Name: Chocolate Espresso Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

If you’ve ever wished your morning cup of coffee and your favorite chewy chocolate cookie could merge into one dreamy bite, you’re going to fall hard for these Chocolate Espresso Cookies. Rich, fudgy, and layered with just the right hint of espresso, these cookies are a power duo of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend treat or prepping a batch for your holiday cookie swap, they always bring the wow.

The bittersweet chocolate melts perfectly into the dough while the espresso enhances all that cocoa flavor without making the cookies overly coffee-forward. These are sophisticated enough to impress but simple enough to make anytime you’re craving something extra special.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Espresso Cookies

These cookies strike a beautiful balance between indulgent and elegant. The outside edges bake to a delicate crisp while the centers stay irresistibly soft. They’re bold, rich, and have a flavor depth that regular chocolate cookies just can’t touch. If you’re looking for a cookie that works just as well with a tall glass of milk as it does with an after-dinner espresso, this one checks all the boxes.

The espresso not only enhances the chocolate but adds a slight mocha vibe that elevates each bite. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make the dough ahead of time and bake whenever the craving hits.

What Kind of Espresso Powder Should I Use?

For these cookies, you want a finely ground instant espresso powder, not espresso grounds. Instant espresso dissolves directly into the dough, giving a smooth, concentrated flavor without grittiness. Popular choices include brands like Medaglia D’Oro or DeLallo, but any good quality instant espresso will do the trick. If you only have instant coffee, it can work in a pinch—just know the flavor won’t be quite as intense.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Espresso Cookies

To make these cookies shine, you’ll want high-quality basics and just a few standout ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor.

All-purpose flour
This forms the structure of the cookie and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Essential for that deep chocolate flavor—go for Dutch-processed for a smoother, darker finish.
Baking soda
Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them soft.
Salt
A pinch enhances all the other flavors and brings out the sweetness.
Instant espresso powder
This is the secret weapon—it deepens the chocolate flavor and adds that coffee kick.
Unsalted butter
Softened and creamed, it gives the cookies their chewy centers and crisp edges.
Granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate crunch on the edges.
Brown sugar
Keeps the centers moist and brings a slight molasses undertone.
Vanilla extract
Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Large eggs
Help bind everything and add moisture.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Chocolate in every bite—enough said.

How To Make the Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Set aside. This ensures even distribution and helps the cookies bake consistently.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for that chewy center and crisp edge combo.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Make sure it’s all fully combined before moving on.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks without over-mixing the dough.

Step 5: Chill and Scoop

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Then scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Espresso Cookies

This batch yields about 24 medium cookies, perfect for sharing—or not. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or pair with your morning latte for an indulgent start to the day.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months, or freeze the dough and bake fresh whenever you like.

What to Serve With Chocolate Espresso Cookies?

1. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla adds a perfect contrast to the rich chocolate.

2. Salted Caramel Drizzle

A light drizzle of salted caramel sauce takes these cookies over the top.

3. Espresso or Americano

Coffee with cookies is a no-brainer, but espresso enhances their namesake even more.

4. Whipped Cream Topping

Top a warm cookie with whipped cream and cinnamon for a quick dessert.

5. Fresh Strawberries

The tartness from strawberries cuts through the richness beautifully.

6. Cold Milk

Sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics.

7. Red Wine

A bold cabernet pairs surprisingly well with the mocha flavor in these cookies.

8. Greek Yogurt

For a unique twist, try crumbling the cookies over a bowl of yogurt.

If you’re loving these Chocolate Espresso Cookies, here are some other creative bakes you’ll want to try next:

• Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars for when you’ve got extra treats to use up.
• Ooey Gooey Bars if you want something ultra-rich and decadent.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a bite-sized surprise.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes to combine all your favorite dessert flavors.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a fruity coconut hit.