Inspired by the beloved holiday drink, gingerbread latte cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the festive spirit. These cookies boast a chewy texture enriched with molasses and espresso, promising a burst of flavor in every bite. Patience is key with this recipe, as the dough requires a few hours in the refrigerator before baking.
The creation of these flavorful cookies begins with combining 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup of white sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Next, incorporate one extra-large room temperature egg, 1/4 cup of unsulphured molasses, and 2 tablespoons of espresso powder, and vanilla extract, along with the spices: 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Continue to beat the mixture until thoroughly combined, which should take about two to three minutes.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined, and then add another cup of flour to complete the dough. Once mixed, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but it can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours if needed.
Before baking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Prepare a coating for the dough by whisking together the remaining 1/4 cup of white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder in a small bowl. Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough, rolling each portion into a ball. Coat each dough ball thoroughly in the espresso sugar.
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart. Bake each sheet one at a time in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should appear crackled on top and have set edges when they’re ready. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These gingerbread latte cookies are not only a festive joy but also a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, offering an aromatic experience reminiscent of the classic holiday beverage.
Crafting gingerbread latte cookies is a rewarding process that combines beloved holiday flavors into a single confection. With a chewy texture and robust spices, these cookies are perfect for celebrating the season. Their preparation might require some time, but the delightful result is well worth the wait. Serve them as a seasonal treat to impress friends and family with a homemade taste of the holidays.
Source: Allrecipes
