Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you adore the intoxicating blend of rich coffee and melty chocolate, then this Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies balance the deep, bittersweet notes of espresso powder with the classic comforting sweetness of chocolate chips, resulting in a luscious treat that’s perfect whenever you need a little pick-me-up. With a tender yet chewy texture and a flavor that’s both bold and familiar, these cookies bring together everything you love about your morning coffee and your favorite dessert all in one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward baking these delightful Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the espresso powder bringing that signature coffee punch to the creamy butter making the dough perfectly tender and rich.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that gives structure and chewiness to the cookies.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, airy texture.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.
• Instant espresso powder (2 tbsp): The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with a bold coffee essence.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens while contributing to a slightly crisp edge.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and create a soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the flavor depth and rounds out the espresso’s intensity.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Melt perfectly into pockets of gooey, chocolatey bliss.
• Chopped dark chocolate (1/2 cup, optional): Adds an extra layer of richness for chocolate lovers craving a decadent finish.

How to Make Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder in a medium bowl. This dry mix ensures the coffee flavor is evenly distributed throughout every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key to creating a delightful texture, as the creamed butter traps air that helps make the cookies tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. These add moisture and richness, giving your cookies that classic homemade goodness.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed. Be careful to mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate if you’re using it. This generous amount of chocolate guarantees every bite is bursting with melted chocolate goodness.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it into the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling solidifies the fats, which helps control spreading during baking and deepens the flavor.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Prepping your baking sheets ahead of time ensures the cookies bake evenly with perfect bottoms.

Step 8: Scoop and Space the Dough

Scoop the chilled dough into roughly 2-tablespoon balls and place them on the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to prevent the cookies from merging into one delightful giant cookie.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, but the centers still look a little underbaked. That slight underbake keeps the cookies chewy and soft in the middle.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling allows the cookies to set properly while keeping their tender texture intact.

How to Serve Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an inviting touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on warm cookies. The salt perfectly balances the bittersweet espresso and chocolate, elevating the flavor to new heights.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience. The coffee notes in the cookies complement dairy-rich sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies stacked with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or sandwich two cookies together with a coffee-infused buttercream filling. This adds elegance and makes them party-ready treats everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain their chewy texture while keeping the espresso flavor vibrant.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. You can then bake fresh cookies straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving to revive their softness and bring out the aromatic coffee and chocolate notes.

FAQs

Can I use brewed espresso instead of instant espresso powder?

It’s best to stick with instant espresso powder because it’s dry and dissolves easily into the dough without adding extra moisture. Brewed espresso could change the dough’s consistency and baking time.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in the perfect balance of chewy and tender.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to try white chocolate chips, milk chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar to customize the flavor while keeping the espresso notes in focus.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar result.

How strong is the coffee flavor?

The espresso powder adds a rich, subtle coffee undertone without overpowering the sweetness. It’s noticeable enough to delight coffee lovers while still being enjoyable for everyone.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm, chewy espresso chocolate chip cookie that feels both indulgent and familiar. I absolutely encourage you to try this Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe soon – once you do, I guarantee it will become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

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