If you’re a coffee lover and have a sweet spot for classic cookies, you’re in for a serious treat with these Coffee Sugar Cookies. With a tender crumb, balanced flavor from espresso grounds, and a dreamy coffee glaze, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly craveable. These cookies are perfect for sharing, snacking, or savoring alongside your favorite coffee. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, Coffee Sugar Cookies are the answer to any cookie craving!

Coffee Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Coffee Sugar Cookies comes from just a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a key role in taste and texture. These simple staples blend together to make an irresistible cookie with a touch of coffee sophistication.

All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy base and gives your cookies their signature texture—tender yet structured.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise beautifully and ensures a soft, light bite.
Cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and chewy texture while assisting with leavening.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Infuses the dough with rich flavor and keeps everything irresistibly tender.
Vegetable oil: Gives extra moisture, resulting in a soft cookie that stays fresh for days.
Granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps the edges turn delightfully golden.
Confectioners’ sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, both in the dough and in the glaze.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together for a perfect cookie structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the coffee flavors beautifully.
Freshly ground coffee beans (finely ground): For that aromatic, deep coffee flavor—the key to wake-anyone-up cookies!
Freshly brewed coffee: Bold and fragrant, this liquid gold turns simple powdered sugar into a luscious, coffee-infused glaze.

How to Make Coffee Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Workspace

Before anything else, take a few moments to set yourself up for cookie success! Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper, and preheat your oven to 375°F. A bit of prep makes everything go smoothly.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This even distribution of the leaveners ensures every Coffee Sugar Cookie bakes evenly and achieves that magical chewy-on-the-inside, barely crisp-on-the-edges texture we all love.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and your first measure of confectioners’ sugar. Beat on medium-high until the mixture is pale and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s the secret to tender, light cookies!

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee Grounds

Drop the mixer speed to medium, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated. Scrape the bowl if needed. Add the vanilla extract and those finely ground coffee beans—your kitchen will start to smell amazing—then mix just until everything comes together.

Step 5: Incorporate the Flour Mixture

Switch your mixer to low speed, then add the dry ingredients in three batches, scraping the bowl as needed. This helps prevent overmixing and keeps your Coffee Sugar Cookies soft and tender. You’ll end up with a slightly sticky, dreamy dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each one. These cookies don’t spread much, so don’t worry about crowding. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes—look for golden edges and set centers. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Coffee Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and freshly brewed coffee until completely smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over your cooled cookies. The glaze sets up with a glossy finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Enjoy warm or cooled—either way, they’re irresistible!

How to Serve Coffee Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to give your Coffee Sugar Cookies a little extra flair, try sprinkling a pinch of finely ground coffee, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze while it’s still wet. For a sparkly look, a touch of coarse sanding sugar adds a lovely crunch and shine.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a match made in heaven with a hot cup of coffee, a nice chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries for a simple but elegant dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer Coffee Sugar Cookies in a pretty cookie tin or stack them in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert tray alongside other treats. These cookies also make a fun and unique pairing for coffee tastings or book clubs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies are completely cool and the glaze has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If layering cookies, separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep that gorgeous glaze intact.

Freezing

The baked cookies freeze beautifully. Just pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet to harden the glaze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the glaze and add it fresh after thawing.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these cookies, but if you want the just-baked experience, give them 5 seconds in the microwave—just enough to warm the centers and release those coffee aromas! If you’ve frozen the cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before glazing and serving.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of freshly ground coffee?

Yes, you can substitute instant espresso powder or instant coffee for the finely ground beans if that’s what you have on hand. Start with two tablespoons and adjust to taste for a similar bold coffee flavor.

Do Coffee Sugar Cookies contain a lot of caffeine?

Since each cookie only contains a small amount of coffee, the caffeine is relatively minimal; it’s enough for a pick-me-up, but shouldn’t keep most folks awake at night—unless you eat the whole batch!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Double-check that your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, and follow the recipe as written—your Coffee Sugar Cookies will still be deliciously chewy and flavorful.

What should I do if my glaze is too thin or thick?

If the glaze is too thick, add brewed coffee a teaspoon at a time until it’s pourable. If it becomes too runny, add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired consistency. It should be just thick enough to drizzle and set on the cookies.

Can I add chocolate to these cookies?

Definitely! Stir in half a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking, or dip half of each cooled cookie into melted dark chocolate for an extra special mocha spin on Coffee Sugar Cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Sugar Cookies are a joy to make and even more fun to share. Their irresistible blend of rich coffee and classic sugar cookie charm is a treat for taste buds and perfect for any occasion. Invite your favorite people over, brew a fresh pot of coffee, and enjoy every sweet, coffee-kissed bite!

Coffee Sugar Cookies Recipe