If you love warm, bakery-style cookies with gooey centers and rich flavor, these Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies will quickly become your new favorite. They take a classic chocolate chip cookie and elevate it with bold espresso, deep caramel notes, and a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. I created this recipe after trying a coffee-infused cookie from a small café, one bite and I knew I had to bring that same cozy flavor into a homemade version. These cookies give you that comforting coffee aroma, the sweetness you want in a dessert, and a texture that stays soft even the next day. If you’re a chocolate lover, coffee lover, or simply someone who enjoys bakery-style cookies at home, this recipe is made for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy bakery-style texture: These cookies bake up thick, soft, and chewy in the center with lightly crisped edges, just like gourmet bakery cookies.
- Deep espresso flavor: Instant espresso powder blends into the dough, enhancing the chocolate and giving the cookies a rich café-style taste.
- Perfect for chocolate lovers: Two types of chocolate, chips and chopped chunks, create pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- No chill time needed: This dough is designed to bake immediately, so you can enjoy freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need is pantry-friendly and easy to find, making this a great last-minute dessert option.
- Stays soft for days: The combination of brown sugar and espresso keeps these cookies chewy and tender even after storing.
- Ideal for gifting or holidays: Their beautiful crackly tops and strong aroma make them perfect for cookie boxes, parties, and potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped dark chocolate (optional but recommended)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant espresso powder.
- Make sure the espresso is mixed well into the flour so the flavor distributes evenly in the dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture.
- Mix on low speed until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop the dough into 2–3 tablespoon–sized balls.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for spreading.
For perfect chocolate chip cookies every time, I highly recommend using a Cookie Scoop Set. It helps you scoop the dough evenly so all your cookies bake the same size, same shape, and stay soft in the center. It also keeps your hands clean and makes the whole process faster and easier.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Cooking Notes
- Use high-quality espresso powder for the best flavor.
- Underbake slightly to keep the cookies chewy.
- Adding a mix of chocolate chips and chunks gives the best texture.
- Room-temperature ingredients help create a smooth dough.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a glass of milk.
- Enjoy with your morning coffee for a café-style treat.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor.
- Eat them with vanilla ice cream to create a warm cookie sandwich.
Variations
- Mocha Cookies: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Espresso Double Chocolate: Use only dark chocolate chunks for a richer cookie.
- Caramel Espresso: Mix in caramel bits or drizzle caramel on top after baking.
- Nutty Espresso: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Tips
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dry dough.
- Chill the dough 20 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
- Use brown sugar for deeper flavor and extra softness.
- Press a few chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery look.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, based on 24 cookies)
Approx. 185 calories, 9g fat, 25g carbs, 2g protein.
FAQ
Can I use regular instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
- Yes, but the flavor will be lighter. Espresso powder gives a stronger coffee taste and blends better with chocolate. If using instant coffee, dissolve it in 1 teaspoon hot water first to avoid graininess.
Why did my cookies turn flat?
- This happens when butter is too soft or the flour is under-measured. Adding 2 more tablespoons of flour or chilling the dough briefly helps keep them thick and chewy.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.
How do I make the espresso flavor stronger?
- Increase espresso powder to 1 ½ tablespoons, or add a teaspoon more to the wet ingredients after dissolving it in a tiny amount of hot water.
Do these cookies stay chewy?
- Yes! Thanks to brown sugar and espresso, the cookies stay soft and chewy even on the second or third day when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
These Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together everything you love in a classic chewy cookie, soft centers, melty chocolate, warm brown sugar, and a hint of bold espresso that makes each bite irresistible. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for coffee lovers or anyone craving a bakery-style cookie at home. Whether you bake them for holidays, gift boxes, or everyday snacking, they always deliver rich flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
