Vegan Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is the chocolate chip cookie makeover nobody asked for but everyone needs. These Vegan Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies have a cookie dough base infused with espresso powder and loaded with dark chocolate chunks. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra points! Let's learn how to make them!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

Ingredients in Vegan Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• Vegan Butter (1 cup): Vegan butter serves as the primary fat source in the cookie dough. It provides moisture, richness, and a buttery flavor to the cookies, ensuring a tender and flavorful texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Light brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Its molasses content contributes to a chewy texture and provides a subtle caramel flavor that complements the espresso and chocolate.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Granulated sugar contributes sweetness to the cookies and helps create a desirable balance with the brown sugar. It also aids in achieving the desired texture and crispness on the edges.
• Nondairy Milk (2 tablespoons): Nondairy milk acts as a liquid component, providing moisture to the cookie dough. It helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the overall tenderness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of the cookies, adding a sweet and aromatic quality. It complements the espresso and chocolate, contributing to a well-rounded taste.

Dry Ingredients

• Instant Espresso Powder (2 tablespoons): Instant espresso powder infuses a rich coffee flavor into the cookies. It intensifies the chocolatey notes and provides a distinct espresso kick, creating a unique and sophisticated taste.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Cornstarch acts as a tenderizing agent in the cookie dough. It helps create a soft and chewy texture by inhibiting excess gluten development in the flour.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Baking soda serves as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and providing a slightly airy and tender texture.
• Sea Salt (¾ teaspoon): Sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the richness of the chocolate and espresso.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies. It contains the necessary gluten to hold the cookies together while allowing for a tender texture.
• Chopped Dark Chocolate (1 ½ cups, 50-70% cocoa): Chopped dark chocolate adds a luxurious and intense chocolate flavor to the cookies. The choice of a high cocoa percentage ensures a rich and decadent chocolatey experience with a balance of sweetness.
• Flaky Sea Salt (for sprinkling): Flaky sea salt is used as a finishing touch, sprinkled on top of the cookies before baking. It enhances the overall flavor by providing a contrasting salty element that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Steps for Making Vegan Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies (with pictures!)

1. Make Cookie Dough: Add vegan butter, light brown sugar and granulated sugar to a large bowl and cream together with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 1 minute. Add nondairy milk, vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Beat again until ingredients are evenly distributed. Beat in the flour until just combined. Do not over-mix. Stir in the dark chocolate.
2. Chill: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour or overnight. This step is important. Do not skip!
3. Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, place scoops of dough on prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies begin to look golden around the edges. Sprinkle cookies with flakey salt. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat for remaining dough. Be sure to chill dough between batches.

Tips for Making Vegan Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality vegan butter, nondairy milk, dark chocolate, and instant espresso powder. Quality ingredients contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the cookies.
2. Use Fresh Espresso Powder: Ensure that your instant espresso powder is fresh. Fresh espresso powder provides a more intense coffee flavor to the cookies.
3. Adjust Espresso Powder to Taste: Experiment with the amount of instant espresso powder based on your preference for coffee flavor. Start with the suggested amount and adjust to achieve the desired level of espresso intensity.
4. Chill the Dough: After preparing the cookie dough, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker and chewier texture.
5. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier.
6. Bake in Batches: If you have limited oven space, bake the cookies in batches. This allows each batch to receive even heat distribution and consistent results.
7. Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Baking times can vary, so look for golden edges and a slightly soft center for the perfect chewy texture.
8. Add Chocolate Strategically: When chopping the dark chocolate, consider different sizes for texture variety. Some smaller chocolate bits will melt into the dough, while larger pieces create gooey pockets of chocolate. Press a few chunks into the top of each cookie dough ball prior to baking for visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can use regular instant coffee as a substitute for espresso powder. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference. However, keep in mind that espresso powder provides a more concentrated coffee flavor.

Do I have to refrigerate the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes is super important. Chilled dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and results in thicker cookies.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze portions of the cookie dough for later use. Shape the dough into individual cookie balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ's Continued

What's the purpose of adding cornstarch to the cookie dough?

Cornstarch acts as a tenderizing agent in the cookie dough, contributing to a soft and chewy texture. It helps inhibit excess gluten development, making it especially useful in vegan baking.

Can I substitute a different type of chocolate in the recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as semisweet, bittersweet, or a combination of both. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for sweetness and intensity.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your vegan butter is at the correct temperature (cold but slightly softened) and chill the dough in the refrigerator before baking. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

How to Serve Vegan Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here are some serving suggestions for these cookies:

1. Coffee Pairing: Serve the cookies with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The coffee pairing complements the espresso flavor in the cookies and enhances the overall experience.
2. Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create vegan ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite nondairy ice cream between two cookies. This combination offers a delightful contrast between the warm, chewy cookies and the cold, creamy ice cream.
3. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of indulgence. This adds a glossy finish and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
4. Warm Cookies with Cold Milk: Serve warm cookies with a glass of cold nondairy milk. The contrast between the warm cookies and the cold milk enhances the overall experience.
5. Gift Packaging: Package the cookies in a decorative box or tin to make a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a ribbon or a personalized tag for a special touch.

How to Store Vegan Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and texture of your vegan espresso chocolate chip cookies. Here are some tips on how to store them:

1. Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale and to maintain their chewy texture. Ensure that the container is clean and dry before placing the cookies inside.
2. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cookies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is suitable. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the weather is warm or humid, consider adding a piece of bread to the container to help maintain moisture.
3. Freezing: If you want to store the cookies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.
4. Avoid Moisture: Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation inside the container. Moisture can affect the texture of the cookies, making them less chewy.
5. Separate Flavors: If storing different types of cookies together, consider separating them with parchment paper or placing them in individual compartments to prevent flavor transfer.

Remember that the storage method may vary based on the specific ingredients used and the overall composition of the cookies. By following these tips, you can keep your vegan espresso chocolate chip cookies fresh and delicious for an extended period.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

Print

More Vegan Cookie Recipes

• Vegan Cowboy Cookies
• Vegan Rocky Road Cookies
• Vegan Snickerdoodles
• Vegan Frosted Sugar Cookies
• The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Vegan Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
• Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
• Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies