Café Crunch Espresso Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks
The Perfect Coffee Lover’s Cookie Are you a coffee lover who enjoys indulging in a decadent, coffee-flavored treat? Look no further! These Café Crunch Espresso Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks are your ultimate cookie experience. With their perfect balance of rich coffee flavor, melted dark chocolate, and a surprising crunch from espresso beans, these cookies are an irresistible combination of sweet, bitter, and just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to pair with your morning coffee or a special dessert for a coffee-loving friend, these cookies will surely hit the spot.Let’s dive into why these cookies are so special and why they should make an appearance in your kitchen this season.Why These Café Crunch Espresso Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite Treat 1. The Coffee Flavor: Bold and DeepThe hero of this recipe is the espresso powder. You’ll get that rich, bold coffee flavor in every bite without the acidity or bitterness of a typical brewed coffee. The instant espresso powder melts right into the dough, ensuring that you get an intense coffee flavor that compliments the dark chocolate chunks beautifully. This is a cookie that really celebrates the coffee lover in all of us.2. Dark Chocolate BlissWhat’s a coffee-flavored cookie without a generous amount of chocolate? These cookies feature dark chocolate chunksthat melt into gooey pockets of chocolate goodness. The dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the espresso powder, creating a mocha-like flavor that is both sophisticated and satisfying.3. A Surprise CrunchThe secret twist to these cookies is the addition of chocolate-covered espresso beans. When you bite into one of these cookies, you’ll get a delightful crunch along with the smoothness of the dough and the richness of the chocolate. It’s a unique addition that elevates the cookie to another level, adding both texture and an extra punch of coffee flavor.4. Perfect TextureWe all know the struggle of trying to get the perfect texture in a cookie—crispy edges but chewy centers. With this recipe, you’ll get exactly that! The dough bakes to perfection, with the edges turning golden brown while the center remains soft and chewy. It’s the perfect balance between crispness and a melt-in-your-mouth experience.5. Quick and Easy to MakeNot only are these cookies delicious, but they’re also incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of Café Crunch Espresso Cookies in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time). It’s the perfect cookie to make when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Café Crunch Espresso CookiesNow that you know what makes these cookies so irresistible, let’s dive into how to make them. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are easy to pull off!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder or finely ground espresso beans
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
- 1/4 cup chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans optional but adds a fantastic crunch
For the Topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder for rolling, optional but adds extra coffee kick
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove once they’re done.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In another small bowl, combine granulated sugar and instant espresso powder for the optional rolling step. This will give the cookies an extra burst of espresso flavor on the surface. If you love coffee, you won’t want to skip this!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just incorporated—don’t overwork the dough. You want the dough to be thick but soft.
Step 4: Add the Espresso and Chocolate
- Fold in the espresso powder, dark chocolate chunks, and chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans (if using). The dough will start to smell heavenly as the coffee and chocolate combine!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). If you’re using the optional espresso-sugar coating, roll each dough ball in the mixture of granulated sugar and espresso powder. This adds a lovely crunch to the exterior and an extra layer of coffee flavor.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press down lightly on each ball to slightly flatten it. If you prefer thicker cookies, you can skip this step and leave the dough balls as-is.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they should just begin to turn golden around the edges. The centers will still look slightly soft, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Café Crunch Espresso Cookies
- Espresso Powder: Use high-quality espresso powder for the best flavor. You can find this in most grocery stores, or you can grind your own beans if you prefer. Make sure the espresso powder is finely ground for the best texture in your cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you like your cookies a little thicker and chewier, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading too much during baking.
- Make Them Your Own: Experiment with different types of chocolate! Swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of all three. You can also add chopped nuts or toffee bits for an extra twist.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep your cookies soft and chewy in the middle, be sure to pull them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center still looks soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Make Them Gift-Worthy: These cookies are great for gift-giving! Pack them in cute cookie tins or gift bags with a ribbon for a personal, coffee-inspired gift. The Ultimate Cookie for Coffee Lovers If you’re someone who loves coffee, chocolate, or just the joy of homemade cookies, these Café Crunch Espresso Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks are sure to become your new favorite treat. With their deep coffee flavor, melty chocolate chunks, and unexpected crunch from chocolate-covered espresso beans, these cookies are the perfect balance of everything you crave in a dessert. Enjoy them on your next coffee break, share them with friends, or keep them all to yourself—either way, these cookies will bring a smile to your face and an extra dose of energy to your day!
Nutrition
Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 54mgPotassium: 48mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 246IUCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
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