DIY Coffee Crafts and Recipes

Coffee lovers, rejoice! If you thought your favorite beans were only good for brewing the perfect cup, think again. The rich aroma and the deep flavor have so much more to offer. From enhancing your dessert menu to crafting beautiful home decor, coffee can be your go-to ingredient for an array of creative projects. Below are some unique DIY coffee crafts and recipes that will give your coffee grounds a second life and transform your perception of this versatile bean.

Coffee-Flavored Desserts

Let’s start with something sweet. Coffee and desserts make an irresistible pair, and incorporating coffee into your baking can take classic recipes to a new level of deliciousness.

• Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies: Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with the warm, rich notes of espresso complementing the sweetness of chocolate chips. Simply add a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of finely ground coffee to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for an irresistible twist.
• Coffee Cheesecake: Elevate your cheesecake game by adding coffee to the mix. Blend in a couple of shots of strong espresso into your cheesecake batter. The coffee not only adds a sophisticated flavor but also enhances the creamy texture, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Tiramisu: Coffee adds a delightful depth of flavor to desserts. An irresistible classic coffee-infused dessert is Tiramisu, a heavenly Italian delicacy that combines layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.

Homemade Coffee Scrubs

Coffee grounds are a fantastic exfoliating agent, and when mixed with the right ingredients, they can create luxurious scrubs that leave your skin feeling rejuvenated.

• Coconut Oil Coffee Scrub: Mix together ½ cup of used coffee grounds, ¼ cup of coconut oil (melted), and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a divine smelling scrub. This mixture helps to gently remove dead skin cells while moisturizing, leaving your skin soft and glowing.
• Invigorating Mint Coffee Scrub: Combine ½ cup of used coffee grounds, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of olive oil, then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. This scrub is not only energizing but also perfect for waking up your skin in the morning.

Disclaimer: Before applying any exfoliating agent to your face, it is important to seek advice from a licensed dermatologist. This is to ensure the safety and suitability of the product for your specific skin type and condition. Individual reactions to skincare products can vary significantly, and what may be beneficial for one person could potentially cause harm to another. Consulting with a dermatologist prior to use can help you avoid adverse reactions and achieve the best possible results for your skin. Remember, when it comes to skincare, it’s always better to be safe and well-informed.

Crafts Made from Coffee Beans and Repurposed Coffee Containers

Why throw away your coffee beans and containers when you can transform them into beautiful crafts?

• Coffee Bean Candle Holders: Fill a small glass jar or votive holder with whole coffee beans and nestle a tea light at the center. As the candle burns, it warms the beans, releasing a subtle coffee aroma. It’s a simple yet elegant decor item that adds warmth to any room.
• Repurposed Coffee Can Planters: Clean out your old coffee cans, remove any labels, and give them a fresh coat of paint. Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom, fill them with soil, and plant your favorite herbs or flowers. These unique planters are a great way to add a touch of personality to your garden or windowsill.

Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Its versatility can be explored through delightful recipes and innovative crafts that celebrate its rich flavor and aroma. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast looking to infuse your desserts with a coffee kick, a DIY lover crafting unique home decor, or someone seeking natural beauty remedies, coffee has something special to offer.

Remember, these ideas are just the beginning. The world of coffee crafts and recipes is vast and full of potential. Experiment with different coffee blends, explore new combinations, and most importantly, have fun with it. Coffee is a beloved ingredient around the world not just for its energizing effects but also for its ability to bring a little extra joy into our lives.

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Cafe Bustelo Instant Coffee
• 2 teaspoons Rumsford cornstarch non GMO
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup room temperature Kerry Gold pure Irish butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Madagascar vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until combined. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugars: Using a separate mixing bowl, either with a mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugars on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy and a pale yellow color, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally as needed.

Add egg and vanilla, and beat on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Add the dry ingredient mixture, and mix on medium-low speed until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand, using a wooden spoon, until they are evenly combined. Transfer the dough to an airtight container and refrigerate until it is chilled through.

Prep oven and baking sheet: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Once the cookie dough is completely chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Scoop out and roll dough balls that are 1-inch in diameter. Then place the dough balls on a baking sheet that is covered with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy and the tops of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly under cooked. Remove the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy! Recipe inspired by Ali from Gimme Some Oven

Coffee Cheesecake

A coffee cheesecake with digestive biscuit crumbles is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee and the creamy texture of cheesecake with the crunchy, buttery base of digestive biscuits. Here’s how you can make it.

Ingredients for the Crust

• 1-1/2 cups of digestive biscuit crumbs (you can achieve this by crushing about 10-15 biscuits in a Ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling

• 2 cups (16 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons Madagascar vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon King Arthur Unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Cafe Bustelo Instant coffee

How to Make

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix the digestive biscuit crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, compacting it firmly and evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour. Brew the espresso or dissolve instant espresso coffee granules in a quarter cup of water, then fold this into the cream cheese mixture until evenly mixed.

Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Pop that bad boy in the oven and set your timer for 55 minutes. You’re aiming for a pie that’s firm around the edges but still knows how to party in the middle with a little jiggle! Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Afterward, remove it from the oven, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight, for the best texture.

Serve: Once chilled, release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve. For an extra touch, you can garnish with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings. Enjoy your homemade coffee cheesecake with digestive biscuit crumbles! This dessert is perfect for coffee lovers and makes a sophisticated addition to any meal or occasion.

Tiramisu Ingredients

• 1 cup Cafe Bustelo Instant coffee
• 3 tablespoons Kahlua liqueur (if you don’t drink, just leave it out. You can buy at ABC Liquors or Total Wine & More)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon Madagascar vanilla extract
• 25-40 Ladyfinger cookies
• 1-1/2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting

How to Make