There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. For years, coffee has been my go-to comfort, whether I’m starting a busy day or winding down in the afternoon. But what if you could capture that same cozy, energizing feeling in a cookie?

That’s exactly what inspired these Espresso Sugar Cookies—a soft, chewy treat with a subtle kick of espresso.

What is Espresso Sugar Cookies?

Espresso Sugar Cookies are a twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with instant espresso powder to deliver a gentle coffee flavor in every bite. The result is a cookie that’s soft and buttery, with just enough espresso to satisfy your cravings without overpowering the sweetness. These cookies are ideal for pairing with your morning latte, serving at brunch, or gifting to friends who appreciate a little caffeine in their dessert.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Coffeehouse Flavor at Home: Enjoy the taste of your favorite coffee shop in a homemade cookie.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and cornstarch, these cookies stay soft for days.
• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
• Versatile: Dress them up with a drizzle of chocolate or keep them classic. They’re delicious either way.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies package beautifully and make a thoughtful treat for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who loves coffee.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb. Room temperature butter ensures easy creaming with sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the espresso.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie, giving structure and chew.
• Corn Starch: Keeps the cookies extra soft and prevents them from spreading too much.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A combination that ensures the cookies rise just enough and stay light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Instant Espresso Powder: The star ingredient, adding a subtle but unmistakable coffee flavor.

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Substitutions & Additions

• Butter: You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt by half.
• Sugar: For a deeper flavor, swap half the granulated sugar for light brown sugar.
• Egg Substitute: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for an egg-free version.
• Espresso Powder: If you don’t have instant espresso, finely ground instant coffee works in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder.
• Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make this Recipe

1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, tender cookies.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to incorporate.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder.
5. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
6. Scoop and Bake: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft, chewy texture.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
• Espresso Intensity: Adjust the amount of espresso powder to your taste. For a bolder flavor, add up to 1.5 tablespoons.
• Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that bake consistently.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee: Naturally, these cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or espresso.
• Dessert Platter: Pair with chocolate-dipped biscotti and almond cookies for a coffeehouse-inspired dessert tray.
• Gift Boxes: Stack in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a bakery-style finish.

Storage Suggestions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Dough Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder? Instant espresso powder is best for a strong, smooth flavor, but finely ground instant coffee can be used as a substitute.

How do I keep the cookies soft? Don’t overbake, and store in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain softness.

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. This recipe doubles well for larger batches.

What’s the best way to measure flour? Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife for accuracy.

Espresso Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for coffee lovers and anyone who enjoys a soft, chewy cookie with a twist. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring the warmth and comfort of your favorite coffeehouse right into your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or as a gift, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.