If you’re craving a sweet coffee dessert that melts in your mouth, this coffee kisses recipe is the perfect solution. These light, airy treats combine the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee with a delicate, cakey texture. You can enjoy them with a morning latte or serve them as a dessert after dinner. However you choose to indulge, you’ll love having a quick and simple recipe on hand whenever you need a delicious coffee-flavored bite.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional for a softer dough)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg, dissolved coffee mixture, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough starts to form. If the dough seems too stiff, add the milk for a softer consistency.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each ball.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the coffee kisses cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Tips & variations
- Use decaf. If you want the flavor of coffee without the caffeine, swap the instant coffee granules for a decaf version.
- Add chocolate chips. Mix in a handful of semisweet or milk chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Experiment with frosting. For a fancier version, whip up a simple buttercream and sandwich two cookies together for a whoopie-pie style treat.
- Adjust sweetness. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.
Nutrition facts
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (assuming the recipe yields 24 cookies):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the exact ingredients and proportions you use.
Final thoughts
These coffee kisses offer a simple way to enjoy the rich taste of coffee in dessert form. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can whip them up, and the aroma of baking coffee treats will fill your kitchen and tempt everyone. If you love discovering new coffee dessert recipes, add this to your rotation and get ready for happy taste buds.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make these cookies without instant coffee?
Yes. You can substitute strong brewed espresso for the dissolved instant coffee if you prefer. Simply reduce the added liquid elsewhere to prevent the dough from becoming too soft. -
How do I store coffee kisses?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for maximum freshness. -
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. After rolling the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zipper bag. Thaw or bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time as needed.
Coffee Kisses Recipe
24
servings20
minutes15
minutes80
kcalIngredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (optional for a softer dough)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg, dissolved coffee mixture, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough starts to form. If the dough seems too stiff, add the milk for a softer consistency.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each ball.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the coffee kisses cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Use decaf. If you want the flavor of coffee without the caffeine, swap the instant coffee granules for a decaf version.
Add chocolate chips. Mix in a handful of semisweet or milk chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
Experiment with frosting. For a fancier version, whip up a simple buttercream and sandwich two cookies together for a whoopie-pie style treat.
Adjust sweetness. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.





