30-Minute Espresso Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft-baked cookies combining rich espresso flavor with sweet caramel bits and chocolate chips. The espresso powder adds a coffee shop sophistication while maintaining the classic comfort of homemade cookies. Perfect for coffee lovers and afternoon treats, these cookies balance sweet and slightly bitter notes. The combination of butter and shortening creates an ideal tender texture that stays soft for days.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 tablespoon espresso powderinstant coffee1:1pantry-friendly
granules work fine
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup Kraft caramel bits(optional)chopped caramels1:1homemade option
chop into small pieces
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line cookie sheets with parchment
- 2
Stir together flour, baking soda and salt and set aside
- 3
Beat both sugars, butter and shortening on high speed until creamy
- 4
Beat in espresso powder
- 5
Reduce speed to low and mix in egg, egg yolk and vanilla without overbeating
- 6
Add flour mixture to butter mixture and stir until incorporated
- 7
Add chocolate chips and caramel bits
- 8
Drop cookies by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets
- 9
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around edges and set
- 10
Transfer to rack to cool
Tips
Do not overbeat after adding eggs to prevent tough cookies
Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with shortening
Add extra caramel bits for more intense caramel flavor
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, or freeze shaped cookies before baking
Serve at room temperature with coffee or milk
Common Mistakes
Avoid overbeating after adding eggs to prevent tough cookies
Do not overbake to maintain soft texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
chop into small pieces
FAQ
Can I make these without espresso powder?
Yes, substitute with instant coffee or omit entirely for regular caramel chocolate chip cookies.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store in airtight container for up to one week at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use different caramel candies?
Yes, any small caramel pieces work. Chop larger caramels into small bits for even distribution.