1-First Step: Prep the oven and baking tray Start by preheating your oven to 170 degrees Celsius, which is about 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with parchment paper so the cookies do not stick and cleanup stays easy. If you are baking on a busy day, this small prep step will save you time later. It also gives the dough a better chance of baking evenly.

2-Second Step: Mix the coffee base In a small bowl, stir together the 6 grams instant espresso with the 32 grams milk until the espresso dissolves as much as possible. Add the 35 grams caster sugar and 1.2 grams fine salt, then mix again until the mixture looks smooth. This step helps spread the coffee flavor through the whole batch instead of leaving it in little pockets.

3-Third Step: Cream the butter into the mixture Place the 100 grams unsalted butter in a mixing bowl and beat it until it looks soft and creamy. Add the coffee mixture and stir until everything blends together. The dough may look a little loose at first, but that is normal. If you are using a stand mixer, keep the speed low so the butter stays smooth instead of getting too airy.

4-Fourth Step: Add the dry ingredients Sift or whisk the 125 grams cake flour with the 25 grams ground almond, then add them to the bowl in two parts. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Try not to overmix, because too much mixing can make the cookies tougher than you want. The dough should feel soft, slightly sticky, and easy to shape.

5-Fifth Step: Chill the dough Cover the dough and chill it for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, which makes shaping much easier and helps the cookies keep their form in the oven. If your kitchen is warm, chilling is especially helpful. It is also a good make ahead move for students or working professionals who want to bake later in the day.

6-Sixth Step: Shape the cookies Once chilled, divide the dough into small even portions. Roll each piece into a ball or lightly flatten it into a round cookie shape. Place the pieces on the lined tray with a little space between them so they can spread gently. If you want a polished look, press each cookie lightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass.

7-Seventh Step: Bake until set Bake the cookies for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven. You want the edges to look set while the centers still feel soft. They will firm up more as they cool, so do not wait for them to turn too dark. A gentle bake keeps these coffee cookies tender and buttery.

8-Final Step: Cool and serve Let the cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them finish setting without breaking. Once cooled, serve them with coffee, hot milk, or even a little whipped cream on the side if you are feeling extra. These are lovely warm, but they are just as good once fully cooled.