If you have a passion for cookies that are rich, chewy, and packed with a bit of a bold twist, then this Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a perfectly browned butter cookie, where the deep, roasted notes of espresso dance harmoniously with sweet, melty chocolate chips—each cookie bringing a symphony of flavor that warms you from the inside out. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples and a few clever techniques to create cookies that feel both classic and delightfully sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, aroma, and taste. From the rich nutty depth of browned butter to the aromatic kick of espresso powder, you’ll see how these components work together seamlessly.
- Unsalted butter (14 tablespoons or 1¾ sticks): Browning the butter adds a nutty, complex flavor that elevates the cookie.
- Ground espresso or espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses a subtle and irresistible coffee essence that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup plus 2 tablespoons): Provides moisture and a caramel-like sweetness for chewy cookies.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies crisp slightly at the edges.
- Large egg, room temperature (1): Adds richness and binds the dough together smoothly.
- Large egg yolk, room temperature (1): Further enriches the dough for tender, chewy results.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances overall flavor, rounding out the coffee and chocolate notes.
- All-purpose flour (1â…” cups plus 1 tablespoon): The foundation for structure with just enough heft.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the perfect rise and tenderness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the espresso and chocolate flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet chocolate (¾ cup): Adds luscious pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting your unsalted butter over medium heat in a stainless steel pan, stirring constantly. The goal here is to achieve a beautiful amber brown color with a nutty aroma—this step deepens the flavor and adds an irresistible richness. Once browned, remove from heat immediately and stir in the ground espresso powder. Allow this fragrant mixture to cool to room temperature before moving on.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter together with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. These sugars will dissolve into the butter, creating a smooth, flavorful base. Next, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is fully combined. This blend is the backbone of your dough’s lovely texture and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into your wet mixture. Mixing just until combined is key here to avoid overworking the gluten, which keeps the cookies tender. Once you have your dough, stir in the chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet chocolate, ensuring every bite will have luscious pockets of gooey chocolate.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a baking sheet. Then, pop it in the fridge to chill for 3 to 4 hours or even better, overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up, giving you cookies that spread just the right amount with a perfect chewy center.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your dough balls on the sheet about 2 to 3 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. The baking smells alone are a reason to get excited.
Step 6: Finish and Cool
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt on the warm cookies right after they come out of the oven. This little touch intensifies the chocolate and espresso notes and adds an irresistible contrast. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a delicious finishing touch, but you can also dust the cookies with a little cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate for a visually stunning edge. Even a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate or espresso glaze will charm any crowd.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a rich cappuccino, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Their bold espresso flavor means they also complement nutty or caramel-flavored beverages beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of mascarpone cream or flavored buttercream. You might also serve cookie crumbles on top of a creamy affogato or creative dessert bowl, adding texture and deep flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to five days while maintaining their chewy texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking—just scoop them onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. Alternatively, fully baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for the same length of time.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, microwave cookies for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. This will revive their melty chocolate centers and comforting softness.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Absolutely! Instant coffee will work in a pinch, but espresso powder is preferred because it provides a more intense and richer coffee flavor without added bitterness.
Why do we brown the butter?
Brown butter adds a complex, nutty depth to the cookies that regular melted butter cannot achieve. It enhances the overall flavor profile, making these cookies stand out from typical chocolate chip recipes.
How important is chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough lets the flavors meld and solidifies the butter, which prevents excessive spreading during baking. This results in chewier, thicker cookies with better texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. Each will give a slightly different taste and texture but all are delicious.
Are these cookies crunchy or chewy?
These Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are designed to be chewy with slightly crisp edges, creating the perfect bite that balances softness and structure.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. With its deeply satisfying flavors and that perfect chewy texture, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and again—whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a delightful gift to share with friends and family. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch how it makes your kitchen smell like pure happiness!
Print
Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 23 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavors of browned butter with the bold intensity of espresso, creating a gourmet twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Perfectly chewy with a slight crisp around the edges, these cookies are ideal for coffee lovers and anyone seeking a sophisticated cookie experience.
Ingredients
Butter and Flavorings
- 14 tablespoons (1¾ sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon ground espresso or espresso powder
Sugars and Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1â…” cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet chocolate
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a stainless steel pan over medium heat, melt the butter while stirring constantly until it turns an amber brown color and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately, stir in the espresso powder, and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled browned butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, carefully mixing just until the dough forms. Then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a baking sheet. Refrigerate the dough for 3 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and improve the cookie texture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange dough balls spaced 2 to 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
- Finish: Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies immediately after baking for a flavor contrast. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is browned slowly and stirred constantly to avoid burning, which can make a bitter flavor.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for a chewy texture and intensifies the flavor; do not skip this step.
- Use quality espresso powder or freshly ground espresso beans for the best coffee flavor.
- The sprinkling of flaky sea salt is optional but complements the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
