Gingerbread Latte Cookies: A Perfect Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about the aroma of gingerbread wafting through the house during the holiday season. But what if we could take that classic festive flavor and give it a modern coffee-shop twist? Enter these Gingerbread Latte Cookies – a delightful fusion of warm, spicy gingerbread and rich, robust coffee that will make your holiday baking extra special this year.

These cookies marry the cozy comfort of traditional gingerbread with the sophisticated notes of your favorite coffee shop latte, creating a treat that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition.

What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility and unique charm. The subtle coffee notes enhance the traditional gingerbread spices without overwhelming them, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that appeals to both coffee lovers and traditional cookie enthusiasts. They’re soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges, making them ideal for dunking in your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Coffee Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This is also a good time to brew your coffee for the glaze – make it strong!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This combination of spices creates that signature gingerbread aroma we all love.
3. Create the Cookie Base
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. The mixture might look a bit curdled – that’s perfectly normal!
4. Combine Wet and Dry
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; this will ensure your cookies stay tender.
5. Shape and Bake
   Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set but the centers still look slightly soft.
6. Glaze and Finish
   While the cookies cool, prepare the coffee glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, strong coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle with the glaze.

Pro Tips

• For the best flavor, use fresh spices. Ground spices lose their potency over time, so if your spices have been sitting in the cabinet for over a year, it’s time for a refresh.
• Don’t skip the molasses! It’s essential for that classic gingerbread flavor and helps keep the cookies soft.
• If you’re sensitive to caffeine, feel free to use decaf coffee in both the cookies and glaze.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with vegan butter, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and ensure your molasses is vegan-friendly.

My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
This usually happens if the butter is too soft or the dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Ready to embrace the holiday season with these delicious Gingerbread Latte Cookies? They’re the perfect treat to enjoy while wrapping presents or sharing with friends over a hot cup of coffee. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it with us using #GingerbreadLatteCookies – we’d love to see how yours turn out!

Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Check out our Peppermint Mocha Brownies or Chai Spiced Snickerdoodles for more coffee shop-inspired treats that will make your holiday season even sweeter.