Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are a festive delight that captures the essence of the holidays. These cookies are not only soft and chewy but also infused with the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread and coffee. Topped with a decadent brown butter icing, these cookies are a superb treat for any occasion. Whether it's the holiday season or just a cozy evening, this cookie recipe is bound to become a favorite.
The first bite of these Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies will take you on a delightful journey through the holiday flavors we all love. The combination of spices, combined with the coffee essence, provides a comforting warmth that is simply amazing. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, these cookies promise to leave a lasting impression. Get ready to dive into a recipe that is as joyful to make as it is to eat!
Why wait any longer? Let’s explore why you should try these Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing and how to bring them to life in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing have a special charm that brings joy to every kitchen. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and coffee creates a taste sensation that's both cozy and exciting.
- Unique Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy, giving them a delightful bite that you won't forget.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch without any hassle.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Decadent Brown Butter Icing: The icing adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the cookies beautifully.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them into a beautiful tin or box, and they make wonderful homemade gifts.
- Fun to Decorate: Get creative with decorating the cookies—add sprinkles or even edible glitter.
With these wonderful attributes, you’ll find that making these cookies is not just a baking task; it’s a joyful experience!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Creating Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing takes some time, but it's worth every minute. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
These time estimates will have you enjoying your cookies in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 3 tablespoons brown butter (cooled for icing)
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (for icing consistency)
- Optional sprinkles for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing is a simple process! Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cooled brewed coffee until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
- Prepare Brown Butter Icing: In a small bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth. Adjust with extra milk for desired consistency.
How to Serve
Serving Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing can enhance the festive spirit. Here are some tips:
- Presentation: Place the cookies on a decorative platter or tiered cake stand for an inviting display.
- Garnish: Drizzle extra brown butter icing over the top for a beautiful finish and sprinkle with festive decorations.
- Pairing: Serve with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a spicy chai tea to complement the flavors.
- Cookie Gifts: Package cookies in a festive tin or box with a lovely ribbon for a homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.
- Holiday Gatherings: Arrange these cookies as part of your dessert spread at holiday parties for a delightful treat that guests will love.
By following these serving suggestions, you're sure to create an enchanting atmosphere for these delicious cookies! Enjoy the warmth and joy that comes with every bite.
Additional Tips
- Experiment with Spices: Don't hesitate to adjust the spices in the dough. You can add a pinch of cardamom or cloves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for the best flavor and rise in your cookies.
- Milk for Icing: Adjust the amount of milk in your icing to find the perfect consistency. You want it thick enough to hold shape but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Recipe Variation
Feel free to switch things up! Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Stir in some chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness and decadence.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different extracts in the frosting. Almond or coffee extracts can give a unique flavor profile.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will help them stay soft and chewy.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Place them in a single layer in a zip-top bag or an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Special Equipment
You will need a few essential tools to prepare these cookies successfully:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various-sized mixing bowls will help keep everything organized.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer can make the creaming of butter and sugars effortless.
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size for even baking.
- Baking Sheets: Two baking sheets lined with parchment paper are necessary for baking a full batch.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is great for cooling cookies after baking, allowing air to circulate and prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use decaffeinated coffee in this recipe?
Yes, decaffeinated coffee works perfectly if you want to enjoy the coffee flavor without the caffeine.
How can I make the cookies spicier?
Increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon in the dough for a spicier kick.
Can I use store-bought icing instead of brown butter icing?
Absolutely! While the brown butter icing adds a unique touch, any frosting you love will complement these cookies nicely.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not too warm before creaming. Also, chilling the dough can help control spreading.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies will keep fresh for about a week when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are an exceptional addition to your baking repertoire. These cookies combine festive flavors with a soft, chewy texture, making them irresistible. Their unique brown butter icing adds a nutty finish that perfectly complements the warm spices of gingerbread and the rich undertones of coffee. Whether for a holiday gathering or just a fun baking project, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Bake a batch today and experience the joy they bring!
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 3 tablespoons brown butter (cooled for icing)
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (for icing consistency)
- Optional sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Making Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing is a simple process! Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cooled brewed coffee until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
- Prepare Brown Butter Icing: In a small bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth. Adjust with extra milk for desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1.5g
