough.
Q: How can I make the cookies chewier?
A: For chewier cookies, use a little more brown sugar and do not overbake. Remove them when the edges are set but centers are soft.
Q: Can I make these without molasses?
A: You can try with a mix of brown sugar and a touch of maple syrup, but molasses gives the classic gingerbread depth. The taste will change without molasses.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: This recipe does not require chilling. You can bake right away. Chilling can help with spread control but is not necessary.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that replaces wheat flour by weight and follow package notes. Texture may vary.
Final Thoughts
These gingerbread latte cookies are a warm and easy treat. They mix classic ginger spice with a soft coffee note. The recipe is simple and forgiving, and it makes a good batch for sharing. Use the tips to get the texture you like and try a few variations to make it your own. These cookies work well for casual afternoons, holiday trays, or gift boxes.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients and tools, preheat the oven, and mix up a batch. The steps are clear and the result is a cozy, spiced cookie with a hint of latte. Enjoy the smell while they bake and share a plate with someone you like.
Conclusion
If you want another take on gingerbread latte-style cookies with a brown butter icing, see this detailed version for extra ideas and presentation tips: Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing.
Print
Gingerbread Latte Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, warm, spiced cookies infused with ginger, molasses, and a hint of espresso for a cozy treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong coffee
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1–2 tsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and espresso until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in granulated sugar before placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set but still soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for best results. Consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg