Ingredients
Butter and Espresso Mixture
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup instant espresso
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Sugars
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional
- 1 cup chopped chocolate
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Heat the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully melted and turns a dark amber color. The milk solids should caramelize and produce a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl to cool.
- Add Espresso: Stir the instant espresso powder into the warm browned butter mixture until fully incorporated. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt until evenly mixed. Set this aside.
- Cream Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the cooled browned butter and espresso mixture with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined, creamy, and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate: Carefully fold the chopped chocolate into the cookie dough ensuring even distribution.
- Chill the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough balls approximately 2 tablespoons each. Arrange them on a plate or tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, ideally 2 hours to 3 days to develop flavor and texture.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Arrange and Bake: Place chilled cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and centers are set.
- Cool and Add Finishing Touch: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 1 minute. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for an enhanced flavor balance.
Notes
- If the dough feels dry or crumbly, add up to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the right consistency.
- For best flavor, chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight before baking.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American