Gingerbread Latte Cookies combine the warm, spiced flavor of gingerbread with the rich, aromatic taste of coffee, creating a deliciously unique treat. These cookies are perfect for the holidays or any time you're craving a cozy, flavorful snack. Here's a recipe for making Gingerbread Latte Cookies:
Ingredients:
For the cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso or strong coffee
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the wet ingredients:
- Add the egg, molasses, brewed coffee (or espresso), and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Shape the cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. If you prefer a slightly flatter cookie, gently press the dough balls down with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
7. Bake the cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops of the cookies are slightly cracked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
8. Cool the cookies:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the glaze (optional):
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or coffee if needed. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
10. Glaze the cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips:
- Stronger coffee flavor: For a more intense coffee flavor, increase the amount of brewed espresso or use instant coffee granules mixed with water.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking—add more cinnamon or ginger for an extra warming flavor.
These Gingerbread Latte Cookies bring together the best of two classic flavors: gingerbread and coffee. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a sweet gift for the holidays!