Chocolate Espresso Crinkle Cookies

Name: Chocolate Espresso Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp espresso powder; Powdered sugar for coating

Highlighted under: Daily Kitchen

I absolutely love baking, especially when it involves rich chocolate and the bold kick of espresso! These Chocolate Espresso Crinkle Cookies are my go-to treat whenever I need a little pick-me-up. With their powdery sugar coating and chewy interior, they’re a delight to both make and enjoy. The combination of deep chocolate flavor and that perfect espresso punch gives these cookies an irresistible quality, making them a favorite among friends and family. Trust me, once you try baking these crinkle cookies, they’ll become a staple in your recipe book!

Created by

Elara Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:09:34.254Z

During one of my baking sessions, I stumbled upon the idea of combining chocolate and espresso, which instantly intrigued me. The rich flavors mingle perfectly, creating a deep, intense cookie that is both comforting and invigorating. My friends couldn’t get enough, and I found myself sharing this recipe not just for its taste but also for its simplicity.

I learned that rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking creates that beautiful crinkle effect. It’s a fun step that makes the cookies look as good as they taste, and I always appreciate a treat that has that visual appeal!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with robust espresso notes
Chewy texture with a delightful powdered sugar coat
Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion

Understanding the Ingredients

The magic of Chocolate Espresso Crinkle Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour creates a rich, chocolatey base. The cocoa powder not only contributes flavor but also affects the cookie's texture, moisture, and rise. For an even deeper chocolate flavor, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with additional cocoa powder, but be cautious as this will affect the cookie's structure and may require slight adjustments to the other ingredients.

Espresso powder is crucial in this recipe, providing a robust flavor that enhances the chocolate without making the cookies taste like coffee. If you don't have espresso powder, finely ground coffee can serve as a substitute, but it may result in a slightly different flavor profile. For a caffeine-free version, you can try using decaffeinated espresso powder or omit it entirely for a purely chocolate experience.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

Getting the right consistency of dough is key to achieving the perfect crinkle. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it’s essential to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies instead of the light, chewy texture we love. The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape but still slightly sticky. If it feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes for easier handling before rolling.

When it comes to baking time, keep a close eye on your cookies towards the end of the suggested range. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking slightly. If you find your cookies flattening out too much during baking, it may be due to the butter being too soft; next time, try chilling the dough before baking to maintain their shape.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp espresso powder
Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Espresso

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and espresso powder until fully incorporated.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. The dough will be thick.

Shape and Coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated.

Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a few chocolate chips into the dough before baking. Also, ensure your espresso powder is of good quality to get the best coffee effect in these cookies.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep your Chocolate Espresso Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but I find they taste best within the first few days. If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can roll it into balls and freeze them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be baked from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

For a fun variation, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before rolling. This will add texture and extra flavor. Just be careful not to add so many that they overwhelm the dough—about 1/2 cup of mix-ins should suffice. Alternatively, you can experiment with flavored extracts like almond or mint to give these cookies your unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Drizzling them with a bit of melted chocolate or a dusting of additional powdered sugar can also make a lovely presentation when serving at gatherings or during the holidays.

For a little extra indulgence, try pairing these cookies with a shot of espresso or a rich hot chocolate. The combination of flavors will satisfy any chocolate lover. If you have guests over, consider creating a cookie platter with different varieties—these crinkle cookies will definitely steal the show!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can use instant coffee, but the flavor might not be as strong. Adjust the amount to taste.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. Just make sure to wrap them well.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum.