Name: Coffee Infused Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee

Rich, aromatic, and wonderfully soft, these Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies are what cookie dreams are made of for coffee lovers! Each bite delivers a gentle coffee kick, soft and tender crumb, and a sweet espresso glaze that takes things over the top. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both cozy and cafe-worthy, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coffee Shop Flavor at Home: Freshly ground coffee and an espresso glaze deliver bold, barista-worthy flavor without ever leaving your kitchen.
Soft & Tender Texture: Thanks to a unique combination of butter and oil, these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth soft—no crunchy sugar cookies here!
Perfect for Dunking: Each cookie is sturdy enough to dip in your favorite latte, hot chocolate, or a tall glass of milk.
Easy Yet Impressive: Simple to make, but that signature espresso glaze gives these cookies a bakery-level finish that always wows a crowd.

Coffee Infused Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies rely on straightforward pantry staples with a few key additions that truly make them sparkle. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from achieving that cloud-like softness to layering in those irresistible coffee notes.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure, so your cookies are soft but not crumbly.
Baking soda & cream of tartar: This dynamic duo gives just the right lift and a signature classic sugar cookie tang.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams effortlessly, delivering rich flavor and tender texture.
Vegetable oil: Makes these cookies extra soft and helps them remain tender even after a couple of days.
Granulated sugar: Adds not just sweetness, but a little crisp edge to the cookies.
Confectioners’ sugar: Gives a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the dough and the glaze.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together—be sure they’re at room temp for best results.
Vanilla extract: Balances the coffee flavors with warm undertones.
Freshly ground coffee beans: Use espresso-fine grounds for deep, aromatic coffee flavor in every bite.
Freshly brewed coffee (for glaze): Intensifies the coffee experience in each drizzle; use your favorite roast!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to make these Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies your own! With a few easy tweaks, you can adapt them for different tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your pantry today.

Mocha Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and swap espresso for strong brewed chocolate coffee in the glaze for mocha magic.
Dairy-Free Coffee Sugar Cookies: Replace butter with your favorite non-dairy alternative and confirm your chocolate/coffee is vegan-friendly for a delicious dairy-free treat.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water, let sit) in place of eggs and oil-based vegan butter for a plant-powered swap.
Spiced Coffee Kick: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for warm, aromatic undertones that complement the coffee.

How to Make Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide right off the tray for the perfect finish—no sticking, no cleanup stress!

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Give them a good whisk so everything’s blended, ensuring each Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookie comes out puffy and perfectly risen.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil & Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat together the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This is where that dreamy cookie texture begins—whip until it’s light and airy!

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla & Coffee

Reduce mixer speed to medium. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each. Next, add your vanilla extract and those aromatic, freshly ground coffee beans. You’ll see the dough take on a delicate speckle and smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and slowly add in your flour mixture in three parts. Scrape down the sides as needed, and mix until there are no visible streaks of flour. Your Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookie dough will look silky-soft and scoopable.

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, gently portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. These cookies keep their shape and won’t spread much, so don’t crowd the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown.

Step 7: Glaze the Cookies

While your cookies cool, whisk confectioners’ sugar with freshly brewed coffee to make the glaze. Drizzle over each cookie when they’re just warm or fully cooled. The glaze sets beautifully, infusing that bold espresso flavor right on top!

Pro Tips for Making Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies

Freshly Ground is Best: Use espresso-fine, freshly ground coffee beans for the deepest flavor—pre-ground often tastes flat by comparison!
Don’t Overbake: Pull cookies as soon as you see light golden edges; they’ll continue to set as they cool, staying soft and chewy.
Drizzle at the Right Time: Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes before glazing so the drizzle sets without melting completely into the cookie.
Double the Batch: These Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully, so consider making two pans—future you will thank you!

How to Serve Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, try a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the espresso glaze or a dusting of finely ground coffee. A few chocolate-covered espresso beans or a sprinkle of raw sugar can also add a delightful crunch and extra cafe flair.

Side Dishes

The obvious match for these cookies is a steaming mug of coffee or a creamy latte, but they’re also wonderful alongside vanilla ice cream, a cup of hot chocolate, or as an after-dinner treat with dessert wine. They’re the perfect cookie for any coffee break gathering!

Creative Ways to Present

Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies look beautiful stacked in gift boxes or tied in bundles with twine for a homemade coffeehouse vibe. Arrange them in a circle on a cake stand for a centerpiece dessert tray, or pair a few cookies with a mini espresso cup for a sweet party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies perfectly soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for about 4 days—if they last that long before getting devoured!

Freezing

These cookies freeze fantastically. Place cooled, glazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Or freeze unglazed cookies and drizzle after thawing for the freshest presentation.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, pop one or two (unglazed or glazed) in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. The glaze will soften a little, giving you that just-baked aroma any time you crave a fresh cookie.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of freshly ground beans?

Yes! While freshly ground beans give the most complex flavor, instant espresso powder or instant coffee will also work for Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies. Just use half the amount since instant powder is more concentrated, and make sure it’s finely dissolved into the wet ingredients.
Why use both granulated and confectioners’ sugar in the dough?

The combination gives these cookies their signature bite—granulated sugar adds slight crispness, while confectioners’ sugar keeps the crumb ultra-tender and almost creamy. It’s the secret to the softest coffee sugar cookies!
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate or freeze it?

Absolutely. You can cover and chill the cookie dough for up to 48 hours; just let it come to room temperature before scooping. Or scoop, flash freeze, and store unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months—just add a minute or two to the bake time (from frozen) for perfect Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies any time.
Is the espresso glaze a must, or can I skip it?

The glaze is optional but highly recommended if you want the full “Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies” experience! It adds an extra layer of coffee flavor and a beautiful finish, but the cookies taste fabulous all on their own, too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to spoil yourself or your favorite coffee enthusiasts, these Espresso Glazed Coffee Sugar Cookies are honestly irresistible. Each cookie is a sweet, caffeinated hug—warm, welcoming, and always just the right treat with a cup of coffee. Give this recipe a go and watch them disappear faster than you can brew your next espresso!