Winter Spice Mocha Whisper Cookies (Print Version)
Cozy chocolate cookies infused with espresso and warming winter spices, creating the perfect dairy-free seasonal treat.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
08 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
→ Wet Ingredients
10 - 3/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
11 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
12 - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
13 - 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water (flax eggs)
14 - 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
15 - 2 tbsp instant espresso powder, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
→ Add-Ins
16 - 1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
17 - 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed and water. Stir and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
04 - In a large bowl, mix melted coconut oil and brown sugar until well combined. Add almond milk, prepared flax eggs, vanilla extract, and dissolved espresso. Mix until smooth.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
06 - Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake 11–13 minutes, until set at the edges but soft in the center.
08 - Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies maintain their soft centers even days after baking, a little secret I discovered through countless test batches during snowbound afternoons.
- The marriage of espresso and winter spices creates a sophisticated flavor profile that coffee lovers will immediately recognize as something special.
02 -
- Overbaking these cookies by even a minute will significantly change their texture, so its better to underbake slightly if youre uncertain about timing.
- The dough actually improves with a 30-minute rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the flour to fully hydrate, though Ive made them in a rush with great results too.
03 -
- If your coconut oil solidifies when meeting cold ingredients, dont panic, the small white flecks will melt during baking and often create interesting texture variations.
- For an extra dimension of flavor, try browning vegan butter as a coconut oil substitute, watching carefully for color changes since plant butters brown differently than dairy.