Espresso Cookies

Name: Espresso Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup white granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons espresso powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons hot tap water; 1 teaspoon espresso powder (heaping); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2½ cups powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

30 minutes

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By: Julie Blanner18 Comments
Posted: 12/8/22

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These espresso cookies are a classic buttery shortbread cookie with a delightful crunch and rich espresso flavor. Made with staple ingredients and espresso powder, latte cookies are so easy to make.

Beyond how easy they are to make (and how incredibly delicious they are) they also make a beautiful gift for the holidays.

Wrap them up with these charming free printable gift tags to say “wishing you a latte joy” or “sending you a latte love” to anyone on your list!

Espresso cookies stacked in a clear bag and tied with a brown bow.

This year I’m sharing another very giftable Christmas cookie recipe – Espresso Cookies! Espresso Cookies are beautiful cutout cookies with rich espresso flavor and a nice buttery crunch.

I love a homemade gift. It’s truly one of my love languages… and wrapping up something homemade in my kitchen with a beautiful, charming gift tag is even better. Does it get any cuter than this?

Well, maybe. But only if it’s my latte bread… which is equally delicious and makes a delightful gift, too!

Espresso cookies (or latte cookies– call them whatever you want) are incredibly delicious and easy to make. They’re a twist on traditional shortbread cookies made with staple ingredients – butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, salt and of course, espresso powder!

One of the things that I love about these cookies is that they are super flexible. You can use a scalloped cookie cutter for pretty edges and serve them just as they are.

Or, make an espresso filling and turn them into espresso sandwich cookies. Serve with an afternoon latte and you’re all set… that’s the coziest wintertime vibes I can dream up!

Espresso cookies stacked on a marble countertop.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love these Espresso Cookies

Easy to make
Not an overwhelming flavor of espresso
So beautiful for gifting
Delicious flavor
Great with a cup of coffee!

Latte cookie with filling between two layers, broken in half on a white countertop.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Butter – Salted or unsalted, your preference – but I love to bake with salted butter for a little sweet to salty balance. (If you use salted butter, simply eliminate the additional salt in this recipe.) You’ll want the butter to be softened. You can get my tips to soften butter here.
Sugar – White granulated.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a hint of flavor – learn how to make Homemade Vanilla Extract here, which makes another amazing gift.
All Purpose Flour – No need to sift.
Espresso Powder – The main ingeredient that offers flavor and beautiful specks. I use this espresso powder because it blends so seamlessly into recipes, but if you’re in a pinch with something easy to find in your grocery store, this espresso powder will do, too!
Salt – Salt brings out all the other flavors in baked goods.

Variations

For a little less espresso flavor, use instant coffee instead.
Try almond extract instead of vanilla extract.
Filling (to make espresso sandwich cookies) is optional.
Try this easy glaze recipe over the top of these espresso cookies for another finishing touch!

Shortbread Espresso cookies stacked in a clear bag with a tag that reads "thanks a latte"

How to Make Espresso Cookies

Prep – Preheat oven.
Combine Sugars and Butters – In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine sugar, butter and vanilla.
Add Dry Ingredients – Add flour, salt and espresso powdered until combined.
Make Dough Discs – Shape dough into a disc, wrap and refrigerate.
Roll and Cut – On a floured surface, oll out dough and cut into shapes.
Bake as directed.
Optional Filling – Allow to cool and add the optional espresso cream filling for an extra indulgent treat. It’s so good I could eat it by the spoonful! The espresso cream filling is made with water, espresso powder, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla.

Tips

Need help with baking conversions? Check out my Essential Measurement Conversion Chart or use the slider in the recipe card.
Use Parchment Paper – or a silpat liner for easy release.
Cookie Cutters – I used a traditional scallop cookie cutter, but you can make a variety of shapes using a coffee mug cookie cutter, travel coffee cup cookie cutter or traditional Christmas shapes.
Use the Baking Sheet – Learn more about Baking Pan Sizes here.

Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does espresso do in cookies?

Espresso deepens the flavor of these cookies, creating a subtle, but not overpowering fragrance and taste of coffee.

Can I use ground espresso in baking?

Espresso is an incredible flavor enhancement and is used in a wide variety of savory recipes, as well. Espresso doesn’t necessarily make your baked goods taste like coffee – it just creates more depth of flavor!

How to Store

At Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container up to one week.
Refrigerator – These cookies do not need to be stored in the fridge, but if you choose to do so, store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freeze – Store in an airtight container or freezer bag, unfilled, up to 3 months.

espresso cookies in a cello wrapped stack, tied with a brown satin bow and gift tag that reads "sending you a latte love"

Dietary Considerations

Nut Free
Vegetarian
For Gluten Free, sub with 1:1 gluten free flour

How to Gift these Espresso Cookies

These make such a beautiful, heartfelt gift.

First, download the free file linked below.
Print at home using basic or textured card stock.
Cut, and bag your cookies for the most beautiful gift!
They stack beautifully and are easy to package in cellophane bags tied with a beautiful ribbon.
Create a coffee lover’s gift basket. Choose a new coffee mug, favorite espresso beans, and more. Paired with these espresso cookies it’s an instant win!

I have created free printable gift tags that say “Wishing you a latte joy” and “Sending you a latte love”. You can get them right here!

More Tips for Using these Tags:

A home printer – This one has been great for us for years! Print right from your phone.
Heavy cardstock – While not necessary, it makes these tags feel elegant enough to add to the most special of gifts. You can of course just use any paper you have on hand!
A steady hand with scissors or a paper cutter for cleaner edges.
A hole punch for the perfect spot to thread your ribbon.