There’s something magical about combining two of life’s greatest comforts: a warm mug of coffee and a soft, chewy cookie. These Coffee Cookies are your new go-to afternoon treat, where rich espresso meets melty chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re a caffeine fiend or just love baking with bold flavors, this recipe is made for you.
Imagine your kitchen filled with the scent of fresh-brewed coffee and warm cookies from the oven. Pair one with your favorite roast, and your 3 p.m. slump just turned into the best part of your day.
Drawing from your love for indulgent cookies (like the Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies , and Irresistibly Gooey Caramel Cookies) and coffee-infused treats (similar to the pairing suggestions in the Feta & Cranberry Pasta Salad), these cookies are a must-bake. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cookies Recipe
- Coffee Lover’s Dream: Instant coffee enhances the cookie’s depth without overpowering.
- Quick to Bake: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to brown sugar and a touch of vanilla.
- Crispy Edges, Gooey Center: The best of both cookie worlds.
- Easy Ingredients: Pantry staples with a caffeine twist.
- Perfect with a Cup of Joe: For breakfast, dessert, or coffee breaks.
Easy Coffee Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Large mixing bowl (for wet ingredients)
- Medium mixing bowl (for dry ingredients)
- Electric mixer or spatula (for creaming and mixing)
- Whisk or fork (for dry ingredients)
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning dough)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for dissolving coffee granules)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dissolve ☕ instant coffee granules in 1 tsp hot water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream 🧈 butter, 🍬 brown sugar, and 🍚 granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 🥚 eggs one at a time, then add 🍦 vanilla and the dissolved coffee.
- In another bowl, whisk together 🍞 flour, 🧂 baking soda, and 🧂 salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in 🍫 chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with 🧂 flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
What you will need + Smart Substitutions
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
Substitute: Use 1 tbsp espresso powder, 2 tbsp brewed coffee (reduce butter by 1 tbsp), or decaf instant coffee. - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Alternative: Use plant-based butter for dairy-free. - 1 cup brown sugar
Tip: Dark brown sugar adds even more depth. - ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Egg-Free Option: Use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. - 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies. - 1 tsp baking soda Swap: Use 2 tsp baking powder (cookies may be cakier)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Try: White chocolate, dark chocolate chips, or espresso chips for variation. - Flaky sea salt, for topping
Optional: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Dissolve the Coffee
Mix instant coffee granules in 1 tsp hot water until fully dissolved. Let cool slightly.
Tip: Don’t skip dissolving—the granules melt smoothly into the batter this way.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Tip: Cream thoroughly for a tender cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla & Coffee
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and the dissolved coffee mixture.
Flavor Boost: Add ½ tsp of cinnamon for a cozy twist.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Tip: Sift flour if lumpy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Stir in chocolate chips by hand for even distribution.
Tip: Fold carefully to keep chips intact.
Step 7: Scoop & Sprinkle
Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Cookie Tip: Chill dough for 15 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are still soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tip: Cooling on the sheet helps set the cookies.
Topping Suggestions
- Sea Salt Flakes: A must for sweet-salty contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Espresso Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with strong coffee for an extra punch.
- Espresso Powder Dusting: Enhances coffee flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Sweet contrast to semi-sweet chips.
- Cinnamon Sprinkle: Warm, spicy note.
- Crushed Espresso Beans: Sprinkle over the top for texture and bite.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Makes 24)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Note: These are approximate and vary by ingredients used.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Warm for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes to crisp edges.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Instant Coffee → Espresso Powder: Stronger coffee flavor.
- Butter → Vegan Butter: Dairy-free richness.
- Eggs → Flax Eggs: Vegan binding alternative.
- Flour → Gluten-Free Flour: Dietary-friendly structure.
- Chocolate Chips → White Chocolate: Sweeter contrast.
What to Serve With Coffee Cookies
- Your Favorite Coffee Brew: Americano, cappuccino, or cold brew.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich and cozy complement.
- Milk or Oat Milk: Classic cookie companion.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Make with coffee or vanilla ice cream.
- Afternoon Tea or Chai Latte: For a cozy, spiced pairing.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant granules for coffee cookies?
No—brewed coffee adds too much liquid. Stick with granules or espresso powder.
Do I need to chill the coffee cookies dough?
It’s not required, but chilling helps cookies keep their shape and develop deeper flavor.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes—use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
What if I want stronger coffee flavor?
Double the coffee granules or add espresso chips!
Can I reduce the sugar from cookies?
Yes—cut each sugar by up to ¼ cup, but the texture may change slightly.
There’s nothing like the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee—unless it’s coming from your oven in the form of soft, chocolate-studded cookies. These Coffee Cookies bring the bold flavor of espresso and the comfort of a bakery-style treat straight to your kitchen.
Bake a batch for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up or serve them at your next brunch or book club. However you enjoy them, these cookies are sure to become your go-to recipe whenever you need a sweet caffeine kick.
Tag your creations @recipesgenerators—I’d love to see your cozy cookie moments!
