If you adore the rich taste of coffee intertwined with the comforting sweetness of chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between a tender, buttery crumb and bursts of semi-sweet chocolate, all enhanced by a subtle, sophisticated coffee flavor that elevates the whole experience. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a special gathering, this recipe delivers warm, irresistible cookies that invite you to slow down and savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating that delightful flavor, texture, and color contrast. From the creamy butter that keeps them soft to the instant coffee powder that infuses the subtle espresso note, these simple but essential components come together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and a tender crumb, ensuring the cookies stay soft and flavorful.
- White sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a slight crispness on the edges.
- Brown sugar (2/3 cup): Offers moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the coffee perfectly.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds structure without toughening the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall aroma and balances the coffee’s boldness with warmth.
- Gluten-free all-purpose baking flour (1 3/4 cups): Creates the base for the dough, adaptable for gluten-free needs but regular flour works too.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently, making them airy yet substantial.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Assists in the light texture and slight lift during baking.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the coffee and chocolate.
- Instant coffee powder (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient adding a rich, aromatic coffee flavor without any liquid.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2/3 cup): Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout each cookie, creating divine contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by adding the softened unsalted butter along with both white and brown sugars into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Cream them together for about one minute until the mixture is light and fluffy, which is critical for achieving the right cookie texture and sweetness.
Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat everything until fully combined so that these flavors meld into the creamy base and give the dough richness and moisture.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant coffee powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, spooning and leveling the flour as you go. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which helps keep the cookies tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully, ensuring every cookie will have those delightful pockets of melted chocolate. This step adds indulgence and texture contrast to the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fats, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking while intensifying the flavors.
Step 6: Prepare and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to portion out the dough, spacing the cookies evenly on the sheet. Press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie for a beautiful, chocolatey finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown—remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm. This little rest makes sure they finish setting perfectly while you savor the wonderful aroma.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe by adding a dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of finely ground instant coffee on top right before serving. For an extra treat, drizzle melted dark chocolate over chilled cookies or add tiny flakes of sea salt to enhance the richness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a natural partner to a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte, truly highlighting the coffee undertones. If you’re hosting, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack the cookies with parchment paper between layers and tie them with twine for gifting. Another fun idea is to sandwich vanilla or coffee-flavored buttercream between two cookies to make gourmet cookie sandwiches that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious treats for longer, freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Properly stored, they will remain flavorful for up to three months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and enhances the aroma of coffee and chocolate magnificently, almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe works perfectly with regular all-purpose flour if you don’t require a gluten-free version. Just use the same measurement for a delightful texture and taste.
Will the coffee flavor be strong?
The instant coffee powder adds a subtle but rich coffee aroma that complements the chocolate without overwhelming the cookie. It’s balanced enough for coffee lovers and approachable for those less familiar with coffee flavors.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
While the recipe uses butter and egg, you can substitute with vegan butter and a flax or chia egg to make them vegan-friendly. The texture might shift slightly, but the delicious coffee-chocolate combination will shine through.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is recommended because it solidifies the fats, helping the cookies keep their shape and enhancing the depth of flavors. If you’re in a hurry, you can bake immediately but expect slightly flatter cookies.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Be sure to chill your dough and use parchment paper to prevent spreading. Also, avoid adding extra butter or using wet measuring for dry ingredients. Pressing extra chocolate chips on top helps anchor the surface as well.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe brings such joy with every bite, combining two classic flavors into a treat that feels both familiar and exciting. If you love cookies with a little something extra, these are going to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Go on, grab your baking tools and indulge yourself—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies combine the rich flavors of espresso with classic semi-sweet chocolate chips in a tender, gluten-free cookie. Perfect for coffee lovers, these cookies have a delightful balance of sweetness with a hint of bold coffee flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup gluten free all purpose baking flour (can substitute regular flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
Add-ins
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl or a stand mixer bowl, add the softened unsalted butter along with the white and brown sugars.
- Cream together: Beat the butter and sugars together for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, measure out and spoon and level the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant coffee powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Mix and fold in chocolate chips: Mix all ingredients just until combined. Then gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Chill dough: Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
- Scoop dough: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each scoop to allow cookies to spread.
- Add extra chocolate chips: Press a few additional chocolate chips on top of each cookie dough ball for a more visually appealing cookie and a chocolate boost.
- Bake: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your coffee-infused chocolate chip cookies!
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the instant coffee powder to 3 tablespoons.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chilling the dough is important to control spread and enhance flavor.
- To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- Cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days or can be frozen for longer storage.