Cinnamon Coffee Cookies Recipe

 

If you crave a treat that beautifully combines the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon with a subtle, rich coffee kick, then these Cinnamon Coffee Cookies are about to become your new favorite. With a perfect balance of sweet and spice, these cookies carry the cozy flavors of cinnamon and a whisper of instant coffee that elevates every bite. Soft in the center with lightly crisped edges, these cookies are irresistibly tender, making them an ideal companion for your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or whenever a little sweet pick-me-up is needed. If you’ve been searching for a cookie that feels like a comforting hug in every bite, Cinnamon Coffee Cookies will quickly steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Coffee Cookies lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the coffee crystals that add depth, to the perfect mix of spices that create warmth and intrigue. Ready to gather your pantry staples and bring something truly special to life? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Instant coffee crystals: Dissolved in hot water, these provide the distinctive coffee flavor without bitterness.
• Butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and a tender crumb texture to the cookies.
• Shortening: Combines with butter to keep the cookies soft and provide a subtle fluffiness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the classic crunchy edges.
• Packed brown sugar: Introduces moisture and a mild caramel undertone.
• Ground cinnamon: The key warming spice that defines the character of these cookies.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft but not cakey.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a nuanced warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Baking soda: Works with the acids in the dough to improve texture and spread.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
• Ground cloves: Offers a subtle, fragrant spiciness that deepens the flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and lend structure.
• Vanilla extract: Wraps all the flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their shape and body.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture

Begin by stirring the instant coffee crystals into a tablespoon of hot water until fully dissolved. This concentrated coffee liquid is what will gently infuse the dough with a deep, subtle coffee flavor that pairs so beautifully with the cinnamon.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening until wonderfully smooth and well blended. Then, add both the granulated and brown sugars along with the cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves. Beat it all until the mixture becomes fragrant and combines into a luscious, spiced base.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Doing this slowly ensures they incorporate fully, building the right structure and moisture balance for the perfect cookie texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla, Coffee, and Flour

Stir in the vanilla and the coffee mixture, blending until smooth and aromatic. Gradually add the flour a little at a time, mixing gently but thoroughly until the dough is soft, cohesive, and fragrant with all those wonderful warm flavors.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and let it chill for 1 to 2 hours or even overnight if you want a deeper melding of flavors and an easier time shaping. Chilling also helps control the spread of the cookies during baking, making them beautifully uniform.

Step 6: Prep to Bake

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease. In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup of granulated sugar with one teaspoon of cinnamon. This will be your coating for the cookie dough balls.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture so every bite delivers a sweet, crisp exterior. Space the dough balls about 3 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers look just a bit underdone — that’s the sweet spot for tender cookies. Let them cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle freshly ground cinnamon on top of the cookies just before serving, or lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch. If you want to make things truly special, a thin drizzle of white chocolate or coffee glaze adds a lovely contrast in flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Coffee Cookies are an excellent partner to a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea—they echo the spices and enhance the warmth of the drink. They also pair delightfully with creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’d like to turn your cookies into a dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider presenting these cookies stacked with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side for a delightfully unexpected flavor combo. Or create a cookie sandwich filled with cream cheese frosting or coffee-flavored buttercream for a decadent treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cinnamon Coffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, perfect for snacking or sharing spontaneously with friends and family.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months without losing their texture or flavors.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, simply pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This quick reheat softens them perfectly, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh brewed coffee instead of instant coffee crystals?

While fresh brewed coffee can be used, instant coffee crystals provide a more concentrated, consistent coffee flavor without adding extra liquid, which could throw off the dough’s texture. If you substitute, reduce other liquid amounts accordingly.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, but expect slight changes in texture.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these Cinnamon Coffee Cookies vegan, substitute the butter and shortening with vegan alternatives, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine through.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. Beyond that, they may start to lose their softness and flavor intensity.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch, and chocolate chips bring an irresistible sweetness. Just fold in about half a cup of your preferred mix-in during the final stage of mixing the dough.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Cinnamon Coffee Cookies that makes them stand out on any cookie plate. The aroma, the blend of warming spices, and that subtle coffee undertone create an experience that’s as comforting as a heartfelt conversation with a good friend. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how a few simple ingredients can transform your cookie game into something extraordinary. Happy baking!

 

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