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Prep time
45 minutes
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Cook time
15 minutes
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makes
3 dozen cookies
Author Notes
Ahh, the beloved espresso martini. I may be dating myself here, but I remember when these were all the rage in clubs. As soon as I was able to order them at the bar, I was there, feeling super fancy with my coffee-flavored drink. Excited to re-create this recipe and revisit a classic, I wanted to focus on the espresso flavors and how well they complement chocolate.
I’m a huge fan of espresso, and I drink my one cafecito daily, so I had a good time really testing this recipe out and putting a twist on my favorite drink. And two failed batches and a big win later, I ended up with these beauties! Tender and rich dark chocolate cookies get a hit of espresso in each bite thanks to instant espresso powder and chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans folded throughout the dough. Finished with a small hit of flaky sea salt, each bite is similar to the sweetness and depth you’d taste in an espresso martini.
Personally, I’m not fond of cloyingly sweet desserts, so I really enjoy these cookies, since they're not super sweet—the bitterness from the espresso definitely helps balance things out. I find that these cookies are a great compromise for those who want a little something sweet without fully indulging their epic sweet tooth. I actually enjoyed a cookie with a hot cup of coffee for a quick bite one afternoon, but that’s definitely something optional for those who don’t want to partake in too much caffeine!
—Reina Gascon-Lopez
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Ingredients
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2 1/4 cups
(270 grams) all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup
(20 grams) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (such as Hershey’s Special Dark)
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1 1/2 teaspoons
kosher salt
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1 teaspoon
baking soda
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1 teaspoon
baking powder
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1 cup
(226 grams or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
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1 cup
(200 grams) granulated sugar
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1 1/2 cups
(320 grams) light brown sugar
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2 teaspoons
instant espresso powder
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2
large eggs, room temperature
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1 1/2 teaspoons
vanilla bean paste or extract
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1/2 cup
(85 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup
(90 grams) dark chocolate espresso bites or chocolate-covered espresso beans (if using beans, roughly chop them into small pieces), plus more for garnish if desired
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Smoked flaky sea salt, for garnish
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Melted white chocolate, for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Sift or whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
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In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and instant espresso powder until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla, beating until fully combined.
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Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then carefully mix in the dry ingredients until the flour mixture is just absorbed and there are no patches left in the dough. Use a silicone spatula to fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the dark chocolate espresso beans until just combined. Place the cookie dough into a clean bowl and cover loosely with plastic film or foil. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill (preferably overnight).
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Heat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Portion the cookies with a heaping tablespoon or cookie scoop from the chilled dough and place on lined baking sheets 3 inches apart (about 6 cookies per baking sheet). Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly crisp and the centers puffed. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let sit for 2 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire baking rack to cool completely. Garnish with smoked flaky sea salt or dip in melted white chocolate and garnish with more dark chocolate espresso bites.
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