Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced. They offer bold espresso flavor, soft texture, and an elegant finish suitable for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Espresso Martini Cookies: Bold Coffee Flavor with a Chocolate Twist
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Espresso Martini Cookies are rich, chewy chocolate espresso cookies infused with coffee flavor and topped with a silky glaze, inspired by the classic cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brewed espresso (cooled)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tbsp brewed espresso (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and brewed espresso.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whisk powdered sugar with brewed espresso to form a glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- For stronger coffee flavor, increase espresso powder slightly.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for a soft yet sturdy cookie.
Instant espresso powder delivers concentrated coffee flavor without excess moisture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder enhances depth and complements the espresso.
Unsalted butter adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
Brown sugar contributes moisture and subtle caramel notes.
Granulated sugar balances sweetness and texture.
Eggs bind the ingredients and support proper structure.
Vanilla extract softens the coffee intensity and adds warmth.
Baking soda promotes spread and light texture.
Salt sharpens flavors and balances sweetness.
Dark chocolate chips provide pockets of melted richness.
Powdered sugar forms the base of a simple glaze if desired.
Strong brewed coffee can be used to thin the glaze for added flavor.
Directions
Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, espresso powder, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in dark chocolate chips evenly.
Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Allow to cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a rack.
If adding glaze, whisk powdered sugar with a small amount of strong brewed coffee until smooth. Drizzle lightly over cooled cookies and allow to set.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 18 cookies. Preparation takes 15 minutes, with baking time of 10 to 12 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can be gently warmed for a softer texture if desired.
Variations and Customizations
Espresso Martini Cookies are easy to tailor to your taste. For a stronger coffee flavor, slightly increase the espresso powder. I tested this recipe with a small splash of coffee liqueur in the glaze, which enhanced the cocktail-inspired character without overpowering sweetness.
White chocolate chips can be substituted for dark chocolate to create contrast. For added texture, finely chopped toasted nuts pair well with the coffee notes.
If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake slightly longer while monitoring closely. These options allow you to customize the cookies while preserving their bold espresso identity.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Balance the Espresso
Start with moderate espresso powder and adjust gradually.
Do Not Overbake
Remove when centers are slightly soft for a chewy texture.
Glaze Consistency
Add coffee gradually to achieve a smooth, drizzle-ready glaze.
Quality Chocolate
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?
Espresso powder is preferred for concentrated flavor without extra liquid.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They are balanced, with espresso cutting through the sweetness.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze scooped dough and bake from frozen with slight time adjustment.
Does the glaze make them overly sweet?
No, when applied lightly it adds subtle sweetness and elegance.
Can I make them without cocoa powder?
Yes, though cocoa enhances depth and complements the espresso.
What pairs well with these cookies?
They pair beautifully with coffee, cappuccino, or milk.
Conclusion
Espresso Martini Cookies combine bold coffee flavor with rich chocolate in a refined yet comforting dessert. With their soft texture and elegant finish, they are a sophisticated treat that brings café-inspired indulgence straight to your kitchen.“Introduction”
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