Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that boasts both a rich coffee flavor and a decadent chocolatey essence, look no further than these Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies. With their perfect texture and irresistible taste, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why Make This Recipe

Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies are not just cookies; they are a delightful experience. The blend of semi-sweet and dark chocolate creates a blissful richness, while the hint of espresso brings out the chocolate’s depth, making each bite incredibly delicious. They’re perfect for coffee lovers and make a great treat for gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as an indulgent snack at home. Moreover, this recipe is easy to follow, making the process enjoyable for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Creating these chewy delights is straightforward! Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp instant espresso powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp sea salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
Fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate chips.
Using a cookie scoop, portion out 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are just set.
Tap the baking sheet on the counter to sink the centers of the cookies, then reshape them with a cookie cutter if desired.
Bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Cool on the tray for a few minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Serve these cookies warm, straight out of the oven for a gooey treat. For an extra indulgent experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them alongside a cup of your favorite coffee or espresso. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in a decorative box or tin.

How to Store Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookie dough balls before baking. Simply portion them out, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Tips to Make Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is soft but not melted for the best texture. Room temperature eggs also incorporate more easily.
Don’t Overbake: For chewy cookies, make sure to take them out of the oven when they are just set in the middle. They will continue to cook slightly on the tray after removing from the oven.
Adjust the Coffee Flavor: If you prefer a more pronounced espresso taste, feel free to increase the amount of espresso powder.

Variations

Nutty Addition: Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate such as milk chocolate, or even flavored chips like mint or orange-infused chocolate.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder, but avoid sweetened cocoa, as it will alter the flavor of the cookies.

2. What can I substitute for the espresso powder?
If you don’t have espresso powder on hand, you can use finely ground coffee as a substitute, but it might result in a slightly different texture.

3. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should still look a bit soft. You can also check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Enjoy baking these Chewy Chocolate Espresso Cookies—they are sure to become a beloved treat in your household!