Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing

Incredible vanilla brown sugar oatmeal latte cookies with espresso icing are the perfect treat for any occasion. These warm, chewy cookies capture the delightful flavors of your favorite coffee drink in a deliciously baked form. Ideal for gatherings, tea parties, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress with their rich taste and delightful aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and espresso creates a rich flavor profile that coffee lovers will adore.
• Chewy Texture: Thanks to the rolled oats, these cookies have a satisfying chewiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy icing.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert, snacks, or even gifts; these cookies can be enjoyed anytime.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, you can whip them up whenever the craving strikes.
• Customizable: Adjust the espresso powder to suit your taste preference for a stronger or milder coffee flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients for a smooth cookie dough.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for browning butter, which adds depth of flavor to your cookies.
• Cookie sheet: Provides an even baking surface for consistent results.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) salted butter
• 1 ½ cups (320g) dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or sub vanilla extract)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups (158g) old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 to 2 tablespoons espresso powder, depending how much coffee flavor you like!
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Espresso Icing:

• 1 tablespoon reserved brown butter
• 1 cup (180g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

How to Make Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted:
* Whisk constantly as the butter begins to crackle and foam.
* Keep whisking until it turns golden amber, about 5 to 8 minutes.
* Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl of an electric mixer. Allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Icing Base

Remove 1 tablespoon of brown butter from the mixing bowl into another bowl for later use in the icing.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add brown sugar to the bowl with cooled brown butter. Blend using the paddle attachment on medium speed until well mixed:
1. Add eggs and vanilla bean paste.
2. Mix again until smooth and resembles caramel.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients:
* Flour
* Rolled oats
* Baking soda
* Espresso powder
* Cinnamon
* Salt

Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on medium-low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop, drop about 1 ½ tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between each dough ball.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are slightly golden. Let cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Icing

Ensure your reserved brown butter is still melted. If not:
* Warm it in the microwave for about 10 to 20 seconds.
Combine it with powdered sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk as needed for desired thickness.

Step 9: Ice Cookies

Dip each cooled cookie lightly into icing then place on wire racks or parchment paper until set. Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing!

Makes about 24 cookies.

How to Serve Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing

These delightful Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, serving them right can elevate your cookie experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee to enhance the coffee flavor in the cookies. The warmth of the drink complements the chewy texture perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside fresh fruits and nuts. This adds color and variety, making it an appealing centerpiece.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream. The contrast between warm cookies and cold ice cream creates a delicious treat.

For Gift Giving

• Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box to give as gifts. Consider adding a handwritten note for a personal touch, making it thoughtful and special.

How to Perfect Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing

Perfecting your Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies can take them from good to great. Follow these tips for outstanding results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially baking soda and spices, are fresh to get the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements of flour and sugar. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly golden at the edges but soft in the center when done.
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing

These cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors and make for a delightful snack experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese offer a creamy contrast that complements the cookie’s taste.
3. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake provides additional coffee flavor, perfect for coffee lovers.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that pairs nicely with sweet treats.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add elegance and extra sweetness, making them an indulgent side option.
6. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts offers crunchiness that contrasts well with the soft cookie texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when trying to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to lumpy dough.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip chilling the dough. This step helps the flavors meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before scooping it into your measuring cup. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which can make cookies dry.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
• Layer parchment paper between layers of cookies if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• To freeze unbaked dough, scoop onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer into a bag.

Reheating Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor that enhances these cookies.

How do I make these Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.

What can I substitute for espresso powder?

You can use instant coffee granules as an alternative if you don’t have espresso powder on hand.

How long will the icing stay good on the cookies?

The icing will stay fresh for several days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I customize these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These Vanilla Brown Sugar Oatmeal Latte Cookies with Espresso Icing are not only delicious but also versatile. With their chewy texture and rich flavors, they make an excellent treat anytime. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the coffee flavor to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!