Espresso Olive Oil Cookies Recipe
If you adore the idea of cookies with a sophisticated twist, then these Espresso Olive Oil Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft-centered cookie that marries the bold, invigorating flavor of espresso with the fruity, rich notes of olive oil and the luscious touch of bittersweet chocolate. This recipe creates a uniquely tender texture, bursting with complex flavors that satisfy both your sweet tooth and your love for coffee. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or looking to impress friends at your next gathering, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of indulgence and everyday charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for these Espresso Olive Oil Cookies is simple yet thoughtfully selected to create layers of flavor and a delightful texture. Let’s break down these essentials and see how each one plays its role in the magic.
- 1 ¾ cup flour: The base that gives your cookies structure and chewiness.
- 1 tsp espresso powder: Packs an intense coffee punch without overpowering sweetness.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and tender inside.
- ½ cup olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity depth that butter can’t match.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Offers caramel-like richness and keeps the cookies wonderfully chewy.
- ¼ cup sugar: Balances the molasses notes with light sweetness and a gentle crisp on the edges.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: The unexpected bursts of bittersweet chocolate elevate every bite.
How to Make Espresso Olive Oil Cookies
Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the flour, espresso powder, and baking soda in a bowl. This ensures that the espresso and leavening are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough, helping each cookie rise just right and have that delightful coffee essence shining through.
Step 2: Cream Olive Oil and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat together the olive oil with both the brown sugar and the granulated sugar. This process helps dissolve the sugars while infusing the olive oil with sweetness, setting a lush, moist foundation for your dough.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract into your sugar and olive oil mixture. This binds your ingredients and adds a layer of aromatic warmth, creating a smooth batter that’s ready to embrace the dry components.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Then, fold in the chocolate chips to spread those rich pockets of chocolate evenly across your dough. This step is key to maintaining a soft texture and balancing the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spoon the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for about 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This short baking time preserves their tenderness while letting the cookies develop a slight crisp at the edges.
How to Serve Espresso Olive Oil Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of fine sea salt or a few espresso dusted flakes over the cookies right after baking to amplify the contrast between sweet and bitter, elevating the experience of every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a small cup of lightly sweetened whipped cream to add a creamy texture alongside that intense espresso flavor. They also shine next to a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth latte.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden tray garnished with fresh coffee beans or a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic surprise. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of chocolate ganache or coffee-flavored buttercream for a decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The olive oil in the recipe keeps them moist and soft, so they won’t dry out quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive their fresh-from-the-oven feel, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This will warm the chocolate chips and soften the cookie beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute olive oil with butter?
While butter is a common choice for cookies, using olive oil here creates a unique fruity undertone and softer texture. If you prefer butter, expect a more traditional cookie flavor but slightly less tender crumb.
What type of olive oil works best?
A mild to medium fruity extra virgin olive oil works best. Avoid very strong or peppery olive oils as they might overpower the delicate balance between coffee and chocolate.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, instant coffee can be substituted, but espresso powder is more concentrated and will give a richer coffee flavor with less bitterness. Use sparingly to avoid changing the texture.
How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake! Removing the cookies when the edges are just set but the centers are still soft is key. The olive oil and brown sugar also help lock in moisture, so follow the baking time closely.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for regular flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
These Espresso Olive Oil Cookies bring together unexpected ingredients to create something truly special and irresistible. I encourage you to try baking them soon—once you take that first bite, their rich espresso flavor combined with tender olive oil-sweetened dough and luscious chocolate will have you hooked in the best way possible. Happy baking and savor every divine crumb!
