5 Holiday Cookie Recipes That Go Perfectly with Coffee

There’s something magical about the holiday season—twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and the smell of fresh cookies baking while a warm cup of coffee steams nearby. Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping cookie trays, or enjoying a quiet moment before the house wakes up, the right cookie can make your coffee ritual feel extra special.

These five holiday cookie recipes were chosen specifically to pair beautifully with coffee, from bold chocolate flavors to warm spices and festive peppermint. Grab your favorite mug and let’s bake!

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1. Peppermint Mocha Cookies (Holiday Favorite)

If coffee and chocolate are already best friends, peppermint makes them festive. These soft, rich cookies are perfect with a peppermint mocha, dark roast, or holiday-flavored coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp espresso powder

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.

3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

6. Fold in chocolate chips and peppermint pieces.

7. Scoop dough onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.

8. Cool slightly before enjoying with coffee.

Perfect Coffee Pairing: Peppermint Mocha, Chocolate Hazelnut, or Dark Roast ☕

2. Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies

Warm cinnamon and sugar make snickerdoodles a timeless holiday cookie. They’re soft, comforting, and pair beautifully with cinnamon or vanilla-flavored coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 ¾ cups flour

• 2 tsp cream of tartar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs.

3. Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

5. Roll dough into balls and coat in cinnamon sugar.

6. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set.

Perfect Coffee Pairing: Cinnamon Roll, French Vanilla, or Latte ☕

3. Gingerbread Coffee Cookies

These spiced gingerbread cookies bring cozy holiday vibes and are perfect for sipping alongside a bold medium or dark roast.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• ½ cup molasses

• 2 ¼ cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp cloves

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Cream butter and brown sugar.

3. Beat in egg and molasses.

4. Mix dry ingredients and slowly combine with wet ingredients.

5. Roll dough into balls and slightly flatten.

6. Bake 10–12 minutes.

Perfect Coffee Pairing: Gingerbread Latte, Spiced Coffee, or Classic Black ☕

4. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rich, fudgy, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies feel indulgent and pair beautifully with strong coffee or espresso.

Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 2 cups flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Mix oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

2. Stir in cocoa powder.

3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Chill dough for 2 hours.

5. Roll dough into balls and coat generously in powdered sugar.

6. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

Perfect Coffee Pairing: Espresso, Mocha, or Dark Roast ☕

5. Vanilla Almond Shortbread Cookies

Simple, buttery shortbread cookies are elegant and perfect for dipping into coffee. These pair especially well with nutty or creamy coffee flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract

• 2 cups flour

• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

3. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.

4. Add flour and salt until dough forms.

5. Shape into rounds or press into a pan and slice after baking.

6. Bake 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Perfect Coffee Pairing: Almond Biscotti Coffee, Vanilla Latte, or Creamy Blonde Roast ☕

Shop the cutest Holiday Cookie Jars:

Snowman Cookie Jar

Reindeer Cookie Jar

Gnome Cookie Jar

Cozy Tip: Create a Coffee & Cookie Moment

Turn these cookies into a meaningful moment by pairing them with a quiet morning routine—coffee in hand, a cozy blanket, and a few minutes of gratitude or reflection. The holidays don’t have to be rushed to be joyful.

Final Thoughts

Cookies and coffee are more than treats—they’re an invitation to slow down, savor the season, and create warmth in the middle of busy days. Whether you bake one recipe or all five, these holiday cookies are guaranteed to make your coffee moments even sweeter.

Looking for a caffeinated read to go along with your coffee and cookies?

Surviving Motherhood One Cup or Pot at a Time

Embrace the Caffeinated Mom Life