Gingerbread Latte Cookies

The holiday season is the perfect time for cozy flavors that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of the festive spirit. If you’re a fan of gingerbread and can’t resist the allure of a comforting latte, these Gingerbread Latte Cookies are the ultimate combination of both. Rich, spiced, and with a subtle hint of coffee, these cookies are a delightful twist on classic gingerbread. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying some festive baking, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Gingerbread Latte Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted butter: To create a rich, buttery flavor base.
• Granulated sugar & Brown Sugar: Balance sweetness and help the cookies spread slightly.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the cookie.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
• Baking soda: Contributes to the cookies’ slight rise and softness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Espresso Powder: Adds the latte essence.
• Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg create a classic holiday spice blend.
• Cooking Molasses: Provides the signature gingerbread flavor.

For Rolling the Cookies:

• Granulated sugar: For coating the cookie dough balls, giving the cookies a slightly crunchy exterior.

For the Icing (Optional):

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet icing.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the icing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the icing.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Gingerbread Latte Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Pipin Bag: To drizzle the icing.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 150 g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar
• 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 100 g (⅓ cup) cooking molasses
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For rolling:

• 30 g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar

Optional Icing:

• 40 g (⅓ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, espresso powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures your cookies are tender and flavorful.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Combine and Chill:

1. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
2. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Shape & Bake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Shape the Dough: Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
3. Bake: Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Cool & Decorate:

1. Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before adding icing.
2. Optional Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies for a decorative finish.

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for achieving thick, chewy cookies. Chilled dough spreads less during baking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spice blend to your liking. If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, add an extra pinch of ground ginger.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies may look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, but they will set as they cool.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

General Tips:

• Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure uniform cookie sizes. This helps them bake evenly and ensures they are all done at the same time.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking. If you don’t have either, make sure to lightly grease the baking sheets.
• Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
• Serving: Serve these cookies slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.

Customizing Your Cookies:

1. Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of icing, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for a luxurious touch.
2. Spice Boost: Add a pinch of cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
3. Espresso Kick: Double the espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor.

More Christmas Baking Ideas:

• Marbled Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Elegant and easy, these buttery cookies are decorated with swirls of white and dark chocolate for a dazzling holiday treat.
• Santa Hat Cookies – These jam-filled Linzer cookies shaped like Santa hats will be the highlight of your cookie exchange this year!
• Melted Snowman Cookies – Creative and delicious, these cookies feature melted marshmallows and charming decorations for a frosty holiday vibe.
• Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne) – A timeless classic made with nuts and cinnamon, these star-shaped cookies are a staple of holiday baking.
• Roasted Matcha Cookies – With their unique roasted matcha flavor and creamy topping, these cookies bring a modern twist to your holiday treats.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: