Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines rich flavors and an irresistible chewy texture, you’ve come to the right place! These Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are my go-to treat when I want something special. The combination of browned butter and high-quality espresso powder creates a delightful flavor that takes these cookies to the next level. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a busy weeknight snack, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

Baking these cookies fills the kitchen with an amazing aroma, making it hard to wait for them to cool down before diving in. Trust me, once you try making them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of espresso and browned butter gives these cookies a depth of flavor that is simply out of this world.
• Thick and Chewy Texture: Thanks to an extra egg yolk, each cookie is thick and chewy with perfectly crisp edges.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time at all!
• Family-Friendly Treat: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, and adding espresso makes them even more special—perfect for kids and adults alike (just keep the coffee lovers in mind!).
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just scoop and bake whenever the craving hits!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup Unsalted butter (browned)
• 1/4 cup Espresso powder (high quality divided)
• 1 1/4 cup Brown sugar (light or dark packed)
• 1/3 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 Egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 3/4 cup Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a new flavor twist.
• Make It Minty: Add a few drops of mint extract along with the vanilla for a refreshing mint chocolate chip version.
• Include Dried Fruit: Mix in some dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.

How to Make Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a frying pan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Keep stirring until it foams and the milk solids separate from the fat. Watch closely as it turns amber; this step is essential because browned butter adds incredible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Combine Espresso

Once your butter is beautifully browned, pour it into a glass measuring cup. Stir in 1/8th cup of espresso powder and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining espresso powder, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps create those perfect cookie textures.

Step 5: Cream Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the browned butter with both sugars until smooth. Then add in your vanilla extract, eggs, and egg yolks. Mixing well here is crucial; it incorporates air into your batter for better texture!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined—don’t overmix! Finally, fold in those luscious chocolate chips; they will melt slightly while baking, creating gooey pockets of chocolate.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a 3oz cookie scoop for heaping portions, place six large scoops of dough on each lined cookie sheet. Give them plenty of space since they will spread while baking!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for about 13-16 minutes until their edges are golden brown while keeping their centers slightly underdone. Once baked, let them sit on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Top with extra chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent!

Enjoy every bite of these Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies—they’re sure to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you know a few tricks to make your cookies truly exceptional. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use high-quality espresso powder: A premium espresso powder will enhance the coffee flavor in your cookies. It makes a significant difference in taste and aroma, elevating your baking to café-level quality.

• Chill the dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps solidify the fats. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and gives them that thick, chewy texture we all love.

• Don’t skip the extra egg yolk: Adding an extra egg yolk adds richness and moisture, resulting in chewier cookies. This little addition is a game-changer for texture!

• Watch the bake time carefully: Since every oven is different, keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. You want them slightly underdone in the center for that gooey finish, so take them out once the edges are golden brown.

• Top with extra chocolate chips: Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, add a few extra chocolate chips on top. This not only makes them visually appealing but also adds a delicious melty touch as they cool.

How to Serve Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying as an indulgent treat any time of day! Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness and adds a savory contrast that makes each bite irresistible.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate: A quick drizzle of melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies creates an elegant touch and intensifies their chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

• Freshly brewed coffee: Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or espresso. The rich flavors complement beautifully, making it a perfect afternoon snack.
• Milkshake: A creamy vanilla or chocolate milkshake offers a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies, creating a nostalgic dessert experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The warmth of the cookie pairs wonderfully with cold ice cream!
• Fruit salad: For a lighter side, serve with a refreshing fruit salad. The natural sweetness and acidity from fresh fruits can balance out the rich flavors of the cookies.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these wonderfully thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, consider placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat!

FAQs

Got questions about these delicious cookies? Here are some common ones!

Can I use decaf espresso powder in Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Decaf espresso powder will work just fine if you prefer less caffeine but still want that rich coffee flavor.

How can I make my Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies even chewier?

To enhance chewiness, make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, and consider using more brown sugar than white sugar.

Can I substitute flour in Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute; however, the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.

What can I use instead of chocolate chips in these Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies?

If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist!

How do I know when my Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are done baking?

Look for golden-brown edges with slightly underdone middles. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the pan.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Thick Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies as I am! The combination of rich espresso flavor with chewy chocolate chips creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. Enjoy baking these delightful cookies and sharing them with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness to brighten your day. Happy baking!