Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of baking cookies that fills the home with warmth and nostalgia. The moment I decided to bake Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies, I was transported back to the cozy holiday gatherings at my grandmother’s house, where the smell of spices and fresh cookies lingered in the air. Each bite of these delightful cookies is like a hug of comfort, blending the rich flavors of gingerbread with the essence of a latte. As I mixed the ingredients, memories of laughter and stories shared around the kitchen table flooded my mind, making the process all the more special. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a moment of sweet nostalgia, these cookies are the perfect treat. They’re not just cookies; they’re a slice of holiday joy that brings people together.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
120 kcal
Protein:
1g g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
6g g
Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk


Why You Need This Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

1. Irresistible Flavor Combination

The blend of spices in these Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies creates a unique and irresistible flavor profile. The fragrant ginger and cinnamon are perfectly complemented by the rich notes of espresso, making each bite a delightful experience.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are not just for holiday celebrations. They make a wonderful treat for any gathering or even as a comforting snack while sipping your morning coffee. Their delightful taste makes them universally appealing.

3. Fun to Make

Baking these cookies is not only delicious but also a fun activity to share with family or friends. Rolling the dough and cutting out fun shapes can create memories that last a lifetime.

4. Great for Gifting

Pack them up in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got a heartfelt gift that shows you care. Friends and family will appreciate the time and effort you put into making these Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies.

5. Versatile Icing Options

The optional brown butter icing adds a touch of elegance and creativity to the cookies. You can choose to drizzle it on or spread it generously, making each cookie look as good as it tastes.

6. A Baking Adventure

Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. The steps are simple, allowing you to enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.

What’s In This Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

These cookies are made from a delightful combination of ingredients that come together to create the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The key players include butter, which adds richness; brown sugar for a deep caramel flavor; and espresso powder, which gives a coffee kick without overpowering the gingerbread spices.

  • 1 1/2 sticks salted butter, at room temperature – The foundation of these cookies, providing richness and a tender texture.
  • 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar – This adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor.
  • 2-4 tablespoons espresso powder or instant coffee powder – Enhances the cookie with a subtle coffee flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A classic flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
  • 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together for a soft texture.
  • 1/3 cup blackstrap molasses – Adds depth and a rich, dark sweetness.
  • 2 1/4 cups, plus 1-2 tablespoons, all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda – Helps the cookies rise nicely.
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger – The star spice that gives these cookies their signature flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the cookie.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness in the cookie.
  • Granulated sugar, for rolling – Gives the cookies a lovely finish.
  • 1 stick salted butter, for icing – Used in the brown butter icing that coats the cookies.
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the icing and gives it a smooth texture.
  • 3 tablespoons milk – Thin out the icing to your desired consistency.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder – Adds a sophisticated vanilla flavor to the icing.
  • 1 pinch cinnamon – For an extra hint of warmth in the icing.

Making This Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Making Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of spices. Follow these easy steps to create a batch that everyone will adore.

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 sticks of salted butter at room temperature and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about three to five minutes. The color should turn a pale golden brown during this process.
  3. Next, add in 2-4 tablespoons of espresso powder and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. This is where the fragrant coffee aroma begins to emerge!
  4. Crack in 1 large egg and mix to combine. Then add 1/3 cup of blackstrap molasses, mixing until smooth. The molasses will give your cookies a rich color and depth of flavor.
  5. Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually add 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, along with 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Beat on low speed until just combined. You don’t want to overmix!
  6. For the next step, place some granulated sugar in a small bowl. If your dough feels too sticky, now is the time to add 1-2 tablespoons of additional flour until the dough is manageable.
  7. To form the cookies, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in the sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow them to spread.
  8. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They should look slightly underbaked in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. If you wish to make cookie cutouts, divide the dough in half. Roll one half out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out your desired shapes and place them on the baking sheets.
  10. Chill the cutout cookies in the freezer for about 15 minutes before baking, which helps them retain their shape. Bake as directed previously.
  11. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick of salted butter until it begins to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  12. In a bowl, whisk together the browned butter with 1 1/2 to 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean powder, a pinch of cinnamon, and a dash of salt until smooth. Spread or drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies.
  13. Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to five days.

Helpful Notes about Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

These tips will help you perfect your baking experience and enjoy these delicious cookies even more.

  • Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last up to five days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just shape it into balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to a ziplock bag for up to three months. Bake them straight from the freezer!
  • Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
  • Variations: Feel free to add in chocolate chips or nuts for an extra flavor twist. You could also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or allspice.
  • Serving: These cookies are great for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying on a chilly evening.

Serve This Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies With

These Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies offer a delightful taste experience that can be complemented by various dishes and drinks. Here’s how you can serve them:

  • Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
  • Holiday Gatherings: Serve them during holiday parties or family gatherings to bring warmth to any occasion.
  • Gift Baskets: Include these cookies in a homemade gift basket alongside other baked goods for a personal touch.
  • Seasonal Decor: Arrange them on a festive platter during the fall and winter months to enhance your holiday decor.
  • Workplace Treats: Bring these cookies to work for a sweet surprise that your colleagues will appreciate.
  • Lunchbox Snacks: These cookies make a great addition to lunchboxes, providing a sweet and satisfying end to a meal.

FAQ

The Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies are special because they beautifully blend the traditional flavors of gingerbread with the rich and energizing notes of coffee. Each cookie is soft and chewy, capturing the essence of comfort during the chilly months. Their unique flavor combination makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Absolutely! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the dough. Just shape the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake whenever you’re ready for a fresh treat.

If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use instant coffee powder as a substitute. It will provide a similar flavor profile without compromising the overall taste of your Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely if you prefer a more traditional gingerbread flavor.

To keep your Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’ve iced them, be sure that the icing has set before stacking them to prevent smudging. They can last up to five days, but they’re so delicious you’ll probably eat them long before that!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies bring together the warmth of spices and the refreshing kick of coffee, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. I encourage you to try making them yourself and experience the joy they bring. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply enjoying during a cozy afternoon at home. Don’t wait too long; these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies

The ultimate comfort cookie, Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies blend the warm spices of gingerbread with a delightful coffee kick. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, these cookies are a must-try this season!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 22 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 sticks Salted Butter at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons Espresso Powder or Instant Coffee Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/3 cup Blackstrap Molasses
  • 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour plus 1-2 tablespoons as needed
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • Granulated Sugar for rolling
  • 1 stick Salted Butter for icing
  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Powder
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying Pan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. 2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, espresso, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. 3. Add the egg and mix to combine. Then, add the molasses and mix again until smooth.
  4. 4. Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt, beating until just combined.
  5. 5. Place granulated sugar in a small bowl. Roll the dough into tablespoon-size balls, rolling them through the sugar.
  6. 6. Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them two inches apart.
  7. 7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just set but centers are still soft. Let cool on the pan.
  8. 8. For cutouts, divide dough in half and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out cookies and transfer to baking sheets.
  9. 9. Freeze cutouts for 15 minutes, then bake for 8-10 minutes until just set.
  10. 10. To make icing, brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then cool.
  11. 11. Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla bean powder, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.
  12. 12. Spread icing over cooled cookies and store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to five days.
  • Tip 2: Freeze the cookie dough shaped into balls for up to three months.
  • Tip 3: Pair these cookies with coffee or tea for a delicious treat.
  • Tip 4: Add chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
  • Tip 5: These cookies are great for holiday parties or as gifts.

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