Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Dissolve the Coffee
- In a small bowl, mix instant coffee with hot water until dissolved.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla & Coffee
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Pour in the cooled coffee mixture and beat until smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together:
- flour
- baking soda
- salt
- Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes for thicker cookies.
Step 5: Scoop & Bake
- Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
- Let cool on the tray 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: 4–5 daysRefrigerator: Up to 1 week
Freeze Dough Balls: 2 months
Freeze Baked Cookies: 1 month Warm a cookie 6 seconds in the microwave for fresh-baked aroma.
🥄 Variations
Mocha Cookies: Add ½ cup chocolate chips. Dirty Chai Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon chai spice. Cappuccino Cookies: Use white chocolate chips + dust with cinnamon. Salted Espresso Cookies: Add flaky sea salt after baking. Brown Butter Coffee Cookies: Brown the butter first for nutty flavor. Double Coffee Flavor: Add an extra teaspoon espresso powder. Caramel Macchiato Cookies: Drizzle caramel over cooled cookies. Hazelnut Latte Cookies: Add chopped hazelnuts. Gluten-Free Version: Use 1:1 GF baking flour. Thin & Crispy: Flatten dough balls before baking.❓ 10 FAQs
Do these cookies taste strongly of coffee?They have a bold but smooth coffee flavor — never bitter. Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?
No, it’s too weak — instant coffee or espresso powder is best. What kind of instant coffee works?
Any brand; espresso powder gives the richest flavor. Can kids eat these?
They contain caffeine — serve based on your comfort level. Can I make them decaf?
Yes — use decaf instant coffee. Do I have to chill the dough?
It helps prevent spreading and keeps them chewy. Why did my cookies turn cakey?
Too much flour or overmixing. How do I make them extra chewy?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar. Can I shape the dough ahead of time?
Yes — refrigerate up to 48 hours. Can I use flavored coffee?
Yes — caramel, mocha, or hazelnut instant coffee works great.
