Sugar Cookies with Coffee Icing

Sugar Cookies with Coffee Icing Recipe - All-American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 24

Introduction

Sugar cookies with coffee icing are a delightful treat that combines the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the rich flavor of coffee. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat with a caffeine kick.

History

The origins of sugar cookies can be traced back to the 1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where German Protestant settlers created the traditional Christmas cookie known as "Nazareth Sugar Cookies." Over time, the recipe evolved and became a popular treat enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking soda
1 cup sour cream

Coffee frosting

1 tbsp instant coffee granules
1 tbsp hot water
6 tbsp softened butter
1 tbsp vanilla
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
0.33 cup whipping cream

How to prepare

In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar and 1 cup of butter until light and fluffy.
Blend in eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla.
Combine flour and baking soda, then add alternately with sour cream, mixing well after each addition.
Refrigerate the dough for 6 hours or overnight.
Divide the dough into 4 pieces.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 piece to a thickness of 0.13" (keep the remaining dough refrigerated).
Cut the dough into desired shapes and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 10 – 12 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Frost the cookies with coffee frosting.

Coffee frosting

Dissolve coffee granules in water.
In a medium bowl, beat 6 tbsp of butter until soft.
Stir in the coffee mixture and 1 tsp of vanilla.
Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
Gradually add cream until the frosting reaches a good spreading consistency.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Substitute almond extract for the vanilla in the frosting for a nutty twist.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking.

- Roll out the dough to a consistent thickness to ensure even baking.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sugar cookies with coffee icing alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy helps create a tender cookie texture.

- Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness ensures even baking.

- Allowing the cookies to cool completely before frosting prevents the icing from melting.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute margarine for butter for a dairy-free option.

- Use almond or coconut milk in place of whipping cream for a dairy-free frosting alternative.

- Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cookies.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for sugar cookies with coffee icing can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. The baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the frosted cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or coffee beans for an elegant presentation. Serve them alongside a pot of freshly brewed coffee for a complete coffee-themed dessert experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair sugar cookies with coffee icing with a cup of hot coffee or espresso for a delightful combination of flavors. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sugar cookies with coffee icing contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sugar cookies with coffee icing contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sugar cookies with coffee icing contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of sugar cookies with coffee icing contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sugar cookies with coffee icing are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, eggs, sour cream) and wheat (all-purpose flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sugar cookies with coffee icing are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

Summary

Sugar cookies with coffee icing are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the rich flavor of coffee. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as part of a dessert platter, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Sugar Cookies with Coffee Icing. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and she loved to experiment with new flavors and ingredients.

One day, as I was helping her bake in the kitchen, she pulled out a faded old recipe card from her wooden recipe box. It was for Sugar Cookies with Coffee Icing, a recipe that had been passed down from her own grandmother. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the kitchen as she read the ingredients out loud to me.

"Flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, eggs, baking powder, salt, and of course, coffee for the icing," she said with a smile. "These cookies are a family favorite, and I think you'll love them too."

As we mixed and rolled out the cookie dough, my aunt shared stories of her own childhood and the memories she had of making these cookies with her grandmother. I could see the love and nostalgia in her eyes as she spoke, and I knew that this recipe held a special place in her heart.

After the cookies had baked to a perfect golden brown, my aunt showed me how to make the coffee icing. She brewed a strong pot of coffee and let it cool before mixing it with powdered sugar to create a rich and flavorful glaze. The aroma of the coffee filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished cookies.

As we drizzled the icing over the warm cookies, my aunt told me that the secret to a good sugar cookie was to let it cool slightly before adding the icing. This allowed the flavors to meld together and created a deliciously soft and chewy texture.

When we finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I took a bite of the sugar cookie and was immediately transported back to my aunt's childhood kitchen. The flavors of butter, sugar, and coffee blended together perfectly, creating a delightful treat that was both comforting and indulgent.

From that day on, Sugar Cookies with Coffee Icing became a staple in my own baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions, always thinking of my aunt and the memories we shared in her kitchen.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of coffee and incorporating new ingredients to create unique variations. But no matter how many times I make these cookies, they always bring me back to that day in my aunt's kitchen, surrounded by love and laughter.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will create their own memories and traditions with these delicious Sugar Cookies with Coffee Icing. For me, this recipe will always be a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring joy to our present.