Is there anything more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holidays? It’s the scent of warmth, love, and pure joy. And if you’re looking for a cookie that truly steals the show, you’ve found it. These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Coffee Butter Cookies are my absolute weakness. They’re buttery, delicately crisp, and infused with a rich coffee flavor that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully cozy. They practically dissolve on your tongue, earning their name with every blissful bite.
I love having a signature cookie for my holiday cookie trays, and this has become mine. It started when I wanted to add a little “grown-up” twist to a classic butter cookie, and the coffee addition was a revelation. They’re surprisingly simple to make and are the perfect treat to bake with a friend, package as a gorgeous homemade gift, or simply enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee (or milk for dunking!). Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and these cookies will disappear faster than you can say ‘ho ho ho’. Let’s bake some magic.
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Why You’ll Love These Coffee Butter Cookies
- Incredible Texture: They truly live up to their name with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that’s impossibly light.
- Perfect for Gifting: These elegant cookies look beautiful packaged in a tin or cellophane bag, making them the ultimate homemade holiday gift.
- Simple & Straightforward: No fancy equipment or complicated steps are needed. The dough comes together in minutes.
- Rich Coffee Flavor: The deep, aromatic coffee taste is a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for coffee lovers.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats. The beauty of these cookies lies in the quality of simple ingredients, so use the best butter you can find—it makes a real difference.
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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Coffee Butter Cookies Recipes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
Discover melt-in-your-mouth coffee butter cookies Easy Christmas cookie recipe using simple ingredients Perfect holiday baking idea for your next cookie exchange
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules or espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- additional powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Flavors: Add the instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Beat again until everything is well combined and the coffee is fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Preheat and Prep: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place some additional powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Slice and Coat: Unwrap one dough log at a time. Slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Roll each cookie round in the powdered sugar to coat it lightly on both sides, then place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops may still look a little soft, which is perfect.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Notes
Buttery, delicately crisp cookies infused with a rich coffee flavor that melt in your mouth. The perfect sophisticated and cozy treat for holiday baking and gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36 cookies
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 1 g
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules or espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Flavors: Add the instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Beat again until everything is well combined and the coffee is fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. (This step is key for getting that perfect slice-and-bake texture!)
- Preheat and Prep: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place some additional powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Slice and Coat: Unwrap one dough log at a time. Slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Roll each cookie round in the powdered sugar to coat it lightly on both sides, then place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops may still look a little soft, which is perfect.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Essential Baking Tools
You don’t need anything too fancy here! A good set of baking sheets, some parchment paper, and a trusty mixer (a hand mixer or stand mixer both work great) are the main players. You’ll also need plastic wrap for the dough logs and a wire rack for cooling.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cookies
Making these cookies is a breeze, but a few simple tips can take them from great to absolutely extraordinary.
- Room Temperature Butter is Non-Negotiable: Your butter should be soft enough that you can easily press a finger into it, but not melty. This is the secret to getting that perfect creamed texture that makes the cookies light.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: I know, waiting is the hardest part! But chilling the dough logs is what prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you’re in a rush, you can pop the logs in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes.
- Slice Evenly: Try to slice all your cookies to the same thickness so they bake uniformly. A sharp knife dipped in flour can help prevent sticking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Love a mocha twist? Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough! You could also roll the finished cookies in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Serving Your Coffee Butter Cookies
These cookies are a star on their own, but they’re even better with a cozy beverage. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee for a double coffee delight, a glass of cold milk for the kids, or even a dessert wine for a truly elegant treat. They are a perfect addition to any holiday baking spread alongside other classics.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough logs can be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before slicing and baking. You can also freeze the dough logs for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking as directed.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Once completely cool, store these delicate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Layering them with parchment paper will help keep them from sticking together.
My dough is too crumbly when I try to slice it. What happened?
This usually means the dough is too cold. Let the log sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before slicing. If it’s too soft and sticky, it’s likely not chilled enough—pop it back in the fridge for a bit longer.
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant?
I don’t recommend it, as the added liquid will change the texture of the dough. Instant coffee or espresso powder provides a concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture. If you need a substitute, you could try using a very finely ground coffee, but the texture might be slightly gritty.
A Little Nutrition Note
While these are definitely a special treat, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying. The following is an estimate per cookie (assuming the recipe makes about 36 cookies): Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 20mg.
Making these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Coffee Butter Cookies is such a joyful holiday activity. They are a beautiful reminder that the simplest things, like the smell of coffee and butter baking in the oven, can create the most cherished memories. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your home as it has to mine. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your festive baking, be sure to check out my favorite easy Christmas treats. Happy baking!