I adore how these cookies combine the comforting warmth of espresso with creamy white chocolate chips. The browned butter brings an extra layer of rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture. It’s like enjoying a cappuccino and a cookie in one bite—fittingly decadent and totally approachable
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (to brown)
- Light brown sugar plus granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All‑purpose flour
- Instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules
- Ground cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- White chocolate chips
directions
- I melt the butter in a saucepan and let it brown over 3–4 minutes until it smells toasty and the solids are golden. Then I pour it into a bowl to cool about 8–10 minutes
- I preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- I whisk flour, espresso powder, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl
- In another bowl, I stir together the cooled butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth, then whisk in the egg and vanilla.
- I fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined, then stir in the white chocolate chips
- I scoop dough balls about 1½ Tbsp each, space them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes, until the edges are light golden but the centers still soft. After baking, I gently press a few extra white chocolate chips into the tops while they’re warm
Servings and timing
This recipe yields around 18 cookies. Prep (browning butter, mixing, scooping) takes about 10 minutes, bake time around 10 minutes, plus cooling ~10 minutes—total time roughly 30 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes swirl in a little caramelized white chocolate (like Dulcey) for extra butterscotch flavor. It pairs beautifully with espresso
- I may blend in chopped toasted nuts (almonds or pecans) for crunch and texture.
- To deepen coffee flavor, I occasionally replace cinnamon with a pinch of espresso-charged cocoa powder.
storage/reheating
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I make a large batch, I freeze them in zip-top bags—thawing at room temperature keeps them chewy. They don’t require reheating, but warming slightly helps meld the chocolate for an indulgent bite.
FAQs
Can I skip browning the butter?
Yes—plain melted butter works, but browning it adds that nutty, deep flavor I love in these cookies
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?
Instant espresso powder dissolves best for even flavor and minimal grit. Ground coffee can be used, but it may remain grainy in the dough.
Do these cookies need chilling?
No—they’re a no-chill dough. I only wait for the browned butter to cool slightly before mixing and baking right away
Can I make them vegan or dairy-free?
I’d substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free white chocolate chips. Flavor and texture stay great if adjusted properly.
Does the cinnamon matter?
A pinch of cinnamon enhances the espresso note and warms the flavor without being overtly spicy—it’s subtle but adds depth.
Conclusion
I find these White Chocolate Coffee Cookies ideal for coffee lovers—chewy with crisp edges, warmed by brown butter and espresso, punctuated by sweet white chocolate. They’re quick to make and richly satisfying. Let me know if you’d like a gluten-free version, nut mix-ins, or options with caramel or dark chocolate flavor twists!
Print
White Chocolate Coffee Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: about 18 cookies
Description
Soft and chewy treats infused with rich espresso and a hint of cinnamon, studded with creamy white chocolate chips—like a cappuccino in cookie form.
Ingredients
170 g (¾ cup) unsalted butter
150 g (¾ cup) light or dark brown sugar
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
218 g (1 ¾ cups) all‑purpose flour
2½ teaspoons instant espresso powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
170 g (1 cup) white chocolate chips
Instructions
Brown the butter: melt it in a saucepan, then cook 3–4 minutes until it smells nutty and turns golden. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool 8–10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Whisk together flour, espresso powder, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
To the cooled butter, add sugars, egg, and vanilla; mix until combined. Then stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Scoop dough (about 1½ Tbsp each) and place on lined sheets at least 2″ apart.
Bake 10 minutes, until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool on sheet then transfer to rack to finish setting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert