Introduction

These Coffee Sugar Cookies combine the comforting warmth of brewed coffee with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies. The result is a sophisticated treat perfect for pairing with your afternoon cup or serving at gatherings. If you enjoy coffee-flavored desserts, you might also like this Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe for another delicious option.

Ingredients

These soft coffee sugar cookies get their rich, aromatic flavor from instant coffee dissolved in warm water, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and deep coffee notes.

• 2 Tablespoons instant coffee
• 1 Tablespoon warm water
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and cooled slightly
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: These Coffee Sugar Cookies come together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making them perfect for a quick coffee break treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients for your Coffee Sugar Cookies: softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, instant coffee granules, baking soda, and salt. Ensure your butter is at room temperature (about 65–70°F) for easy creaming. Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps the Coffee Sugar Cookies rise. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.

Step 3 — Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. For a stronger coffee flavor, dissolve the instant coffee granules in 1 teaspoon of hot water before adding; this prevents gritty bits in your dough. Mix just until uniform—overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep your Coffee Sugar Cookies tender.

Step 5 — Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). Chilling firms the butter, preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking. For uniformly shaped cookies, scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet before chilling.

Step 6 — Preheat and Portion

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar for a crackly finish. Space them 2 inches apart on baking sheets to allow for spreading.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the Coffee Sugar Cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and centers look set. They will continue to firm up as they cool. For chewier cookies, bake until just set; for crispier ones, extend by 1–2 minutes.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to finish cooking without becoming too brittle. Cool completely before storing to maintain texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	125
Protein	1.5g
Carbohydrates	19g
Fat	5g
Fiber	0.3g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond flour — A gluten-free alternative that adds nutty flavor and reduces carbs.
• Coconut sugar — A lower-glycemic sweetener with caramel notes that complements the coffee.
• Greek yogurt — A protein-rich swap for butter that keeps cookies moist and adds tang.
• Oat flour — A whole-grain, gluten-free option for a heartier texture in your Coffee Sugar Cookies.
• Applesauce — A low-fat replacement for oil that adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• Coconut oil — A dairy-free fat alternative that gives a subtle tropical aroma.
• Vanilla protein powder — A protein boost that enhances flavor without overpowering the coffee.
• Sea salt flakes — A low-sodium finishing touch that heightens the coffee and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful flavor combination.
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a simple coffee cookie sundae.
• Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, brunch gatherings, or afternoon tea.
• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple coffee glaze for an elegant finish.
• Arrange on a rustic wooden board with other complementary treats like biscotti.
• Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags as thoughtful homemade gifts.

These Coffee Sugar Cookies are wonderfully versatile, making them suitable for everything from casual snacking to special occasions where their rich coffee flavor can truly shine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using instant coffee instead of espresso powder. Fix: Espresso powder dissolves better and provides a smoother, stronger coffee flavor without grittiness.
• Mistake: Over-creaming butter and sugar. Fix: Cream just until pale and fluffy; over-mixing incorporates too much air, causing cookies to spread excessively.
• Mistake: Skipping the chill time for the dough. Fix: Chill dough for at least 1 hour to solidify fats, which prevents flat cookies and improves flavor development.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly by scooping from the bag. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy; compacted flour makes dry, crumbly cookies.
• Mistake: Baking on a hot or greased baking sheet. Fix: Always use cool, parchment-lined pans to control spread and ensure even browning.
• Mistake: Overbaking for a crisp result. Fix: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone; they firm up perfectly while cooling.
• Mistake: Using old baking soda or powder. Fix: Check leavener freshness annually; expired agents won’t provide the necessary lift, resulting in dense cookies.
• Mistake: Adding coffee flavor only to the dough. Fix: Enhance the coffee taste by rolling dough balls in a sugar-espresso powder blend before baking.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Coffee Sugar Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until heated through.

Always ensure your Coffee Sugar Cookies have cooled completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup. When reheating, make sure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Conclusion

These Coffee Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for pairing with your morning brew or serving at gatherings. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee in these Coffee Sugar Cookies?

Yes, you can use instant coffee. Dissolve one to two tablespoons of instant coffee granules in a tablespoon of hot water to replace the brewed coffee in the recipe. This substitution will still give your Coffee Sugar Cookies a rich coffee flavor.

How do I prevent my Coffee Sugar Cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Using cool butter and not over-creaming it with the sugar also helps. This ensures your Coffee Sugar Cookies hold their shape and have a perfect texture.

Can I make the dough for Coffee Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking your Coffee Sugar Cookies.