These melt-in-your-mouth coffee butter cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The rich flavor of coffee blends beautifully with the sweet, buttery dough. They are easy to make, making them great for family baking days or cozy holiday gatherings. With a crisp edge and a tender center, each bite brings warmth and comfort.

Why You Will Love This Cookie Recipe
This recipe is easy and quick, perfect for busy days when you crave something sweet. Using simple ingredients you likely have at home makes it family-friendly. Plus, these cookies are deliciously rich, giving your taste buds a little joy without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Make Cookies
Making these cookies is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by mixing the ingredients together, then shape the dough into balls before baking. The process is perfect for beginner bakers and is a great way to make lovely treats without too much fuss.
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee (use robust coffee granules for stronger taste)
- 2 tablespoons hot water (let cool slightly before mixing)
- 1 cup icing sugar (can substitute with powdered sugar)
- 1 stick unsalted butter (must be room temperature)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can use gluten-free blend if needed)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (no substitutions needed unless allergens are a concern)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust according to taste)
- 1 cup melted dark chocolate (or white chocolate for a different flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (or walnuts/almonds for a nutty twist)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the instant coffee with hot water and let it cool slightly.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and icing sugar until it’s creamy.
- Add the Egg and Coffee: Mix in the beaten egg and the cooled coffee mixture until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Slowly add this to the wet mixture.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough is combined, chill it for about 30 minutes. Then, roll into small balls.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden.
- Add the Chocolate and Nuts: After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. Allow it to cool before serving.

How to Serve Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own but can also be paired with coffee or enjoyed with milk. They make a lovely addition to cookie trays during the holidays. Consider serving them at gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner for a cozy evening.
How to Store Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to save them for later, place them in the freezer in a sealed bag, where they will last for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Recipe Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Adjust the ground cinnamon to your taste for a personalized flavor.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies retain their shape.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven; they can bake quickly.
- Try different nuts for added texture or flavor.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap the instant coffee for espresso powder for a stronger flavor.
- Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter option.
- Make them nut-free by leaving out the nuts or using seeds instead.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it soften slightly before rolling it into balls.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! Once baked, let the cookies cool completely, and then freeze them in a single layer. After frozen, transfer them to a vacuum-sealed bag or an airtight container for long-lasting freshness.
How do I reheat the cookies?
To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their warmth and soft texture.
What can I substitute for icing sugar?
You can use powdered sugar as a substitute for icing sugar. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.
What should I do if the cookies are too dry?
If you find your cookies turn out too dry, next time try adding a bit more butter or ensure not to overbake them. Checking them a bit earlier can help maintain their soft texture.

Coffee Butter Cookies
Ingredients
For the Coffee Mixture
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee Use robust coffee granules for stronger taste
- 2 tablespoons hot water Let cool slightly before mixing
For the Dough
- 1 cup icing sugar Can substitute with powdered sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter Must be room temperature
- 1 large egg Beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free blend if needed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch No substitutions needed unless allergens are a concern
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adjust according to taste
For Topping
- 1 cup melted dark chocolate Or white chocolate for a different flavor
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios Or walnuts/almonds for a nutty twist
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix the instant coffee with hot water and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and icing sugar until it’s creamy.
- Mix in the beaten egg and the cooled coffee mixture until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Slowly add this to the wet mixture.
- Once the dough is combined, chill it for about 30 minutes. Then, roll into small balls.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden.
- After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. Allow it to cool before serving.
