Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that captures the cozy warmth of your favorite coffeehouse drink and kicks it up a notch with classic holiday spices, you’re in love with these Gingerbread Latte Cookies already. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie infused with rich espresso and the spicy-sweet blend of ginger, cinnamon, and clove, topped with a smooth coffee glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and a hint of bitterness. These Gingerbread Latte Cookies are like a warm hug on a chilly day, making every bite feel like a little celebration of comfort and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Gingerbread Latte Cookies starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that play beautifully together. Each one brings something special—whether it’s the warm spices, the deep espresso notes, or the perfect touch of sweetness and moisture for the ideal texture.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that gives the cookies their chewy structure.
• Baking soda (2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just the right amount for softness.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Ground ginger (2 tsp): The star spice adding that signature gingerbread warmth.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Complementing ginger with classic spice sweetness.
• Ground clove (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle, aromatic depth of flavor.
• Espresso powder (1 tbsp): Intense coffee flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
• Unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks, softened): For richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Brings moisture and a caramel-like sweetness.
• White granulated sugar (1/4 cup, plus extra for rolling): Adds crunch and a touch of sparkle on the cookies’ surface.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Lifts the flavors with a sweet fragrance.
• Molasses (1/4 cup): Classic gingerbread darkness and richness in every bite.
• Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups, sifted): For the luscious coffee glaze finish.
• Ground cinnamon (1/4 tsp, for glaze): A hint of spice in the icing.
• Espresso or strong coffee (2 tbsp, adjust as needed): To thin the glaze for the perfect drizzle.

How to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, clove, and espresso powder in a bowl. This blend of spices and coffee powder will infuse the dough with all the wonderful gingerbread latte flavors before anything else gets added.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with both the brown and white sugars on high speed for about two minutes. This step makes the dough delightfully creamy and creates that soft texture we all love in cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses until everything is smooth and evenly combined. The molasses is what really gives the cookies their lush, dark golden color and deep flavor reflective of classic gingerbread.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet

Gently add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just incorporated. Don’t overmix here—you want tender, soft cookies, so it’s best to stop as soon as you don’t see any streaks of flour left.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough with a 1.5 ounce ice cream scoop (or roughly a heaping tablespoon), and place it on a tray. Refrigerate the dough for one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll each chilled dough ball in granulated sugar to give the cookies a delicate, crackly coating. Arrange them spaced about two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain wonderfully soft. Let them cool on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 7: Prepare and Add Coffee Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and espresso or coffee in a small bowl. Adjust the coffee by adding one teaspoon at a time until your glaze reaches a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle generously over the cooled cookies and allow the glaze to harden before enjoying.

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Garnishes

Garnishing Gingerbread Latte Cookies is a simple pleasure that takes their look and flavor up a notch. A light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few coffee beans pressed gently into the glaze before it sets creates a charming presentation and hints at the coffee flavors within.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a steaming mug of your favorite latte or coffee. They also pair perfectly with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, turning an ordinary snack into a delightful dessert experience that embraces those warm seasonal vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Gingerbread Latte Cookies stacked on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a seasonal touch. Wrapped individually in cellophane tied with twine, they make wonderful gifts to share holiday cheer with friends and coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and trust me, there might be—store your Gingerbread Latte Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for nibbling throughout the week or surprising visitors with a sweet treat.

Freezing

Want to enjoy Gingerbread Latte Cookies anytime? Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for best results.

Reheating

To refresh the cozy, just-baked feel, warm the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. The glaze softens slightly and the cookie regains its scrumptiously tender texture, perfect for a little indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?

Espresso powder has a more concentrated flavor, which makes it ideal for intensifying the coffee notes in Gingerbread Latte Cookies. However, if you prefer, you can substitute with very finely ground instant coffee, but expect a slightly milder coffee taste.

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Simply replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. Keep in mind that the texture might be a touch different but still deliciously satisfying.

What’s the best way to get soft, chewy cookies?

Be sure not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, chill the dough before baking, and avoid overbaking. Following these tips locks in moisture and helps achieve that tender, chewy bite every time.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips after mixing the dry and wet ingredients for an extra dimension of flavor and texture. It’s a fantastic twist on the classic Gingerbread Latte Cookies.

Why is molasses important in this recipe?

Molasses is what gives these cookies that distinctive dark color and rich, complex sweetness that you expect from gingerbread. It also helps keep the cookies moist and chewy, elevating their overall flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Latte Cookies are truly a little slice of cozy heaven wrapped up in a bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a chilly afternoon treat, or simply craving something delicious with a cup of coffee, these cookies deliver on all fronts with their perfect blend of spice, coffee, and sweetness. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee you’ll be reaching for seconds – and maybe even sharing the love with friends who appreciate a warm, flavorful cookie as much as you do.

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