If you adore the cozy flavors of the holidays and the rich aroma of your morning coffee, you are going to fall head over heels for this Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver a satisfyingly chewy texture, infused with a perfect blend of warm gingerbread spices and the unmistakable depth of espresso. It’s like biting into the heart of a gingerbread latte, but in cookie form — an irresistible treat that brings all your favorite seasonal tastes together in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe comes together with simple pantry staples that each play a crucial role in crafting its iconic flavor and texture. Every ingredient adds a little magic, from the warming spices to the rich espresso powder that gives it that authentic latte punch.
- 250 g all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, providing that soft, chewy bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with the perfect rise and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder: Adds deep coffee flavor without bitterness — the latte in the cookie!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings familiar holiday vibes.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Essential for that spicy gingerbread kick.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way for aromatic warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty hint to the spice profile.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spice flavors without overpowering.
- 150 g unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, creamy base that keeps cookies chewy.
- 100 g brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a deep caramel sweetness.
- 50 g granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
- 100 g cooking molasses: The soul of gingerbread, packing intense, robust flavor and color.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together with tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, fragrant finish to the flavor.
- 30 g granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkle and slight crunch on the outside.
- 40 g powdered sugar (for optional icing): Sweetens and decorates with a lovely glaze.
- 1 teaspoon milk (for icing): Gives the icing the perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Adds depth and aroma to the glaze.
How to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Dry Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper so cookies won’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, espresso powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This aromatic dry blend is the secret behind the authentic gingerbread latte cookie flavor, so make sure it’s evenly combined.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and pale, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to cream until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is key to achieving that soft chewiness once baked.
Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the molasses for that deep gingerbread richness, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat these wet ingredients well into the creamed butter and sugars until fully combined. The molasses will give the dough a lovely dark hue and a punch of bold flavor that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Slowly add your dry spice and flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until all the flour disappears and the dough comes together — avoid overmixing so your cookies stay tender and chewy.
Step 5: Scoop and Chill the Dough
Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough balls onto a parchment-lined cutting board. Chill these dough balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, just until the surface feels dry. This chilling step makes rolling easier and helps create that delightful sugar-crusted exterior.
Step 6: Roll in Sugar and Bake
Roll each chilled dough ball between your hands to make smooth balls, then roll them in granulated sugar. Space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the cookies look puffy and just set. Once you remove them from the oven, give the baking sheet a single firm bang against a wire rack — this is a wonderful trick to crack the cookie tops and give them that signature crackled look.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Icing
After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to dress things up, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth icing. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies to add a lovely sweet glaze that enhances their festive look and flavor.
How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of vanilla icing immediately elevates these cookies, making them look as good as they taste. You can also add tiny edible gold stars or sparkly sugar crystals on top to really dazzle guests at your next gathering.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat. They also complement lightly spiced teas perfectly when you want something a little lighter but still festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cookies stacked with a spread of cream cheese frosting between them, turning them into irresistible sandwich cookies. You can also wrap them up individually in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon — perfect for gifting during the holidays!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, retaining all that cozy spiced goodness you love.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking tray until firm, then move them to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy that gingerbread latte magic any time.
Reheating
Warm frozen cookies gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their soft, chewy texture. Avoid the microwave as it can make them too soft or rubbery. A little warming enhances the spice and espresso aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Instant coffee can work in a pinch, but espresso powder has a more intense, pure coffee flavor that really makes these cookies special. If you use instant coffee, use slightly less to avoid bitterness.
What if I don’t have molasses?
Molasses is key for that authentic gingerbread richness and chewiness. You can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, but the flavor will be less complex. For the best results, try to pick up some molasses next time you’re at the store.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
This recipe isn’t vegan as written because of the butter and egg. However, you can experiment using vegan butter and an egg replacer like flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
How do I get the perfect chewy texture?
The combination of brown sugar and molasses, along with careful mixing and baking just until soft, is the secret to chewiness. Also, gently banging the baking sheet post-bake helps create those lovely cracks without drying out the cookies.
Is the icing necessary?
Icing is totally optional but adds a beautiful sweetness and lovely visual contrast that’s perfect for the holidays. If you prefer your cookies without extra sugar, they’re delicious all on their own.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your seasonal favorites. The jaw-dropping combo of spiced gingerbread warmth with coffee’s rich depth makes these cookies impossible to resist. Give it a try, share with friends and family, and bask in the joyful, cozy vibes it brings. I can’t wait for you to experience just how delightful these cookies are!
Print
Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gingerbread Latte Cookies are chewy and bursting with spiced gingerbread flavors and a rich coffee undertone. Perfectly soft with a crackly exterior, they combine aromatic spices, espresso powder, and molasses for a deeply satisfying holiday treat. Optionally topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these cookies make a delightful festive dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 150 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 100 g brown sugar
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 100 g cooking molasses
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 30 g granulated sugar
Icing (optional)
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk, dairy or non-dairy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Dry mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, espresso powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter until very creamy and pale in color. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue to beat until fluffy.
- Wet mixture: Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Add dry to wet mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until the cookie dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Scoop cookie dough: Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scooper to portion out dough onto a cutting board lined with a scrap parchment sheet.
- Chill: Place the dough balls on the board and chill in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes until the surface feels dry to the touch, which makes rolling easier.
- Roll in sugar: Roll each chilled dough ball between your hands to form a smooth ball. Then roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated. Arrange on the lined baking sheet, spacing approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 10-11 minutes until puffed but still soft. Once removed from oven, firmly bang the baking sheet once against a wire rack to release puffiness and create surface cracks.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Icing (optional) – Mix: In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a thick but pourable glaze.
- Icing (optional) – Drizzle: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the icing over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps reduce stickiness and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Banging the baking sheet after baking creates the distinct cracked surface typical of chewy ginger cookies.
- Use strong brewed espresso powder for the best coffee flavor without adding liquid.
- Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- The icing is optional but adds a lovely sweet contrast and festive look.