Name: Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp instant espresso powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp heavy cream; 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or 2 tsp vanilla extract); Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of the heavenly combination of rich coffee and sweet vanilla, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe. These cookies are soft and buttery with a subtle espresso kick that beautifully complements the luscious, creamy vanilla bean buttercream. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly tasty, this recipe is a joyful treat to bake and share with friends, bringing a cozy café vibe right into your kitchen.

The image shows a close-up of three soft cookies stacked closely on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one layer of light golden brown dough and is topped with one thick swirl of creamy white frosting with a smooth texture. The frosting is sprinkled lightly with fine brown powder, adding contrast to the light colors. The background is softly blurred with warm brown tones, and a woman's hand reaches towards the cookies from the left side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a batch of unforgettable Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe. Each component plays a special role—from the espresso powder’s aromatic punch to the smoothness of softened butter—ensuring your cookies have the perfect flavor, texture, and creaminess.

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides the sturdy base for tender yet sturdy cookies.
Unsalted butter (1 cup for cookies + 1 cup for buttercream): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness that helps create a soft, chewy texture in the cookies.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds structure.
Instant espresso powder (1 tbsp): Infuses a robust coffee flavor without adding liquid.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp for cookies + vanilla bean paste for buttercream): Brings warmth and depth of flavor.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Gives a gentle lift for a light texture.
Salt (½ tsp for cookies + a pinch for buttercream): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar (3 cups): The heart of the buttercream’s silky sweetness.
Heavy cream (2 tbsp): Adds smoothness and spreadability to the buttercream.
Vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp): Characteristic vanilla flavor and those lovely vanilla specks that add a touch of elegance.

How to Make Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating 1 cup of softened unsalted butter together with 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large bowl. Whip them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aeration is key to ensuring your cookies stay tender yet hold their shape beautifully. It’s the classic foundation that signals deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The espresso powder dissolves into the wet mix, infusing the dough with a rich coffee essence that will be unmistakable yet perfectly balanced within each bite. Beat everything until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually mix in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Adding the dry ingredients slowly helps you avoid an overworked dough and results in a soft, tender cookie. Stir gently just until a soft dough forms—be careful not to overmix!

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them comfortably apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft, giving you that ideal chewy texture that makes these Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe so addictive.

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Bean Buttercream

While the cookies cool, prepare the decadently fluffy vanilla bean buttercream. Beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Then add 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Beat everything on medium speed until the buttercream is light, airy, and perfect for spreading or piping.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy!

Finally, spread or pipe the vanilla bean buttercream generously onto each cooled cookie. For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of espresso powder over the frostings—it’s a little detail that packs a lot of punch!

How to Serve Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe

Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your cookies visually and taste-wise. Consider dusting with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder, crushed espresso beans, or even a dash of cinnamon. These simple touches boost both aroma and presentation, making each cookie feel like a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

While these cookies are stellar on their own, pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or an espresso latte heightens the coffee experience. For a more indulgent spread, serve along with whipped cream-topped hot chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These combinations make afternoon treats genuinely unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Why stick to the traditional cookie plate? Try stacking the frosted cookies like little towers tied with rustic twine for gifting or party favors. Alternatively, arrange them on a mirrored tray with delicate edible flowers or coffee bean accents to impress at your next gathering. Presentation is a fun way to show off just how special your Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe really are.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your coffee sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The buttercream frosting helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and flavorful; just be sure to keep them in a single layer or separated with parchment paper to avoid smudging.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookies and the buttercream separately for longer storage. Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Store the buttercream in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies and buttercream separately at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating

If you want that freshly baked vibe, warm your cookies gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives the softness without melting the buttercream excessively. For frosted cookies, it’s best to reheat just the cookie part, then add the buttercream fresh to keep it stable and creamy.

FAQs

Can I substitute espresso powder with regular coffee?

Instant espresso powder is concentrated, so substituting with brewed coffee isn’t recommended since it adds liquid and can alter dough consistency. For the closest flavor, stick with espresso powder or finely ground instant coffee.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

Vanilla bean paste offers rich vanilla intensity and those pretty specks but you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The flavor will still be wonderful, just less visual drama.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep an eye on the dough’s texture as gluten-free flours vary, and adjust as needed with a teaspoon of xanthan gum or extra moisture.

How do I get the perfect buttercream consistency?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted before beating. Slowly add powdered sugar and use heavy cream to adjust thickness. Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth for the best texture.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes! This Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe scales beautifully. Just mix dough ingredients in batches if needed, and keep an eye on baking times as oven loads increase.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Recipe is a delightful adventure into flavors that feel both cozy and elevated. Whether for a weekend baking project or a special occasion, these cookies bring heartwarming joy straight to your table. So grab your apron, invite some loved ones over, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious coffee-inspired treats you’ll ever taste!