Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic favorite. Perfect for coffee lovers, these cookies combine the rich flavor of espresso with gooey chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will impress with their sophisticated taste and chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of browned butter and espresso grounds adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates a traditional cookie.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, making them irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Great for coffee breaks, dessert tables, or as gifts for friends and family who appreciate a good cookie.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes.
• Batch Friendly: With 23 servings, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying over several days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather your tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating delicious cookies without interruptions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Stainless steel pan
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Baking tray
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a consistent dough.
• Stainless steel pan: Ideal for browning butter; it allows you to see the color change easily.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Main Ingredients

• 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 teaspoon 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

How to Make Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a stainless steel pan, cook the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter solids at the bottom turn an amber brown color. This process typically takes about 10 minutes. Once done, scrape all of the browned butter into your mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix in Espresso Grounds

Add the ground espresso to the bowl with browned butter. Stir well and set aside to cool to room temperature. Cooling usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Sugars

Whisk in both light brown sugar and granulated sugar into the cooled mixture. Mix for about one minute until fully combined.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in one large egg, one large egg yolk, and two teaspoons of vanilla extract until blended smoothly.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Scoop rounded dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Chill in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight is best for flavor).

Step 7: Bake Cookies

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake frozen cookies spaced at least two inches apart for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but centers remain pale and puffy.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying them warm!

Now you have everything you need to make the perfect batch of Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy this delightful treat any time of day!

How to Serve Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

These espresso chocolate chip cookies are not just delicious on their own; they can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Espresso or Americano: Complement the espresso flavor by serving these cookies alongside a hot cup of espresso or an Americano for a perfect coffee break.
• Cappuccino: The creamy froth of a cappuccino balances the richness of the cookie, creating a delightful treat.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a warm cookie creates a heavenly dessert that contrasts textures and flavors.
• Coffee-Flavored Ice Cream: For coffee lovers, pairing your cookies with coffee-flavored ice cream enhances the espresso notes.

Serve with Milk

• Cold Milk: A classic choice! The coolness of cold milk pairs beautifully with the warm cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Almond or Oat Milk: For a nutty twist, serve with almond or oat milk to complement the cookie’s flavors without overpowering them.

How to Perfect Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

To ensure your espresso chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps combine ingredients more smoothly and results in better texture.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for several hours or overnight enhances flavor and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in flour and chocolate to avoid tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them out.
• Experiment with Chocolate Types: Feel free to mix semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these cookies are delightful alone, consider serving them alongside these tasty side dishes for extra enjoyment.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that can enhance the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats pair well by adding another layer of chocolate richness.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a balanced dish that complements your cookie dessert beautifully.
5. Nuts and Seeds Mix: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunchiness while balancing sweetness with savory notes.
6. Mini Cheese Quesadillas: Warm quesadillas provide a cheesy contrast, making it an interesting pairing with sweet cookies.
7. Caramel Sauce Dip: Drizzle some caramel sauce on your plate for dipping, enhancing both taste and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your baking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs and butter can affect the texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for a better blend.
• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Chilling allows the flavors to develop and helps maintain the cookie’s shape.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are combined for a chewy texture.
• Not measuring flour properly – Incorrect measurements can alter the cookie’s structure. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate results.
• Ignoring baking times – Baking too long can dry out cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container.
• Properly stored, they can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie on high for 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Can I use decaf espresso grounds?

Yes, you can use decaf espresso grounds if you prefer a milder flavor without caffeine.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

What makes these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies unique?

The combination of browned butter and espresso grounds gives these cookies a rich flavor that coffee lovers will adore.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just another dessert; they combine rich flavors and textures that make them irresistible. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with different types of chocolate or nuts. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!