Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe

If you adore the cozy combination of spicy gingerbread and rich coffee, you are going to fall head over heels for these Gingerbread Latte Cookies. They are soft, chewy, and packed with warming spices and just a hint of espresso that perfectly mimics that beloved seasonal latte. Every bite feels like wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of your favorite coffeehouse treat, only in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet that speaks of chilly evenings and festive moments, these Gingerbread Latte Cookies deliver warmth, depth, and a touch of holiday magic all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these cookies are simple yet crucial, each playing a unique role to balance spice, sweetness, and that signature coffee flavor. From the aromatic ground ginger to the velvety molasses and bold espresso powder, every component builds on the next to create a cookie you won’t be able to resist.

• All purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The base that gives structure and a tender crumb when spooned and leveled carefully.
• Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Helps cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors without overpowering them.
• Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): The star spice that delivers the unmistakable gingerbread warmth.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, woody notes that blend perfectly with the ginger.
• Ground clove (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch contributes rich, aromatic depth.
• Espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Brings out a subtle coffee kick, essential to the latte twist.
• Unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, softened): For richness and tender crumb; softened for perfect mixing.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup, dark or light): Provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
• White granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances the molasses with simple sweetness.
• Large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and improves texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor complexity with smooth warmth.
• Molasses (¼ cup): The true heart of gingerbread flavor with its robust, bittersweet essence.
• White granulated sugar for rolling: Creates a pretty, sparkly coating with a slight crunch.
• Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups, sifted) for coffee glaze: Provides smooth sweetness in the drizzle topping.
• Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon) for glaze: Adds a fragrant finish to the icing.
• Espresso or strong coffee (2 tablespoons) for glaze: Blends with powdered sugar for that perfect latte-inspired drizzle.

How to Make Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground clove, and espresso powder. This step ensures that all your spices and leaveners are evenly distributed in the dough, which creates that perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes. This step aerates the butter and dissolves the sugars just right, giving your cookies a tender but sturdy chew that holds the shape well.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and glossy. The molasses will deepen the cookie’s rich gingerbread flavor, while the egg adds moisture and helps bind everything beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredients you prepared earlier into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and avoid toughness; the dough will be slightly firm and perfect for the next step.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Using a 1.5 ounce ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Place them on a tray and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling solidifies the fats and helps the cookies bake evenly while preserving their chewy center.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll each chilled dough ball in white granulated sugar to give them a sparkling, crunchy outer layer. Set them on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges look set but centers remain soft.

Step 7: Prepare and Drizzle the Coffee Glaze

While the cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and espresso or coffee in a small bowl for the glaze. Adjust by adding coffee teaspoon by teaspoon until you reach a drizzle-able consistency. Once the cookies are cool, artistically drizzle the glaze over the tops and let it harden before serving.

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger can add an extra layer of aroma and sparkle. If you’re feeling festive, a few tiny candied coffee beans on top of the glaze offer a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These Gingerbread Latte Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or a creamy vanilla latte to complement their robust flavors. For a fun, cozy twist, serve alongside whipped cream-topped hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a charming dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a wooden board alongside cinnamon sticks and star anise for a rustic holiday display. You can also stack them in clear jars tied with twine as thoughtful homemade gifts. For parties, offer a cookie and coffee bar where guests can drizzle their own glaze or add sprinkles, making the experience interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Gingerbread Latte Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, letting you enjoy that perfect spicy aroma over several days without losing freshness.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, freeze the shaped dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray then transferring to a resealable bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for about 2 months.

Reheating

To revive the soft, chewy texture, warm cookies in a 300-degree oven for 5-6 minutes or microwave each cookie in 10-second bursts until just warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I omit the espresso powder?

You can skip it if you prefer no coffee flavor, but the espresso powder is what gives these cookies their signature “latte” character, enhancing the spices beautifully. For a milder approach, reduce the amount rather than leaving it out entirely.

Is molasses necessary for the recipe?

Molasses is essential for authentic gingerbread flavor and moisture. You can substitute with dark corn syrup in a pinch, but the distinct deep sweetness won’t be quite the same.

How should I roll the cookies in sugar?

Rolling the dough balls in white granulated sugar before baking creates a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft inside. Don’t skip this step – it also gives the cookies their pretty sparkle.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

To make these Gingerbread Latte Cookies vegan, you can use vegan butter and substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg. The flavor will remain wonderfully spicy and coffee-tinged, though texture might be a bit different.

What’s the best way to adjust the coffee glaze consistency?

Add the espresso or coffee a teaspoon at a time until the glaze is thick enough to hold shape but thin enough to drizzle. If too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a splash more coffee.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Latte Cookies are a true celebration of everything warm and cozy about the season. They bring together the nostalgic embrace of gingerbread and the lively spirit of a morning latte in an utterly irresistible cookie form. Whether you’re gifting friends, adding a special touch to holiday parties, or simply indulging yourself with a treat, these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, bake a batch and savor each spiced, coffee-kissed bite – you deserve it!

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