Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies

If you love a good espresso martini, you’re going to fall head over heels for these cookies. Rich, chocolatey, and infused with just the right amount of espresso and coffee liqueur, they bring all the flavors of your favorite cocktail into a decadent, slightly boozy treat. They’re crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and perfect for an after-dinner indulgence (or, let’s be honest, any time of day).

Whether you’re baking for a dinner party, treating yourself, or gifting a batch to a fellow coffee lover, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Espresso Martini Cookies

Bold Coffee Flavor

Infused with real espresso and coffee liqueur, they have that rich, deep coffee taste you love in an espresso martini.

Perfectly Boozy

A touch of Kahlúa (or your favorite coffee liqueur) adds a sophisticated kick without overpowering the cookie.

Soft and Chewy Texture

Crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center—cookie perfection!

Easy to Make

No fancy techniques, just simple steps for bakery-quality cookies.

Great for Gifting

Wrap them up in a pretty box, and you’ve got an impressive homemade gift.

Ingredients in Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies

Butter

Unsalted butter gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor and helps create that chewy texture.

Brown Sugar & White Sugar

A mix of both keeps the cookies soft and slightly caramelized.

Egg

Binds everything together for the perfect dough consistency.

Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa or Baileys Espresso Crème)

Adds a touch of boozy warmth, enhancing the espresso flavor.

Espresso Powder

Deepens the coffee flavor—use high-quality espresso powder for the best results.

Vanilla Extract

Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour

The base of the cookies, giving them structure while staying soft.

Cocoa Powder

Brings in those chocolate undertones that pair beautifully with coffee.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder

A perfect mix to give the cookies a soft rise and the right chew.

Salt

Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!

Dark Chocolate Chips

Melty, rich, and essential for that espresso martini vibe.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft, chewy texture.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, coffee liqueur, vanilla extract, and espresso powder until well combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Mix the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Scoop & Bake

Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Cool & Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for the ultimate espresso martini experience!

How to Serve Espresso Martini Cookies

With an Espresso Martini

Why not go all in? Pair these cookies with an actual espresso martini for a sophisticated dessert.

Dunked in Coffee

A hot cup of espresso or cappuccino makes the perfect pairing.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla, coffee, or chocolate ice cream takes these cookies to another level.

Drizzled with Chocolate

Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for extra indulgence.

Topped with Sea Salt

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors beautifully.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough for Extra Flavor

If you have time, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This deepens the flavors and improves texture.

Don’t Overbake

Take them out when the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Use High-Quality Chocolate

Dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content gives the best flavor.

Want More Booze?

Brush a tiny bit of coffee liqueur on the warm cookies for an extra kick.

Make Them Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies alcohol-free?

A1: Absolutely! Just swap the coffee liqueur for strong brewed espresso or extra vanilla extract.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A2: Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add 2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?

A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A4: Yes! You can bake them a day or two in advance, and they’ll still taste amazing.

Q5: What’s the best espresso powder to use?

A5: A finely ground, high-quality espresso powder (like King Arthur or Medaglia d’Oro) works best.

Q6: Can I add nuts?

A6: Definitely! Chopped hazelnuts or walnuts add great texture.

Q7: What other liqueurs can I use?

A7: Baileys, Tia Maria, or even a splash of bourbon all work well.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Yes, this recipe scales up easily if you’re making cookies for a crowd.

Q9: How can I make these extra chocolatey?

A9: Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder or stir in some white chocolate chips.

Q10: What if I don’t have espresso powder?

A10: You can use finely ground instant coffee as a substitute, but espresso powder gives the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies are a dream for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. They’re indulgent, easy to make, and packed with rich espresso and liqueur flavors. Whether you enjoy them with coffee, cocktails, or straight from the cookie jar, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

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