If you adore the cozy flavors of the holidays and can’t get enough of coffeehouse treats, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with a luscious, coffee-infused glaze that tastes just like your favorite latte in cookie form. They’re soft, subtly chewy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible snack or gift anytime of the year. Trust me, once you try these, gingerbread cookies will never quite be the same again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, quality ingredients is key to nailing the flavor and texture of these cookies. Each component plays an essential role—from the richness of butter to the vibrant spices that bring that classic gingerbread warmth, and the espresso glaze that ties it all together with a hint of café charm.
- Unsalted butter, ¾ cup, softened: For a creamy base that ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup: Adds deep caramel notes and helps keep the cookies moist.
- Molasses, ⅓ cup: The heart of gingerbread flavor, bringing a rich, slightly smoky sweetness.
- Large egg, 1: Binds the dough and contributes to the perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances all the warm spices with subtle aromatic complexity.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The structure that holds everything together.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: A little leavener for lightness without puffiness.
- Ground ginger, 1 tsp: The star spice delivering that signature gingerbread bite.
- Cinnamon, 1 tsp: For warmth and an inviting scent.
- Ground cloves, ½ tsp: Adds a pungent depth and slight earthiness.
- Nutmeg, ¼ tsp: A subtle, nutty spice that rounds out the profile.
- Salt, ¼ tsp: Balances the sweetness and brightens the spices.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: Sweet and silky base for the shiny coffee glaze.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee, 1½ tbsp: Infuses the glaze with authentic latte flavor.
- Vanilla extract, ½ tsp (for glaze): Adds depth and smoothness to the icing.
- Cinnamon pinch (plus extra for topping): For a final dusting that ties the glaze and cookie together beautifully.
How to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Ready the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when the cookies go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender crumb and wonderful texture to greet each bite.
Step 3: Add the Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the molasses, then the egg, and finally the vanilla extract. The molasses infuses that rich gingerbread essence, while the egg and vanilla add moisture and a delicate fragrance.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed and the leavening agent is activated uniformly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky, ready to shape into balls.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form one-inch dough balls. Place them on your baking sheet, then gently press down to flatten each ball slightly. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes—watch for the edges to set but the centers to stay soft.
Step 7: Prepare the Coffee Glaze
While the cookies cool completely, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed espresso, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. This glaze is your secret weapon, turning a traditional molasses cookie into a coffee-flavored delight.
Step 8: Glaze and Garnish
Drizzle or spread the coffee glaze over each cooled cookie, then sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for that inviting aroma and extra hint of warmth.
How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are lovely on their own, but you can elevate their look and taste with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or even finely chopped crystallized ginger for a bit of zing. A dusting of nutmeg right after glazing adds a final festive note.
Side Dishes
Serve these Gingerbread Latte Cookies alongside a warm latte, chai tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. Pairing them with a glass of milk also complements the spicy-sweet flavor perfectly, making snack time a joy for all ages.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or gifting, stack these cookies in a beautiful jar layered with parchment paper, or arrange them on a platter with small espresso cups for dipping. You can even sandwich them with a thin layer of coffee-infused buttercream for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed and fully cooled, store your Gingerbread Latte Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and maintains that delightful balance of spice and coffee flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked, unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw completely before glazing to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm a cookie in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or pop it in the microwave for around 10 seconds. The glaze may soften slightly, enhancing the luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with a vegan margarine and use a flax or chia egg in place of the chicken egg. Just be aware the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have espresso? Can I use regular coffee?
Yes, strong brewed coffee works perfectly in the glaze, just make sure it’s concentrated so the flavor shines through without adding too much liquid.
Are these cookies soft or crispy?
The gingerbread latte cookies are meant to be soft with tender edges and a slight chewiness, providing that comforting cookie texture many people love.
Can I skip the glaze?
You can skip the coffee glaze if you prefer a more classic gingerbread cookie, but the glaze adds such a wonderful, unique flavor that really makes this recipe stand out.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about combining the seasonal joy of gingerbread spices with the rich comfort of a latte, and this Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe captures that spirit perfectly. They’re incredibly fun to bake, smell heavenly when baking, and taste like a warm hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make these your own favorite cookie this year and share the joy with friends and family.
Print
Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Gingerbread Latte Cookies, a perfect fusion of classic gingerbread spices and the rich flavor of coffee. Soft and chewy with a luscious espresso glaze, these cookies are ideal for cozy gatherings or a special treat during the holidays.
Ingredients
Cookies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Coffee Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tbsp brewed espresso or strong coffee
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball to help them bake evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed espresso or strong coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle or spread the coffee glaze over the cooled cookies and finish by sprinkling with additional cinnamon for extra flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting or sliding off.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Molasses sweetens and adds richness, but dark corn syrup can be substituted if needed.
