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There’s something magical about the first whiff of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. It warms the soul, sharpens the senses, and sets the tone for the day ahead. Now, imagine capturing that same cozy, invigorating aroma in a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what these Coffee Sugar Cookies deliver—comforting sweetness with a bold coffee kick in every bite.

If you’ve been following my baking journey, you know how much I love creating recipes that balance everyday simplicity with irresistible flavor. These cookies remind me of lazy Sunday mornings spent experimenting in the kitchen while sipping on my favorite brew. They’re perfect for coffee lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

On my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread post, I shared how baking can bring people together, whether it’s with family, friends, or just treating yourself. These Coffee Sugar Cookies carry that same spirit—comfort food at its best, wrapped in a deliciously caffeinated twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless cookie recipes out there, but these Coffee Sugar Cookies stand out for good reason:

Coffee flavor baked right in – The finely ground espresso-style coffee infuses the dough, adding rich depth without overpowering sweetness.
Perfect texture – Soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges give you that bakery-quality bite every single time.
Simple pantry ingredients – No fancy tools or hard-to-find items needed. Chances are, you already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
Versatility – Ideal for holiday cookie trays, afternoon pick-me-ups, or pairing with a latte for dessert.
Optional glaze – A coffee glaze adds an extra layer of flavor for those who can’t get enough of that roasted coffee kick.

Coffee sugar cookies with glaze on parchment paper

Coffee Sugar Cookies – Irresistibly Soft, Sweet, and Boldly Flavorful

These coffee sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with rich espresso flavor, making them the ultimate treat for coffee lovers. A light coffee glaze on top adds extra sweetness and café-style flair.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Dessert, Cookies

Cuisine American

Servings 36 cookies

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

4 ½ cups 576 g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup 227 g unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup 224 g vegetable oil
1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
1 cup 125 g confectioners’ sugar
2 large eggs room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup finely ground coffee beans espresso grind
Optional Coffee Glaze
1 cup 125 g confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee
4 ½ cups 576 g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup 227 g unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup 224 g vegetable oil
1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
1 cup 125 g confectioners’ sugar
2 large eggs room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup finely ground coffee beans espresso grind
Optional Coffee Glaze
1 cup 125 g confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Incorporate coffee and dry ingredients: Stir in the finely ground coffee, then gradually add the flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake cookies: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly soft—this keeps them chewy.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional glaze: Mix confectioners’ sugar with brewed coffee until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

Notes

For stronger flavor, increase ground coffee to ⅓ cup.
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours, or frozen for up to 2 months.
Glaze will set within 30 minutes—great for stacking and gifting.

Keyword coffee cookies, espresso cookies, coffee sugar cookies, glazed coffee cookies

Ingredients

4 ½ cups (576 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (224 g) vegetable oil
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup freshly ground coffee beans, finely ground (such as you would for espresso)

Coffee Glaze (Optional)

1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your cookies the perfect lift. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a handheld mixer), beat the room-temperature butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2–3 minutes and creates the foundation for soft, tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should now be smooth and glossy, ready to hold the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate the Coffee

Add the finely ground coffee beans into the mixture. Stir until evenly distributed. The fragrance at this stage is incredible—like fresh espresso filling your kitchen.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, prevents excessive spreading, and intensifies the coffee flavor.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.

Step 8: Optional Coffee Glaze

If you’re making the glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and freshly brewed coffee until smooth. Once cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or dip them in the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Pro Tips

Use finely ground coffee—similar to espresso grind—for the best flavor and texture.
For consistent results, measure flour with a kitchen scale to avoid dense cookies.
Don’t skip the chill time; it’s essential for flavor and shape.
If you want extra depth, toast the ground coffee in a dry pan for a minute before adding to the dough.

Variations

Mocha Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha twist.
Spiced Coffee Cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom for warm spice notes.
Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted dark chocolate for a café-style presentation.
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or pecans for crunch.

Pairings

Coffee or Espresso – The ultimate pairing, because more coffee is always better.
Chai Latte – The warm spices balance the bold coffee flavor.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Sandwich two cookies with ice cream for a coffee-inspired treat.
Fresh Fruit – Pair with strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Keep them in a sealed container for up to 10 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer—just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant coffee instead of ground coffee?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Use 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water for a similar effect.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.

3. Do these cookies have caffeine?
Yes, they do contain caffeine from the ground coffee, though in smaller amounts compared to a cup of brewed coffee.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. How can I make them less sweet?
Reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx. 1 of 36)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	185
Protein	2 g
Fat	10 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	13 g
Sodium	75 mg

Conclusion

These Coffee Sugar Cookies are more than just another sweet treat—they’re a warm hug in cookie form, with a bold flavor that makes every bite memorable. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, drizzled with glaze, or dipped in chocolate, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. So go ahead—brew a cup, preheat your oven, and share the love with family, friends, or just for yourself.