Cookies at Midnight: Vietnamese Coffee Cookies
Welcome back to Cookies at Midnight, where we channel our anxiety, depression, and general droopy mental health into a cookie.
I wanted to try something I’ve never done before, and while scrolling last night, I stumbled across this recipe. First of all, the creator’s name is @cooking_therapy, which immediately—yes—my algorithm knows me way too well.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a strong coffee. I typically drink it black, but I do love Vietnamese coffee because the Puerto Rican in me loves leche condensada. Especially this time of year—it reminds me of coquito, tres leches, and all the cozy holiday sweets.
My first batch came out a little too big, but the second one looked just right. These cookies are crispy and thin, but soft on the inside and melt in your mouth—a great balance, texture-wise.
I did add a bit more espresso (per the instructions on her website) since I like a stronger coffee flavor. I might have gone slightly overboard, but since I was using a cheaper espresso, I wanted to make sure I got that punch of flavor. If I had sandwiched it between the condensed-milk batter, it might’ve mellowed out the coffee a bit—but as someone who likes a punch in the face from their caffeine, this was perfect for me.
I’ll definitely be making these again and tweaking them to my taste. Overall, this recipe is awesome—it came together quicker than I expected, and it looks impressive.
If, like me, you like your sweets not overly sweet, definitely give this one a try. #cookierecipe #cookie #mentalhealth
If you're a fan of coffee-flavored treats, Vietnamese coffee cookies offer a delightful twist that perfectly blends the robust intensity of espresso with the rich sweetness of condensed milk. These cookies stand out due to their texture—a thin, crispy exterior that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth, soft interior. This balance makes each bite uniquely satisfying. For those who enjoy a stronger coffee taste, increasing the espresso quantity can enhance the punch of caffeine and flavor, as experimenting with different espresso types impacts the final taste. While some may prefer sandwiching the espresso flavor within the cookie batter for a milder effect, adding it directly on top before baking intensifies the coffee presence. Vietnamese coffee itself is renowned for its medium to strong roast combined with sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich, creamy, and sweet beverage perfect for holiday seasons. Translating this flavor into cookies brings that same comforting warmth without being overly sweet, ideal for those who appreciate subtler desserts. When baking, keep an eye on cookie size: the first batch may turn out larger or thinner than desired, but adjusting the spoonfuls or dough portioning typically results in a more uniform and appealing cookie diameter. Experimenting with toppings or pairing these cookies with traditional holiday drinks like coquito or tres leches can enhance the festive experience. They also make great conversation starters at gatherings due to their unique inspiration and flavor profile. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, or simply looking for a creative outlet, baking such recipes can be therapeutic and comforting. The process blends mindfulness with the joy of creating something delicious, and sharing these cookies can spread warmth and positivity to family and friends. Ultimately, Vietnamese coffee cookies provide a perfect balance of flavor complexity and texture, offering coffee lovers a new way to indulge their favorite taste in a delightful cookie form.
