There’s something incredibly comforting about baking cookies, especially when it comes to the rich aroma of Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting through your home. I remember the first time I made these treats; I had just returned from a local café where the barista served me the most decadent espresso chocolate chip cookie. Inspired, I rushed home to recreate that bliss. Each bite of these cookies brings together the deep flavor of espresso and the sweet, melty chocolate chunks, making them the perfect companion for a cup of coffee or a cozy evening in. As I gathered my ingredients, I felt a wave of excitement, knowing that soon, I’d have the ultimate indulgence waiting for me. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, the journey of baking these cookies is just as enjoyable as the end result.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
2g g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
10g g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Oven

Why This Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Shines

Perfect Balance of Flavors

What makes these cookies truly special is their perfect balance of flavors. The bitterness of the espresso beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the brown sugar and sugar, creating a depth that you don’t often find in standard chocolate chip cookies. Every bite is a delightful adventure for your taste buds.

Texture That Excites

The texture of the Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies is simply divine. With a crispy edge and a soft, chewy center, they are the embodiment of cookie perfection. The outer layer gets slightly crunchy while the inside remains tender and moist, ensuring you can’t just stop at one!

Customization at Its Best

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to switch up the chocolate chunks for your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or coconut. You can even experiment with different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or even white chocolate for a twist!

Great for Any Occasion

These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a casual dessert night at home, they fit right in. Plus, they make wonderful gifts when packaged in a lovely box or jar.

Easy to Make

If you’re worried about baking cookies from scratch, don’t be! The Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies come together quickly and easily, even for novice bakers. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that will impress anyone.

Perfect for Coffee Lovers

And let’s not forget—if you’re a coffee lover, these cookies are a match made in heaven. Enjoy them alongside your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. The combination is irresistible, and each cookie offers a burst of espresso flavor with every bite!

Key Ingredients for Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Every ingredient in the Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies plays a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors and textures. Unsalted butter provides a rich base, while sugar and brown sugar create the perfect balance of sweetness. The addition of espresso salt elevates the flavor profile, adding a unique twist that sets these cookies apart. Together, they combine harmoniously to create a cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent.

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: This is the foundation for your cookie dough, contributing to its rich flavor and texture.
1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect texture.

1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with its molasses notes and helps keep the cookies moist.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm vanilla aroma.

12 ounces white whole wheat flour: Provides a wholesome texture while keeping the cookies light.
1 teaspoon espresso sea salt: A unique twist that brings out the chocolate flavor and adds a touch of sophistication.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Aids in the rising process for a perfect cookie.
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chunks: The star ingredient, providing melty goodness in every bite.

How to Prepare Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Here’s how to create these delicious treats step by step.

First, preheat your oven to 360 degrees and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a silpat liner. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine unsalted butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium speed for about three minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when the color lightens and it looks creamy.
Add in the eggs and vanilla bean paste. Continue mixing on medium speed for another three minutes, blending well until everything is fully incorporated.

While the cookie mixture is blending, take a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk together the white whole wheat flour, espresso sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Gradually add the flour mixture to your cookie dough, mixing until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
Now, stir in the semisweet chocolate chunks using a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough for the best chocolatey experience.

Using a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion out the cookie dough into balls. Stack two balls on top of each other and gently press them together, then slightly flatten them. This technique helps the cookies spread out while maintaining their thickness.
Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a little extra espresso salt for a delightful salty contrast to the sweetness.
Finally, bake in the preheated oven for about fifteen minutes. The cookies should be dark golden brown but still slightly soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool down, leaving you with the perfect cookie.

Things Worth Knowing

Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensuring your butter is at room temperature allows it to cream together better with the sugars, resulting in a fluffier texture.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about thirty minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.

Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges and soft in the center when you take them out.

Variations to Try

While the Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and make them your own. Here are some fun variations to try:

Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Use Different Chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile.
Include Oats: For a chewy twist, add one cup of rolled oats to the dough.
Try Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give a warm, spiced flavor to the cookies.

Drizzle with Chocolate: Once baked, drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of decadence.
Make them Sandwich Cookies: Bake two cookies and fill them with your favorite frosting or nut butter.
Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Perfect Pairings for Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to serving your Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies, you have a wealth of delicious options to consider. Here are some ideas:

Coffee: Serve these cookies with a hot cup of your favorite brew. The combination of espresso and chocolate is a match made in heaven.
Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Milk: A classic and simple pairing that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.

Fruit: Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries can balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Plate: For a unique twist, serve alongside a cheese platter with nuts and dried fruits for a gourmet touch.
Picnics: These cookies are perfect for lunchboxes or picnic baskets, offering a sweet treat for outdoor gatherings.

FAQ

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of espresso or don’t have it on hand, you can simply omit it. The cookies will still taste delicious with just the chocolate chunks and butter. You might want to add a little extra salt or a splash of strong brewed coffee to achieve a similar depth of flavor.

To keep your Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them. Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in this recipe! In fact, the recipe already calls for white whole wheat flour, which is a great option as it has a milder flavor compared to traditional whole wheat flour. This will add nutrients and fiber without compromising the taste too much. Just remember that the texture might be slightly denser than if you used all-purpose flour.

These cookies are incredibly versatile. They pair excellently with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a glass of milk. For a delightful dessert, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also enjoy them with fresh fruit like strawberries, which balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Conclusion

The Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures that make them truly special. They bring together the deep, bold taste of espresso with the sweetness of chocolate, creating the perfect treat for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every delicious bite of these cookies!

Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the rich flavors of Espresso Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies combine the delightful taste of espresso with sweet chocolate chunks, creating the ultimate treat for coffee lovers. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion—try baking a batch today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
1/2 cup Sugar
1-1/2 cups Brown Sugar packed
2 large Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste
12 ounces White Whole Wheat Flour
1 teaspoon Espresso Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1-1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
12 ounces Semisweet Chocolate Chunks

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 360 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat liner, set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer add unsalted butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium speed for about three minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
Add in eggs and vanilla bean paste. Mix again on medium speed for another three minutes.

While the cookies are mixing, whisk together white whole wheat flour, espresso sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Slowly add in the flour mixture to the cookie dough and mix until fully combined.
Stir in semisweet chocolate chunks.
Using a medium-sized cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoon size), out two balls. Stack the balls on top of each other and press together and then slightly flatten. You’re looking for the cookies to be taller instead of fatter.