These cookies don’t play it safe. They take the classic sugar cookie, drown it in espresso frosting, and leave you questioning your caffeine tolerance. The buttery base melts in your mouth, while the rich coffee glaze delivers a sweet, bold kick. Perfect for those who like their desserts with a side of energy. They’re dangerously addictive, deceptively elegant, and completely unnecessary—but here you are. Frost them, stack them, or eat them straight off the baking sheet. Just don’t pretend you’re making them for someone else. We all know the truth.

Espresso-Frosted Sugar Cookies
Soft sugar cookies topped with a smooth, espresso-infused frosting. Sweet, buttery, and just enough caffeine to justify eating five.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Espresso Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp espresso powder
- 2 tbsp hot water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly, then bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting (or risk a melty disaster).
- For frosting, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, espresso powder, hot water, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread or drizzle frosting over cookies, let set, and devour.