If you’re a fan of coffee and cookies, brace yourself for the dreamiest treat: Coffee Cookies! These are soft, tender cookies laced with a fragrant instant coffee kick and dotted with mini chocolate chips (if you like). The marriage of buttery cookie base and bold coffee flavor makes each bite unforgettable. They’re the perfect companion to your afternoon coffee, an irresistible homemade gift, or just your new favorite guilty pleasure. Let’s dig in—you’re about to start craving Coffee Cookies by the handful!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Coffee Cookies truly couldn’t be simpler, and every ingredient pulls its weight in texture, taste, or color. This recipe uses classic pantry staples you may already have on hand, and a couple of special touches bring out the best of that rich, cozy coffee flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates the cookies’ irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture and lets the coffee flavor really shine.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve that slight crisp around the edges.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings caramel-like depth and a hint of chewiness you’ll love.
- Large eggs: The powerhouse that binds everything together and provides moisture.
- Instant coffee granules dissolved in hot water: This is the magic touch—bold, real coffee flavor in every bite!
- Vanilla extract: Balances out the coffee with a warm, fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour: The reliable structure for soft, pillowy cookies.
- Baking soda: Ensures spread and just the right cookie rise.
- Baking powder: Gives a touch of lift for that perfect soft center.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making that coffee pop!
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For bursts of melty chocolate and a delicious contrast to the coffee—totally irresistible!
How to Make Coffee Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a simple trick that makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees cookies that won’t stick or over-brown on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars. Work them until light and fluffy—the air you whip in here gives the cookies a tender crumb and helps them spread perfectly as they bake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Dissolved Coffee, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated for a silky batter. Next, stir in your dissolved instant coffee and vanilla. This moment is pure magic—the aroma says it all!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps the leaveners and salt disperse evenly, so every cookie bakes up just right. Set aside the chocolate chips for now if using.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, fold them in now for little pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout your Coffee Cookies.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart for room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Keep an eye on them, because every oven is different!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven—this helps them firm up to the ideal texture. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely… if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Coffee Cookies

Garnishes
Take your Coffee Cookies to the next level by drizzling them with melted chocolate or sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top while they’re still warm. This extra touch gives a wow-factor both in flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cappuccino, or your favorite herbal tea. For a treat-yourself moment, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for an elegant and indulgent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the (cookie) box! Stack them up and tie with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift, or arrange Coffee Cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment to share at gatherings. They also make fantastic cookie sandwiches with a swipe of coffee buttercream or chocolate ganache.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Coffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful if kept sealed—just be sure to hide a few if you want them to last that long!
Freezing
To freeze, let the cookies cool completely before stacking with parchment paper between layers in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll be delicious for up to three months—perfect for emergency cookie cravings!
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds. This revives the gooey texture and releases that wonderful coffee aroma, making each bite just as heavenly as when they were fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant granules?
Instant coffee delivers a more concentrated flavor without extra liquid, but in a pinch, you can use very strong brewed coffee. Just be mindful that adding too much liquid could affect the dough’s consistency, so use as little as possible.
How do I make my Coffee Cookies extra strong in flavor?
If you like a bolder coffee taste, try increasing the amount of instant coffee granules by half a tablespoon. You can also experiment with espresso powder for an even richer kick, making Coffee Cookies with true coffee-lover energy!
Are mini chocolate chips a must, or can I skip them?
They’re completely optional! The chocolate chips add melty bursts that complement the coffee, but the cookies are equally divine plain or with chopped nuts for crunch instead. Customize to suit your cravings.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Prep the dough up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Chilled dough often results in thicker, chewier Coffee Cookies, so it’s a win-win.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is very soft or your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a wonderfully soft center.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Coffee Cookies, you’ll understand why they’re my go-to whenever I want to bake something special and just a little bit different. Don’t wait—grab your favorite mug and whip up a batch of Coffee Cookies to brighten your day and share a smile with those you love.
Print
Coffee Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These coffee cookies are a delightful treat for anyone who loves the rich flavor of coffee paired with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they are easy to make and sure to please any coffee lover.
Ingredients
Coffee Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the dissolved coffee and vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of instant coffee for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg