Winter Spice Mocha Chocolate Chip (Print Version)

Decadent chocolate chip cookies flavored with espresso and warming winter spices for cozy treats.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
07 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
08 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
14 - 2 tbsp instant espresso powder or strong instant coffee dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water

→ Mix-Ins

15 - 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
16 - 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional)

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and espresso powder until evenly mixed.
05 - Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking.
06 - Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional chopped dark chocolate evenly through the dough.
07 - Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They hit that impossible sweet spot between crispy edges and chewy centers without any fussy techniques.
  • The espresso amplifies the chocolate so it doesn't taste like coffee at all, just deeper and more indulgent.
  • One batch fills your kitchen with a spice-and-cocoa smell that people actually comment on.
02 -
  • Don't overbake chasing that fully-set center—pulling them out when they still look slightly soft is the secret to the tender inside you're after.
  • Espresso powder needs to disperse evenly or you'll bite into pockets of bitter intensity; stirring it into softened butter first prevents this completely.
03 -
  • Brown butter adds even deeper richness—let it cool before creaming if you want to try it, though regular softened butter is perfectly delicious.
  • A half teaspoon of sea salt sprinkled on top before baking enhances all the flavors and looks intentional and beautiful.

Go Back