There is something so special about the simplicity of a basic sugar cookie. Do you know what I mean? I often find myself fantasizing about their chewy centers, crisp edges, and crackly tops…
Such was the case this morning when I had a sudden hankering for a good sugar cookie – but not just any sugar cookie; One that is loaded with chocolate and packing a necessary dose of caffeine for a Wednesday morning. Such is the story of how these Chocolate Espresso Cookies were born. It’s a bit of a boring story, but that’s okay because these cookies are anything but boring.
Is it just me, or could you all just stare at the top of a crackly topped cookie all day long too? Phew! So glad we are on the same page 😀
Honestly the crackly tops on these cookies are enough to make me go weak in the knees. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when the came out of the oven. I mean the idea that all of my crackly topped cookie goals had been achieved on a Wednesday morning recipe whim seemed almost too good to be true. But as you can see… these cookies are very real, and they are just as delicious as they look.
Irresistibly chewy, chocolate fudge centers surrounded by sugar rolled, crackly exteriors; these cookies are life. Oh and the are beyond easy to whip up, so what are you waiting for?
Here is the recipe lovelies and I hope you enjoy!
Chocolate Espresso Sugar Cookies
*This recipe was adapted from The Vanilla Bean Bake Book
Makes 18 cookies
Things you need…
Cookies
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp espresso powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
Espresso Sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp espresso powder
How to make…
Preheat your oven to 350F degrees and line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl every so often. Add in egg, vanilla and espresso powder; beat on medium speed until fluffy. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined.
Use a large cookie scoop (like this one) to spoon 6 balls out onto each cookie sheet. Roll the scoops into balls and roll in a bowl of extra granulated sugar.
Place cookies onto prepared baking sheets – only 6 per sheet as they will spread. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until the tops are puffed and cracked. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
I made these with the size scoop you recommended, but I also tried the medium size scoop, and I like this size cookie best. Now the cookies themselves, AMAZING. I think some coffee ice cream sandwiched in between two of them would be decadent. Thanks for a top notch cookie recipe!
Hi Elizabeth!
So happy to hear you enjoyed the cookies and Yes! I LOVE your idea about making these into ice cream sandwiches! That would be AMAZING!
-KP
Can’t wait to try these! They look amazing. If I don’t have espresso powder can I use regular espresso? Thanks!
Hi Briana!
So happy to hear you want to try these cookies! I have never tried it with regular espresso, but I would think you could give it a try if it is a nice fine grind 🙂
Hello. I read through the ingredients and the direction and I have a question. In the directions you say to roll the dough in the extra sugar. Does this mean we are supposed to reserve some of the 1 1/4 cup of sugar before beating it with the butter, or does this mean mix all the sugar in with the butter and then use extra sugar to roll the dough in? Thanks!
Hi Melissa!
The 1 1/4 cup of granulated sugar is to be creamed in with the butter and then you can just roll the dough balls in a bowl of extra granulated sugar. I usually use about 1/2 a cup or so 🙂
Yummmmmm these cookies are my FAVE – I sandwiched some non-espresso ones with earl grey ice cream, and ohhhhh my goodness.
Aw yay! Thanks Erin, I am so happy you enjoyed them! Also earl grey ice cream sandwiches… OMG AMAZING!
-KP
These are some of my favorite cookies! I roll them in cinnamon sugar though, and it really put it over the top for us.
Quick question—do you use light or dark brown sugar? Also—Dutch process or unsweetened cocoa powder? Thanks a ton!
Hi Ben,
I use light brown sugar for this recipe and dutch process cocoa powder, but unsweetened cocoa powder would be fine if its all you have on hand 🙂
Is there any substitute for espresso powder? Instant coffee?
Hi! You could use instant coffee, but espresso powder is a bit stronger so, I would increase the instant coffee maybe to 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp 🙂
YUM! These c cookies look so good and perfect for Christmas ♥
Looks great. Should you use light or dark brown sugar? Any specific type of cocoa?
Thanks so much.
Hi! I typically just use light brown sugar and dutch processed cocoa powder 🙂
HI! How long can these be stored? And how should they be stored? Thinking of baking these for friends 🙂
Hi there! These will be soft and chewy in an air tight container for about 4 days. If you would like them to last longer, I would store in a ziplock bag in the freezer and remove them from the freezer the night before you want to serve them 🙂
KP
Aww Thanks Kristie for the quick response 🙂 I ended up packaging them in little cellophane bags with a ribbon! My friends loved them!
Aww that is so adorable! Sounds like such a lovely little surprise for them!
KP
I’d love to pin this recipe. Am I missing the link? I’ve tried and cannot find it on your Pinterest page.
Hi Renae! If you hover over any image on my website there will be a little red Pin It icon and you can use that to pin to your pinterest 🙂
KP
Yum, I love the extra shot of chocolate from dipping the cookies! PS. Happy belated birthday! ?? Glad to hear you had a great birthday weekend.
Thank you Frida! Happy Baking!
-KP
These cookies are *incredible*. Every time I want to bake cookies, I just go to your site and search “cookies” because I know whatever I choose will be amazing. Our family & friends love every recipe of yours I’ve baked! Which, by now, has been several 🙂 Thank you for making the BEST cookie recipes!
Aw thank you Kara! You are so sweet to say that! So happy these cookies were enjoyed by you 🙂
-KP