There is something truly irresistible about the rich, deep flavors of coffee meeting the comforting embrace of a freshly baked treat, and that’s exactly what you get with this Coffee Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a perfectly chewy cookie where the subtle bitterness of espresso powder enhances the chocolate chips and cocoa, creating a harmony that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation. Perfect with a warm cup of coffee or as an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies bring together simple ingredients into an utterly delightful experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these coffee cookies lies in their straightforward but purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the cookie’s texture, aroma, and flavor profile—from the creamy butter that makes them luxuriously soft to the espresso powder that imparts that unmistakable coffee punch.
- ½ cup salted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender, chewy texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to the cookies’ slight crispness at the edges.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth that complements the coffee flavor.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Balances the bitterness of espresso and intensifies the overall flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients, ensuring the cookies hold together beautifully.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base that gives the cookies structure without overwhelming tenderness.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Lends a rich chocolate backbone that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder: Infuses a powerful coffee essence for that signature twist.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a delicate chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and bitter elements.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Assists in a subtle lift for perfect cookie texture.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Melts deliciously within, adding bursts of gooey sweetness.
How to Make Coffee Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by combining your flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. This ensures all the dry elements are evenly distributed, setting the stage for even flavor and texture throughout your cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or hand mixer, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined. This process is crucial for achieving the ideal cookie softness and subtle caramel notes.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes fluffy. This step helps enhance the cookies’ structure while layering on rich flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mix, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender and chewy.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips, or beat on low speed, to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. These morsels add delightful pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Transfer your cookie dough into an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period firms up the dough, making the cookies easier to shape and enhancing their chewiness.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a 1 ½ to 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, rolling each scoop into a ball. Place the balls evenly spaced on the baking sheets, allowing at least 1 ½ inches between them. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes until the cookies are just set and cracking slightly at the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking before transferring to a cooling rack. This cooling time lets them set perfectly, ensuring each bite has that coveted chewy center with a slightly crispy edge.
How to Serve Coffee Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your coffee cookies by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top once they have cooled. These simple touches bring extra visual appeal and a hint of added sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these coffee cookies with your favorite latte, cappuccino, or even a chilled glass of milk. The warm, comforting cookies complement coffee beverages wonderfully, creating a perfect cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these cookies stacked on a pretty plate with a small bowl of espresso or flavored coffee dipping sauce on the side. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with coffee-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover coffee cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will maintain their soft and chewy texture while keeping their flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray first then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well too; just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 300-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This reheating revives their soft texture and brings out the coffee and chocolate aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute instant coffee for espresso powder?
Yes, instant coffee can work in a pinch, but espresso powder has a more concentrated flavor that gives these cookies their signature bold coffee taste. If using instant coffee, use slightly less to avoid bitterness.
Are these cookies crunchy or chewy?
This Coffee Cookies Recipe produces cookies with a delightful chewy center and slightly crisp edges, striking a perfect balance between texture contrasts.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to the dough to make sure the flavors remain balanced and rich.
How important is chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and improves texture by allowing the flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld.
Will these cookies keep well in humid weather?
In humid conditions, store the cookies in an airtight container with a silica gel packet or a slice of bread to help absorb moisture and keep them from becoming too soft.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that combines the deep, aromatic flavor of coffee with luscious chocolate and chewy perfection, this Coffee Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Share them with friends, enjoy them with your favorite hot drink, or just indulge yourself—the cozy blend of flavors will make these your new go-to treat. I can’t wait for you to try baking and experiencing them yourself!
Print
Coffee Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 54 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
Description
These Coffee Cookies combine the rich flavors of espresso and cocoa for a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. With a soft, chewy texture and a slightly crackled surface, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee aroma, ideal for coffee lovers looking for a delicious baked treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer in a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until the mixture becomes fluffy, ensuring full incorporation.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add chocolate chips: On low mixer speed, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the cookie dough to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Shape cookies: Using a 1 ½ to 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, measure out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 8-9 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and begin to crackle around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading during baking and to enhance the flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder by an additional teaspoon.
- For a nuttier note, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a single layer and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
