Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Coffee Sugar Cookies combine the rich, aromatic taste of coffee with the delicate sweetness of sugar cookies. The dough is easy to make, and they bake up perfectly soft with a slightly crisp edge. The coffee flavor is subtle yet delightful, making these cookies an ideal treat with your morning cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack. Plus, they are great for sharing, holiday cookie swaps, or even just enjoying during your downtime.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup additional sugar (for rolling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules. Mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be slightly sticky.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the ¼ cup of granulated sugar until coated.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to ensure even baking.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, and the baking time is approximately 8-10 minutes per batch.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can incorporate chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon into the dough for a fun twist.
Iced Coffee Sugar Cookies: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle your cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a little brewed coffee.
Decaf Option: If you prefer a milder coffee flavor, you can use decaffeinated instant coffee granules.

Storage/Reheating

These cookies store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, warm them in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or enjoy them at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?

Instant coffee granules work best for this recipe since they dissolve easily into the dough, but you can use brewed coffee as a substitute. However, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to account for the added moisture.

2. How do I make my cookies extra chewy?

To make the cookies more chewy, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or slightly underbake them. This will keep the texture soft and tender.

3. Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. Just be sure to check the packaging for equivalent measurements.

4. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies dairy-free by using a plant-based butter and ensuring that your sugar is refined without bone char. The coffee granules and other ingredients should already be dairy-free.

5. How long can I store these cookies?

At room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you’d like to store them for longer, freezing is the best option.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of cookies. Just be sure to adjust your baking sheet size and bake in batches if needed.

7. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and prevent excessive spreading.

8. Can I use flavored coffee granules?

Yes, flavored coffee granules can be used for a fun twist! Vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel coffee flavors would work particularly well in these cookies.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden, and the center is slightly soft but set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

10. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar to add a rich molasses flavor to the cookies, which pairs nicely with the coffee flavor.

Conclusion

Coffee Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that bring the comforting flavors of coffee and sugar together in a fun, easy-to-make cookie. With a soft, chewy texture and just the right amount of sweetness and coffee kick, these cookies are perfect for coffee lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!