Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe: A Perfect Cozy Treat for Coffee and Spice Lovers
These cookies are where coffeehouse comfort meets holiday warmth. Imagine soft, chewy gingerbread cookies infused with espresso and topped with a creamy latte glaze. They combine the richness of gingerbread spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and molasses—with a subtle hit of espresso to create a bold, warm flavor profile.
Perfect for:
- Holiday cookie exchanges
- Winter afternoon treats
- Coffee lovers
- Cozy gifting in jars or tins
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s festive but not overly sweet, complex yet simple to make—this is your new go-to.
☕ Ingredients Breakdown (With Purpose)
Each ingredient has a role to play in structure, flavor, or texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base structure. Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Leavening agent to create puff and slight chew.
- ½ tsp baking powder – Adds a bit more lift for a cakier finish.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 tbsp ground ginger – The hero spice; warm and slightly peppery.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon – Brings coziness and depth.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg & ¼ tsp cloves – Accentuate the gingerbread warmth.
- ½ tsp espresso powder – Infuses the base dough with a subtle coffee flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – For chewiness and rich flavor.
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar – Deep molasses flavor and soft texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds crisp edges and balances richness.
- ⅓ cup unsulphured molasses – The heart of gingerbread cookies; adds bold taste and moisture.
- 1 large egg – Binds the dough and helps with texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Smooths out the flavor.
- 1 tsp brewed espresso or strong coffee – Boosts the coffee note.
Latte Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp espresso powder
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and espresso powder.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, followed by molasses, vanilla, and brewed espresso.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but thick.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Chilling ensures thick, chewy cookies and prevents overspreading.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls. Roll in a bowl of sugar for sparkle (optional).
- Place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers still soft. They’ll finish baking on the sheet as they cool.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Glaze (Optional But Delicious)
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and pourable. Adjust with more sugar or milk if needed.
- Drizzle or spread glaze on cooled cookies. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or coffee powder for flair.
Advanced Tips for Next-Level Cookies
✅ Choose the Right Molasses
Use unsulphured dark molasses for best flavor. Avoid blackstrap, which is too bitter.
✅ Espresso Powder vs Brewed Coffee
Espresso powder gives a bold coffee flavor without added moisture. Brewed espresso adds aroma but should be used sparingly.
✅ Don’t Overmix
Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
✅ Freeze for Later
Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a warm mug of cappuccino, chai, or steamed milk.
- Crumble over vanilla or coffee ice cream for a cozy dessert twist.
- Sandwich two cookies with espresso buttercream for an indulgent treat.
🌟 Variations to Try
1. Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Latte Cookies
Add ½ cup of mini dark chocolate chips to the dough for a mocha effect.
2. White Chocolate Espresso Drizzle
Instead of glaze, melt white chocolate with a dash of espresso powder and drizzle over cooled cookies.
3. Vegan Option
- Use vegan butter.
- Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Use plant milk for the glaze.
4. Extra Chewy Version
Use 1 cup of brown sugar and skip granulated sugar entirely for extra moisture and depth.
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Guide
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temp (airtight) | 4–5 days | Store with a slice of bread for softness. |
| Fridge (airtight) | Up to 10 days | Let come to room temp before serving. |
| Freezer (baked) | 2–3 months | Freeze with parchment between layers. |
| Freezer (dough) | 3 months | Scoop and freeze raw balls for quick baking. |
📋 Nutritional Estimate (Per Cookie, No Glaze)
- Calories: 165
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Caffeine: ~5–10mg (from espresso)
Note: Glaze or mix-ins like chocolate chips will slightly increase values.
Table of Contents
🧾 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Dissolve it in a bit of hot water before adding to avoid grit.
Is chilling the dough really necessary?
Yes! Chilling helps intensify the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different. Add ½ tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
Do these cookies taste strongly of coffee?
No, the coffee flavor is subtle—more of a background warmth that enhances the spices. If you want a stronger taste, double the espresso powder.
Can I leave out the glaze?
Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch reminiscent of a creamy latte.
How can I make these cookies crisper?
Bake them a minute or two longer and use slightly less brown sugar to reduce chewiness.
Can I gift these cookies?
Yes! They’re sturdy enough for packaging and stay fresh for several days. Great for holiday tins or coffee-themed gift baskets.
🎄 Perfect For Any Occasion
These cookies aren’t just for the holidays. They’re amazing for:
- Fall gatherings
- Coffee dates
- Winter parties
- DIY cookie boxes
- Teacher or neighbor gifts
You can even personalize them with stamped designs or use them in cookie sandwiches with spiced cream cheese filling.
🧁 Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something festive yet different from the usual sugar cookie fare, these Gingerbread Latte Cookies deliver on every front. With warming spices, just the right hint of espresso, and a luscious glaze, they’re sophisticated yet comforting—ideal for snuggling up with a warm drink.
This cookie recipe is endlessly adaptable, crowd-pleasing, and sure to become a seasonal favorite in your baking lineup.