Chocolate Espresso Cookies

February 4, 2026

By Lisa

4 Ingredient Mounjaro Recipe – Step-by-step process showing lemon, ginger, and honey being mixed into a detox drink

Chocolate Espresso Cookies: A Comforting Treat for Every Occasion

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of rich chocolate and smooth espresso. The aroma wafting through the kitchen immediately brings a sense of warmth and comfort, making it an ideal companion for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. I remember first baking these Chocolate Espresso Cookies in my small kitchen on a chilly autumn afternoon, a delightful way to bring a little joy into my day. As the cookies spread and baked, the scent of chocolate combined with that subtle hint of coffee made my heart feel just a bit lighter — a true cozy moment.

These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends for coffee, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging yourself on a quiet evening. So grab your apron, and let’s make some delightful memories together with these Chocolate Espresso Cookies — they’re definitely one you’ll want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to whip up in just under 30 minutes.
  • Rich, indulgent flavors make every bite a chocolate lover’s dream.
  • Perfectly textured — crispy edges with a tender, gooey center.
  • The espresso enhances the chocolate flavor for a delightful twist.
  • Great for sharing — a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and parties.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for your Chocolate Espresso Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

Let’s Make It Together

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy — this will create a creamy texture that’s the perfect base for our cookies.

  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a sweet aroma every time you stir.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder, ensuring there are no lumps in your dry mix.

  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated. You’re looking for a rich, decadent dough!

  6. Fold in the dark chocolate chips, allowing the chocolate to melt slightly in the warm dough for a truly indulgent experience.

  7. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart — they’ll spread a little while baking.

  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and centers are slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a tad doughy!

  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial for maintaining that perfect, gooey center.

  10. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or a cozy cup of coffee, or store in an airtight container for future indulgence.

Delicious Variations to Try

  • Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and delightful nutty flavor.

  • Minty Fresh: Toss in some mint chocolate chips or a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist to suit the holiday season.

  • Spicy Kick: Blend in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm, spicy kick that will surprise your taste buds!

  • Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkling a tiny bit of sea salt on top right before baking enhances the sweet flavors and adds a lovely contrast.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance—simply scoop and freeze the dough balls. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

  • Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of espresso powder, instant coffee granules can also do the trick! Just ensure they’re finely ground for even flavor distribution.

  • For a Chewy Cookie: Don’t over-bake! Give them a slight under-bake for that chewy goodness.

  • Storing Tips: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week — if they last that long!

Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 200
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 75mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! The dough can be made and stored in the fridge for a couple of days or frozen for later use.

Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate or add other mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut.

How do I store leftovers? Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for the best freshness.

How long does it last? These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for about a week in an airtight container.

Wrapping It Up

These Chocolate Espresso Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re moments wrapped in warm, chocolatey goodness that spark joy and connection. Whether you share them with loved ones or enjoy them quietly with your favorite book, each bite offers a little burst of comfort. Save this recipe to your cozy treats board so it’s ready whenever you need a sweet escape! Happy baking!

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Deliciously rich and indulgent cookies that combine chocolate and espresso for a cozy treat perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup brown sugar Packed tightly in the measuring cup.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature works best.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted before measuring to avoid lumps.
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Good quality cocoa will enhance flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder For depth of flavor.

Add-Ins

  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips Feel free to adjust the amount based on preference.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
  • Fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Baking

  • Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Serving

  • Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or coffee, or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Make-ahead: Cookie dough can be prepared a day in advance or frozen. For chewy cookies, avoid over-baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g
Keyword Baking, chocolate, Chocolate Espresso Cookies, Cookies, espresso
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