Name: Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 175 g (1 ½ cups) self-raising flour; 100 g (½ cup) caster or granulated sugar; 100 g (7 Tablespoons) vegan block butter (cold); 1 ½ Tablespoons instant espresso powder or coffee granules; 1 teaspoon boiling water; 30 g (2 Tablespoons) non-dairy milk (soya recommended); 75 g (⅓ cup) vegan block butter (softened); 150 g (1 ¼ cups) icing (powdered) sugar; 1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder or coffee granules; ½ teaspoon boiling water

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 69 reviews

If you love the comforting aroma of coffee paired with a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat, you are going to be absolutely delighted by this Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe. These charming little biscuits perfectly capture the rich, deep flavor of coffee wrapped up in tender, buttery (vegan-style!) cookies that sandwich a luxuriously fluffy coffee buttercream. They’re the ideal pick-me-up snack for any time of day and boast a texture that balances just the right crispness with a soft, crumbly bite. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy gathering or treating yourself to a café-worthy indulgence at home, this Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe brings a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass mixing bowl filled with a creamy, light brown mixture with a smooth, whipped texture. The mixture fills most of the bowl and has swirling patterns on its surface, suggesting it has just been stirred. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, which has subtle grey veins creating a soft pattern. The bowl’s handle and spout are visible, adding detail to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe truly lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the self-raising flour that lends lightness to the cookies, to the instant espresso powder that infuses them with that unmistakable coffee kick. The vegan block butter ensures that luscious richness without dairy, while the non-dairy milk adds just enough moisture to bring the dough together perfectly. And of course, the icing sugar and coffee powder in the buttercream frosting create that dreamy finish.

175 g self-raising flour: The base of the dough delivering a tender, crumbly texture.
100 g caster or granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the coffee bitterness beautifully.
100 g vegan block butter, cold: Adds richness and helps create the perfect crumbly bite.
1 ½ Tablespoons instant espresso powder or coffee granules: Provides that deep, bold coffee flavor.
1 teaspoon boiling water: Used to dissolve the coffee granules for even flavor distribution.
30 g non-dairy milk (such as soya): Moistens the dough and keeps it vegan-friendly.
75 g vegan block butter, softened: For the fluffy coffee buttercream that tops your kisses.
150 g icing (powdered) sugar: Sweetens the buttercream, making it light and smooth.
1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder or coffee granules: Intensifies the coffee taste in the buttercream.
½ teaspoon boiling water: Dissolves coffee powder for incorporating into the frosting.

How to Make Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 180℃ (160℃ fan) or 350℉ (gas mark 6). Get two baking sheets lined with baking paper. This simple prep ensures your Vegan Coffee Kisses bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for beautifully shaped cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients with Cold Butter

Mix the self-raising flour and sugar in a bowl until evenly blended. Then add the cold vegan block butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the texture resembles fine breadcrumbs. It’s important to avoid melting the butter here to keep your cookies delightfully tender and crumbly once baked.

Step 3: Dissolve Coffee and Add Non-Dairy Milk

In a small bowl, mix the instant espresso or coffee granules with a teaspoon of boiling water to dissolve. This step releases the aromatic coffee flavor. Stir in the non-dairy milk to create a smooth, fragrant liquid that will bring the dough together.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Pour the coffee mixture into your flour and butter blend. Stir gently with a spatula, then knead briefly by hand until the dough looks smooth and uniform without any dry patches. This step is fun and gives you that perfect cohesive dough ready to shape.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls about half a tablespoon each. Space them well on the lined baking sheets, leaving plenty of room as they will spread while baking. You’ll get roughly 34 pieces – enough to share with friends or keep stashed for yourself!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on whether you prefer your Vegan Coffee Kisses soft or a bit crunchier. I find 15 minutes hits that sweet spot where the edges are gently crisp but the centers stay tender. Let them cool on the sheets for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Whip Up the Coffee Buttercream

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened vegan butter with the icing sugar until light and fluffy. Dissolve the extra coffee powder in half a teaspoon of boiling water and mix it into the buttercream. Continue whisking until the frosting is airy and has that irresistible coffee aroma.

Step 8: Assemble Your Vegan Coffee Kisses

Spread or pipe a dollop of coffee buttercream onto the underside of half the cooled biscuits. Top each one with a matching biscuit to create a sandwich. These little bites are now ready to impress with their perfect combination of flavors and textures!

How to Serve Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe

The image shows several sandwich cookies arranged closely together with a white marbled surface in the background. Each cookie has two round, brown, soft-looking layers with a creamy light brown filling sandwiched in the middle. One cookie is held up in the center by a woman's hand, showing the inside texture of the cookie layers which appear slightly crumbly and moist. The cream filling is thick and textured, looking smooth but firm. The overall color palette is warm with shades of brown and cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, dust the finished Vegan Coffee Kisses with a little cocoa powder or sprinkle finely grated dark vegan chocolate on top. You might also add a tiny coffee bean on each kiss for a professional café vibe that’s sure to wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a creamy oat or almond milk latte, enhancing that coffee theme. You could also enjoy them alongside a fresh fruit platter or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Vegan Coffee Kisses in a tiered glass jar or arranging them in a pretty tin with a vintage coffee-themed napkin for gifting. They also look fantastic served on a slate board with some edible flowers or cinnamon sticks scattered around for a rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Vegan Coffee Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This is perfect if you want to make them ahead for a party or a sweet surprise midway through the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the un-frosted biscuits first by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and pipe on the coffee buttercream fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your Vegan Coffee Kisses slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (around 150℃/300℉) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the buttercream and change the cookie texture. Warming just slightly brings out the coffee aroma wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter in the Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular butter if you are not strictly vegan, and it will still yield delicious results. However, using vegan butter keeps this treat fully plant-based without compromising on that rich, buttery flavor.

Is instant espresso powder necessary, or can I use brewed coffee?

Instant espresso powder is best for this recipe because it provides a concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra moisture that could affect the dough. Brewed coffee tends to be too wet and might change the texture of your cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make Vegan Coffee Kisses gluten-free, substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend that includes a raising agent. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly but they will still be delicious!

How long do the cookies stay fresh after assembling with buttercream?

Once assembled, the Vegan Coffee Kisses are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Beyond that, the moisture from the buttercream can soften the biscuits too much.

Can I adjust the sweetness level in the buttercream?

Absolutely! You can reduce the icing sugar slightly for a less sweet frosting or add more if you like a sweeter kick. Adjust the coffee powder accordingly to maintain a balanced flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making the Vegan Coffee Kisses Recipe is such a joyful experience—it’s like creating little edible hugs infused with your favorite coffee flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, these kisses promise to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and share this beautiful recipe with the people you love—it always brings smiles!