Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate mashup of your favorite café drink and a bakery-style cookie, these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies will be your new obsession! Every bite packs rich pools of chocolate, a cozy hint of espresso, and that perfect chewy-tender texture—an absolute treat for coffee lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of pantry basics with a few special touches that make these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies truly stand out. Each ingredient has a job, from infusing espresso flavor to creating those crisp, gooey edges we all love.

• Unsalted Butter (14 tbsp): Browning the butter adds deep, nutty flavor and the ultimate chewy texture.
• Espresso Grounds (1 tbsp): Stirred into the warm butter, they create an aromatic, coffee-forward cookie base.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup + 2 tbsp): Gives sweetness and a caramel-like chew.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Helps crisp the edges for bakery-style contrast.
• Large Egg + Egg Yolk: This duo brings extra richness and a plush, soft center.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Rounds out the flavors and amplifies the chocolate and espresso notes.
• All-Purpose Flour (1⅔ cups + 1 tbsp): The just-right amount for sturdy yet tender cookies (measure carefully for best results).
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Gives just the right lift and slightly craggy tops.
• Salt (1 tsp): Intensifies the flavors and balances the cookie’s sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate or Mini Chips (¾ cup): Chopping high-quality chocolate makes for gooey, rustic pockets—or go mini for even chocolatey coverage.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Whether you want to make your Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free, nutty, or even more chocolatey, you have so many tasty options.

• Turn Up the Chocolate: Swap in dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even caramel bits for a unique twist.
• Make Them Nutty: Add ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra richness—delicious with espresso flavor!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture every bit as scrumptious.
• Decaf Espresso: For a late-night treat, simply use decaf grounds—same bold flavor, none of the buzz.

How to Make Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Add your butter to a stainless steel pan over medium heat. Watch closely and swirl often—it’ll foam, sizzle, and then the magic happens: the milk solids turn golden and nutty (about 10 minutes). Scrape every last bit of browned butter (including those tasty bits at the bottom!) into your mixing bowl.

Step 2: Infuse with Espresso

While the butter is still hot, stir in the espresso grounds so they steep beautifully and release that bold, toasty coffee aroma. Set the bowl aside to cool to room temperature—patience here pays off, and keeps your cookies extra chewy!

Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla

Whisk both sugars into the bowl for a full minute until well combined—it’ll look a little glossy. Next, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and whisk until everything comes together in a creamy, luscious batter.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients & Chocolate

Gently stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, and delicious chopped chocolate or mini chips. Fold just until no streaks of flour remain—over-mixing at this stage can make cookies tough, so keep it light!

Step 5: Scoop & Freeze the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined tray. Pop the tray in the freezer for at least 3–4 hours (or overnight!) so the flavors deepen and the texture gets irresistibly chewy and thick once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready for cookie bliss, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Arrange the frozen cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are deeply golden but the centers stay pale and puffy. Let them cool on the tray—they’ll settle into the fudgiest, most aromatic Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies imaginable!

How to Serve Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra charm, finish your Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven. The salt makes the flavors pop and looks irresistible, too! You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or dust lightly with cocoa for extra flair.

Side Dishes

There’s no shame in doubling down on the coffee theme! Serve these cookies alongside a creamy latte, an affogato, or your favorite vanilla ice cream. They’re also amazing paired with a glass of cold milk or even a scoop of cinnamon gelato if you want to get fancy.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your homemade Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies into an adorable gift by stacking and tying with baker’s twine, or nestle them into a coffee mug for the perfect homemade treat. For parties, create a “cookie board” with chocolate, dried fruit, and coffee beans. Or build ice cream sandwiches for the ultimate summertime dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Line the container with parchment to prevent sticking and keep them fresh—bonus if you can toss in a slice of bread to help retain moisture!

Freezing

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are made for make-ahead magic—freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. Bake directly from frozen, adding just a minute or two to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies, though the texture is best fresh from the oven.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10–12 seconds, or refresh in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. The chocolate gets melty and the kitchen suddenly smells like you made a fresh batch of Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies a try—there’s something genuinely magical about the way coffee and chocolate come together in every bite. Share them with friends, savor with your afternoon coffee, or sneak one as a midnight treat. Happy baking, and don’t forget to save a couple for yourself!

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