Name: Gingerbread Latte Cookies: Soft, Chewy Holiday Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 tablespoons espresso powder (instant coffee powder can be used); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger (do not skimp on this!); 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cooking molasses (light or dark molasses can be used); 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 1 cup icing (optional, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla)

As the scent of freshly brewed espresso wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel transported to my favorite cozy café. These Chewy Gingerbread Latte Cookies blend everything I adore about this beloved holiday drink into a delightful treat. With their incredibly soft and chewy texture and a delightful hint of spice, these cookies don’t just taste fantastic—they’re quick to whip up, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, their crunchy sugar coating and tempting icing add the finishing touch. Ready to trade your takeout for a homemade delight that will impress friends and family alike? Let’s dive into this warm, inviting recipe that celebrates the season’s flavors!

Why Are These Cookies Irresistible?

Unforgettable Flavor: The fusion of espresso and spiced gingerbread creates a cookie experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart.

Perfectly Soft: Each bite unveils a wonderfully chewy texture that’s simply addictive, striking the ideal balance between softness and a slight crisp.

Quick to Make: With minimal prep time required, these cookies can be in the oven in no time—ideal for those unexpected holiday guests!

Versatile Treat: Enjoy them solo or pair with a cozy beverage. For a festive twist, consider making some Gingerbread Brownies Cozy for a sweet spread.

Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, these cookies vanish quickly at gatherings, making them a surefire hit and a go-to for any occasion!

Gingerbread Latte Cookies Ingredients

These ingredients will create a delightful batch of chewy goodness that captures the essence of the holiday season.

For the Cookies

All-purpose flour – Provides structure; try gluten-free flour for a different texture.
Baking soda – A leavening agent to give your cookies a lovely rise.
Espresso powder – Infuses bold coffee flavor; instant coffee powder can be used as a substitute.
Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; essential for that holiday feel.
Ground ginger – Key for authentic gingerbread flavor; don’t skimp on this!
Ground cloves – Delivers a depth of flavor that rounds out the spices beautifully.
Ground nutmeg – Complements the other spices with a warm, nutty profile.
Salt – Balances sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of your cookies.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness; ensure it’s softened to quality mix.
Brown sugar – Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; absolutely delicious!
Granulated sugar – For added sweetness and a delightful crunchy texture.
Cooking molasses – Contributes a rich flavor and chewy texture; light or dark molasses can work wonders (just avoid anything too bitter).
Large egg – Binds everything together, yielding a tender cookie; remember to use it at room temperature!
Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor, bringing harmony to the mix.
Granulated sugar (for rolling) – Coats the cookie dough, adding extra crunch.
Icing – Optional drizzle made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a sweet finishing touch.

These Gingerbread Latte Cookies are bound to elevate your holiday treats and bring warmth to your home!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release for your freshly baked Gingerbread Latte Cookies. This prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies, making your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, espresso powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture should have a lovely aroma and a well-blended appearance. Take care to break any lumps in the flour so that your cookies will be evenly spiced and textured.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to cream the mixture until it’s fluffy and light. This process incorporates air, which helps your Gingerbread Latte Cookies achieve that irresistibly soft texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
With your butter and sugar mixture ready, add in the molasses, large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until everything is well combined, creating a rich and aromatic base for your cookies. The dark molasses will contribute depth while the egg binds the ingredients beautifully together.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing. The dough should be cohesive but still soft. This ensures your Gingerbread Latte Cookies will have that perfect chewy consistency everyone loves!

Step 6: Scoop and Chill Dough
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out your dough onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Once scooped, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in a puffy appearance.

Step 7: Roll in Sugar
After chilling, remove the dough balls from the fridge and roll each in granulated sugar until well coated. This extra layer of sugar adds delightful crunch and sweetness to the outside of your cookies. Place the sugared dough balls back onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the Gingerbread Latte Cookies for 10-11 minutes. They should look puffy but soft in the center. For an extra touch, gently bang the sheet on the rack halfway through baking to create those signature cracks.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before transferring to a wire rack. On the rack, they will cool completely, helping to maintain their delicious chewy texture.

Step 10: Icing (Optional)
If desired, prepare your icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over them for a sweet finishing touch that will complement the flavors of your Gingerbread Latte Cookies beautifully.

Gingerbread Latte Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own—each twist is a chance to create something special.

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy the same chewiness minus the gluten.
Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter to make these cookies dairy-free while retaining their moistness.
Citrus Zing: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a bright, refreshing note that complements the spices beautifully.
Choco-Chip Delight: Toss in a handful of chocolate chips for an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors.
Nutty Variation: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a lovely nutty flavor that elevates each bite.
Instant Coffee Twist: If you’re out of espresso powder, instant coffee can provide a similar flavor punch when mixed into the dough.
Fruity Touch: Roll your cookies in sugar mixed with freeze-dried raspberry or strawberry powder for a fruity exterior that’s both colorful and tasty.
Spice It Up: Increase the ground ginger or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick that makes these cookies unforgettable!

Looking for more festive treats? You might love trying out some delicious Gingerbread Brownies Cozy or the delightful Chocolate Chip Cookies for a perfect dessert spread!

Expert Tips for Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for light, fluffy creaming with the sugars, preventing dense cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can result in tough, less chewy Gingerbread Latte Cookies.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes after scooping. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, maintaining their shape.
Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when they are puffy but still soft; they’ll set more as they cool.
Add a Personal Touch: Consider customizing your cookies with chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Chewy Gingerbread Latte Cookies

These delightful cookies are sure to be the star of your holiday spread, but pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your gathering even further!

Creamy Hot Chocolate: The rich flavors of chocolate complement the spiced notes of gingerbread while adding an indulgent touch to your cookie enjoyment.
Espresso Martini: This sophisticated cocktail enhances the coffee notes found in the cookies, providing a festive pick-me-up for adult guests.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The warmth and sweetness of this dish harmonize beautifully with the cookie’s spiced flavor profile, creating a cozy brunch experience.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and caramelization of roasted sweet potatoes contrast with the cookie’s spices for a delightful balance.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon and cloves mirrors the cookie’s flavors, making it a comforting beverage choice for gatherings.
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake: Offering a creamy and tangy element, this dessert pairs wonderfully with the cookie’s chewy texture and coffee essence, creating a festive finish.
Maple Glazed Carrots: These tender, roasted carrots provide a sweet side that complements the spices in the cookies while adding a touch of color to your table.
Nutty Granola: A crunchy and healthy accompaniment for those looking to balance sweetness, nutty granola adds texture in an unexpected way when enjoyed alongside cookies.
Peppermint Tea: The refreshing quality of peppermint tea serves as a light contrast to the richness of the cookies, highlighting their flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead Options

These Gingerbread Latte Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough and scoop it into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to maintain quality and flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 1 month; just remember to place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough in sugar and bake straight from frozen, adjusting the baking time as needed. This way, your Gingerbread Latte Cookies will be just as fresh and delightful, perfect for busy holiday gatherings!

How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Latte Cookies

Fridge: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month. Simply scoop, freeze, and once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag for easy baking later.

Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This rejuvenates the chewy texture, perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee!

Icing: If drizzled with icing, store cookies separately from the icing to maintain the cookies’ texture, and add icing just before serving.

Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, achieving a light and fluffy texture. When selecting eggs, look for ones that are fresh but not too close to the expiration date; large eggs are typically best for this recipe.

How should I store leftover cookies?
These Gingerbread Latte Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to maintain their deliciously chewy texture!

Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Of course! To freeze the unbaked dough, scoop the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time for perfect results.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
No worries! If your Gingerbread Latte Cookies spread too much, it might be due to the dough being too warm. Next time, try chilling the dough for a longer period—30 minutes works wonders! Also, ensure you’re using the correct measurements and mixing just until combined to achieve that ideal chewy texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Certainly! If you’re making these for friends with dietary restrictions, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Also, if there are egg allergies, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). Just remember that these substitutions might alter the texture slightly, but they should still be delightful.