Cinnamon Coffee Cookies Recipe

What happens when the cozy warmth of cinnamon meets the bold richness of coffee in a single, melt-in-your-mouth cookie? You get Cinnamon Coffee Cookies, a treat that promises to brighten up your afternoon coffee break, spice up cookie platters, and wow your favorite people at any gathering. These cookies have a soft and chewy texture with an aromatic blend of spices and just the right hint of coffee that lingers on your palate. Whether you’re a longtime coffee fan or just looking for a sweet pick-me-up, these delightful cookies are a must-bake for every home baker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Coffee Cookies comes from a handful of pantry staples, each chosen for the flavor and texture they bring to the table. Let’s peek at what you’ll need and why every ingredient earns its spot in this recipe.

• Instant coffee crystals: The backbone of that comforting coffee aroma and flavor—make sure they dissolve fully for the best taste.
• Hot water: Just enough to dissolve the coffee and let its robust notes shine through in the final cookies.
• Butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb—you can’t beat real butter for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Shortening: Helps the cookies stay fabulously soft and prevents spreading too much as they bake.
• Granulated sugar: Delivers classic sweetness and a beautiful golden hue.
• Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s complexity.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that perfectly complements the coffee, creating a warm and inviting aroma.
• Baking powder: Gives just enough lift for cookies that are soft and chewy rather than flat and crisp.
• Ground nutmeg: Sneaks in a gentle nutty flavor that pairs dreamily with cinnamon and coffee.
• Baking soda: Works hand in hand with baking powder to ensure the right rise and texture.
• Salt: A touch is all it takes to bring all the flavors to life.
• Ground cloves: Amplifies the spice profile with that extra zing.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness, binding everything together.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a delicate, familiar sweetness that rounds things out.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that supports all the flavors and shapes perfect cookies.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cookies

Step 1: Dissolve the Coffee

Begin by stirring your instant coffee crystals into one tablespoon of hot water until the coffee is fully dissolved. This simple step ensures every bite of your Cinnamon Coffee Cookies has that unmistakable coffee depth—don’t skip it! Set this mixture aside while you move on to the dough.

Step 2: Cream Fats and Spices Together

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening for about 45 seconds until the mixture looks creamy and unified. Then add both sugars, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and cloves. Beat everything together until thoroughly combined, letting the mixer whip air into your base and releasing the beautiful aroma of spices.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Crack your eggs in, one at a time, beating just until the yolks disappear. This method ensures your Cinnamon Coffee Cookies end up delightfully tender and not overworked.

Step 4: Stir in Vanilla and Coffee

Pour in the vanilla extract and the cooled, dissolved coffee mixture. Beat again until the dough is velvety and evenly speckled with coffee goodness—this is where that cozy coffee shop vibe really sets in!

Step 5: Add the Flour and Chill Dough

Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour until no streaks remain, but don’t overmix. Cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours—chilling is crucial for easy rolling and the best cookie shape. For the most stress-free baking, you can even let the dough chill overnight.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Coating

While your oven heats to 325 degrees, give yourself a moment to enjoy the anticipation. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or lightly grease it. Mix up a simple cinnamon-sugar blend in a small bowl—it’s your secret to that gorgeous, sparkling finish.

Step 7: Shape, Coat, and Bake!

Scoop out tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in your cinnamon sugar mixture and set them 3 inches apart on your prepared sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers look a bit underdone. Let them cool on the sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack—the final result is pure Cinnamon Coffee Cookies perfection!

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cookies

Garnishes

For even more charm, sprinkle your Cinnamon Coffee Cookies with a touch of espresso powder or extra cinnamon right after baking. A thin drizzle of white or dark chocolate also transforms them into gourmet treats worthy of a dessert tray.

Side Dishes

These cookies are absolutely dreamy alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea, but they’re also wonderful when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spiced chai latte, or fresh fruit slices for a balanced treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in glass jars and tie with a ribbon for a lovely gift, or use them as part of an afternoon “coffee break” platter with chocolate-covered espresso beans, biscotti, and fresh berries. Mini Cinnamon Coffee Cookies work beautifully for gatherings, too—just make the dough balls smaller and reduce the baking time slightly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Cinnamon Coffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fresh and tender for up to five days. Slip a slice of bread inside to help keep them perfectly soft!

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked cookie dough balls and baked cookies. For dough, roll into balls, flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. For baked cookies, cool completely before storing in layers with parchment between them.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave a cookie for 10–15 seconds or pop a tray in a 300-degree oven for a couple of minutes. The aroma will be irresistible, and the cookies will taste just-baked!

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee crystals?

Instant coffee crystals deliver a stronger, more concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra liquid to your dough, which is key for the right consistency in Cinnamon Coffee Cookies. Brewed coffee tends to be too diluted, but in a pinch, you can try using espresso for a similar punch.

What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

If you forgot to pull out your butter ahead, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also gently microwave it on low power for a few seconds at a time—watch carefully to avoid melting!

Can I substitute margarine or all butter for shortening?

You can swap in more butter for the shortening, but expect slightly flatter, crisper cookies. The shortening helps give Cinnamon Coffee Cookies that distinctive soft and chewy middle, so try to keep it in if you can!

My dough is too sticky to roll—what should I do?

Sticky dough usually just needs a little more chilling time. If it’s still sticky after a couple of hours, scoop gently with a spoon, and dust your hands with flour or sugar to make rolling easier.

Are these cookies suitable for cookie exchanges or gifting?

Absolutely! Cinnamon Coffee Cookies are a hit at holiday swaps, teacher gifts, or as party favors. Their flavor is universally beloved, and they travel well in tins or boxes lined with parchment paper.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a new favorite cookie, Cinnamon Coffee Cookies have everything you crave in a homemade treat: pure comfort, intoxicating aroma, and just a hint of coffee magic. I hope you’ll bake a batch soon, share them with someone you love, and let them add sweetness to your day!

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