Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate, you’ve come to the right place! These Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a special indulgence that will elevate your dessert game. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies bring a luxurious twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie that everyone knows and loves.

What makes these cookies truly special is the browned butter and espresso grounds. Together, they create a deep, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet chocolate. You’ll find yourself reaching for another cookie before you even realize it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Chill the dough overnight for deeper flavor. Bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
• Decadent flavor: The combination of espresso and chocolate is rich and satisfying, perfect for coffee lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You might already have some of these in your pantry. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bite of espresso chocolate chip goodness.

For the Cookie Dough

• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon ground espresso
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring in notes below)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or mini chocolate chips

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ways to customize your Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• Add nuts: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Mix in spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your cookies.
• Try different chocolates: Use dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate for a unique twist.
• Make it chewy: Reduce the baking time slightly to keep the centers soft and gooey.

How to Make Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a stainless steel pan, cook the butter over medium heat until it turns an amber brown color. This takes about 10 minutes. Browning the butter enhances its flavor, adding a nutty richness that you’ll love.

Step 2: Combine with Espresso

Stir in the ground espresso into your bowl with the browned butter. Set it aside to cool to room temperature—this should take about 20-30 minutes in my kitchen. Cooling is essential so we don’t scramble the eggs later!

Step 3: Mix in Sugars

Whisk in both sugars until well combined—about one minute. This step adds sweetness and helps create that lovely chewy texture we’re after.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Now, whisk in your egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended. The extra egg yolk adds richness to our cookies!

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those tender bites of cookie!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray and chill it in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight for even better results!). Chilling helps develop flavors and creates that desirable texture when baked.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake frozen cookies spaced at least two inches apart for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain puffy. This ensures a perfect balance between crispy edges and soft centers.

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Let your tray cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before digging into these delicious cookies! Trust me; the anticipation will be worth it as you take that first bite!

Pro Tips for Making Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these espresso chocolate chip cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use fresh espresso grounds: The flavor of your cookies will truly shine if you use freshly ground espresso. This enhances the coffee flavor and gives your cookies that rich, aromatic quality we all love.
• Don’t skip browning the butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty complexity that elevates the cookies beyond the ordinary. This step takes just a bit of time but makes all the difference in flavor.
• Chill the dough: Allowing your dough to chill for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) helps to develop deeper flavors and results in a chewier texture. It also prevents spreading while baking.
• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be golden around the edges while still soft in the center for that perfect bite!
• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate – dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate can add an exciting twist to your cookies.

How to Serve Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving these delicious espresso chocolate chip cookies is all about presentation and creating a lovely atmosphere for enjoyment!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the sweet and bitter notes of the espresso.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that looks beautiful and adds more chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm cookies perfectly, creating a delightful contrast between temperatures.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with berries or citrus provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee or espresso: Serve alongside a cup of brewed coffee or a shot of espresso to amplify that delicious coffee flavor we adore in these cookies.
• Milk: A classic pairing! A tall glass of cold milk is always a hit with chocolate chip cookies, offering that nostalgic taste we remember from childhood.

Enjoy these treats with family and friends—they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

These espresso chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it for later or enjoy the cookies fresh when you’re ready.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely.
• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep the cookies soft!

Freezing

• Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking tray and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and use within 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people have about making espresso chocolate chip cookies.

Can I use decaffeinated espresso in these cookies?

Yes! Decaffeinated espresso works beautifully in this recipe, allowing you to enjoy all the flavor without caffeine.

How do I make these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it’s one that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

What makes these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?

The key difference is the addition of espresso grounds, which elevate the flavor profile, offering a rich coffee taste that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

How long do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

For optimal flavor and texture, chill the dough for at least 3-4 hours. If you can, chilling overnight is even better!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful espresso chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! They’re a special treat that combines two beloved flavors—coffee and chocolate—into one delicious cookie. Whether you share them with friends or savor them all yourself, they are sure to bring joy. Happy baking!