Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies
If you’re a coffee lover and a chocolate aficionado, then these Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy cookie that boasts both deep chocolate flavor and a delightful kick of espresso. These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience that will awaken your senses and satisfy your sweet tooth like nothing else. Perfect for a cozy evening at home or as a decadent treat to share with friends, these cookies are easy to whip up and incredibly satisfying.
Why It Deserves a Spot
The Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that truly elevate the classic chocolate cookie. The espresso enhances the chocolate, giving it a depth that makes each bite utterly irresistible. Not only do they come together quickly, but they also make your kitchen smell divine while baking. With a gooey center and a slightly crisp edge, these cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and fudgy. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, they are sure to impress.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee, slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks, plus more for decorating, if desired
- 1/3 cup espresso beans, finely chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Essential Tools for Success
- Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth batter.
- Baking sheet: For placing your cookies.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.
- Oven thermometer: To ensure accurate baking temperatures.
How to Prepare Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the espresso powder until fully dissolved.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined and slightly frothy. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture, mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Add Coffee
Slowly pour in the freshly brewed coffee and continue to mix until everything is incorporated.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Chunks and Espresso Beans
Fold in the chocolate chunks and finely chopped espresso beans. This step adds texture and additional coffee flavor to your cookies.
Step 8: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Decorate and Sprinkle
If desired, add a few extra chocolate chunks on top of the cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 10: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 11: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredient Flex Options
- Flour: Substitute with gluten-free flour if desired.
- Cocoa Powder: Use dark cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used for a different sweetness profile.
- Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
These Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh. If you’re a true coffee lover, consider experimenting with different types of espresso beans for unique flavor profiles. Don’t be shy with the flaky sea salt; it really enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and espresso. Additionally, if you prefer a more intense coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder to suit your taste.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To rewarm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, you can substitute instant coffee for espresso powder, but keep in mind that it may not have the same depth of flavor. Use a similar amount for the best results.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) or applesauce for a vegan option.
What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
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Make It Tonight
There’s truly nothing quite like a freshly baked cookie, especially when it combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee. With a simple list of ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can have a batch of Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies ready in no time. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a delightful batch of cookies that are bound to impress everyone around you. Enjoy every bite!
Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the espresso powder until fully dissolved.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined and slightly frothy. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the freshly brewed coffee and continue to mix until everything is incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks and finely chopped espresso beans. This step adds texture and additional coffee flavor to your cookies.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- If desired, add a few extra chocolate chunks on top of the cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect finishing touch.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week for best freshness.
- Experiment with different types of espresso beans for unique flavors.
- Feel free to increase the espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor.
