When the holiday season rolls around, the warm embrace of freshly baked treats fills my home with a sense of nostalgia and joy. One bite of these Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies, and you’re hit with the comforting aroma of coffee mingling with sweet, buttery goodness. I discovered this delightful recipe during one of those festive afternoons when I found myself with leftover brewed coffee—what better way to put it to delicious use than in cookies that capture the spirit of the season?
These cookies are not just easy to make; they also make a fantastic addition to any holiday gathering, impressing guests with their unique flavor and inviting texture. Bursting with a hint of chocolate and that perfect coffee kick, they’re a delightful twist on traditional butter cookies. In just 30 minutes, you can bring a batch of these crowd-pleasers to life. So, if you’re looking to swap fast food for something homemade and heartwarming this season, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies
- These Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to make, ensuring that even novice bakers can whip up a batch with confidence.
- The delightful combination of coffee and buttery goodness creates a rich flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Their versatility means you can easily customize them with chocolate chips or enjoy them as is to suit your taste.
- Plus, with a total time of just 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to impress your guests in no time.
Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into these delightful treats with all the essentials you need!
For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – soften it to room temperature for perfect creaminess.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and lightness to the cookies.
- Brown sugar – brings a rich, caramel flavor that complements the coffee.
- Freshly brewed coffee – this key ingredient gives a wonderful depth to the flavor.
- All-purpose flour – forms the base of the dough; ensure it’s properly measured.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Chocolate chips (optional) – fold these in for added richness and sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for airy cookies!
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Combine the brewed coffee and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir well until everything is well blended and aromatic, creating that deliciously rich flavor base.
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Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. For an extra sweet touch, fold in chocolate chips at this stage.
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Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about two inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
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Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges. Once done, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before enjoying.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own—your taste buds will thank you!
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy creamer in place of regular butter and brewed coffee for a delightful alternative.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts the soft cookies.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, fragrant twist that evokes the spirit of the season.
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Cocoa Twist: Substitute 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey version that balances the coffee flavor perfectly.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle melted caramel over the cookies post-baking to add a sweet layer of indulgence that no one can resist.
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Fruity Surprise: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the cookie.
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Espresso Boost: Swap out regular brewed coffee for a shot of espresso to intensify that coffee flavor—perfect for true coffee lovers!
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions while still enjoying these treats.
Each variation invites your personal touch, making these cookies a unique delight for every occasion!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If you’d like, you can also scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheets and freeze the individual cookie portions in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This method ensures your cookies maintain their delightful texture and rich flavor, making them just as delicious as if freshly made. You’ll save precious time, allowing you to savor the joyous moments of the season!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, perfect for snacking!
Fridge: For longer freshness, place cookies in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: To freeze, arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, simply microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll be greeted with that delightful melty goodness again!
What to Serve with Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies?
These delightful cookies offer a symphony of flavors that make any gathering feel festive and heartwarming.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A steamy mug of hot chocolate pairs perfectly, enhancing the cozy coffee notes while offering a chocolaty contrast.
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Creamy Eggnog: The spiced creaminess of eggnog complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies, making for a truly festive experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a refreshing contrast, melting into the warm cookies for a delicious treat.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices of chai add warmth and depth, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the sweetness, elevating each bite with its vibrant flavor profile.
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Sugared Pecans: These crunchy treats provide an irresistible nuttiness that matches the buttery richness, creating a delightful texture contrast.
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Peppermint Bark: The crisp, minty flavor of peppermint bark brings a holiday twist, complementing the coffee undertones beautifully as a festive candy.
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Buttered Rum: Enjoy a warm buttery rum drink as a cozy finish to your dessert, enriching the flavor experience with velvety goodness.
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Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans: For the coffee lovers, these crunchy bites intensify the coffee flavor and make a delightful pairing with the cookies.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture in your Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars.
- One common mistake is to overmix the dough after adding the flour, which can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
- For a more intense coffee flavor, consider using espresso instead of regular brewed coffee in the recipe.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; removing them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown around the edges will ensure a soft center.
Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of coffee should I use?
I recommend using freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor. You can choose regular brewed coffee or even espresso for a bolder kick. Just make sure it’s cooled before adding it to your dough!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, place them in the fridge for up to 1 week—just let them come back to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze these cookies? How?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours (this is called flash freezing). Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your Christmas Coffee Butter Cookies spread out too much during baking, it could be due to softened butter or warm dough. To troubleshoot, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape better in the oven!
Are these cookies safe for pets?
While these cookies are delicious for us, they should not be shared with pets. The chocolate can be toxic to dogs, and the sugar content isn’t ideal. For a special pet treat, consider baking a separate batch of treats designed just for them!
Equipment
- oven
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking sheets
- parchment paper
- Whisk
- spatula
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup Freshly brewed coffee
- 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour properly measured
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Combine the brewed coffee and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring well.
- Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl, then gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.
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