Recipe: Gingerbread Latte Cookies With Herbal Coffee

Welcome to the delightful world of herbal baking with your Herbal Starter Kit! This recipe made by our friend and baking goddess, Emily Alben, will fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of spices and everything nice. 

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup Herbal Coffee
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar 
• ¼ cup unsulphured molasses 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Ingredients for the Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

How To Make:

Step 1: Preparing the Spiced Butter
In a medium saucepan set over a medium flame, melt the butter until it starts to bubble and foam. Take the saucepan off the heat and whisk in the Herbal Coffee powder, fresh and ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Pour this spiced butter mixture into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Creating the Cookie Dough
To the bowl with the butter mixture, add in the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, molasses, and salt. Whisk everything together vigorously until well combined. Now, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth, resembling the consistency of thin pancake batter. Gradually fold in the flour until it’s evenly incorporated. Cover the bowl and let the dough chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days) before baking.

Step 3: Preparing for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the coating: granulated sugar, espresso powder, and ground ginger.

Step 4: Shaping and Coating the Cookies
Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into walnut-sized balls. Toss each ball in the sugar mixture to coat it evenly.

Step 5: Baking and Cooling
Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the cookies have slightly spread and have a craggy surface. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will flatten as they cool.

These Gingerbread Latte Cookies are a sweet testament to how herbs and spices can transform a classic recipe into an extraordinary culinary experience. Packed with bold flavors and a touch of herbal goodness, they are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy them with a cup of Herbal Coffee, and savor the herbal magic in every bite. 🍪✨