Irresistibly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies Recipe

Irresistibly Rich Espresso Martini Cookies You’ll Love to Bake

Espresso martini-inspired cookies capture the essence of a popular cocktail in a delightful dessert form.

These indulgent treats combine the rich, bold flavors of coffee with a subtle hint of liqueur and a touch of decadence.

The crisp yet tender cookies blend the aromatic intensity of espresso with a sophisticated adult twist that elevates the traditional cookie experience.

Carefully crafted ingredients merge to create a sensational sweet that pays homage to the beloved cocktail’s vibrant character.

Smooth chocolate notes and a delicate boozy undertone make these cookies a perfect companion for evening gatherings or a luxurious personal treat.

Culinary creativity shines through in this innovative dessert that transforms a classic cocktail into an irresistible baked indulgence.

Why Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies Are A Treat

  • Quick-to-Make Cocktail Cookies: Perfect for adults who love combining dessert with a playful drink-inspired twist.
  • Boozy Baking Excitement: Cleverly incorporates vodka and coffee liqueur directly into the cookie dough, creating a sophisticated, grown-up treat that packs delicious flavor.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Simple one-bowl mixing method means anyone can whip up these gourmet cookies in under an hour, with most time spent chilling the dough.
  • Party-Ready Dessert: Impressive glazed cookies with chocolate-covered espresso beans make stunning additions to cocktail parties, wine nights, or adult gatherings where unique sweets are appreciated.

What Goes Into Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the cookie's texture and stability.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Espresso Powder: Adds intense coffee flavor and deepens the chocolate notes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates richness and helps achieve a smooth, creamy cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to cookie's soft consistency.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Vodka: Adds subtle boozy complexity and helps tenderize the cookie.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Dark Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips: Add extra chocolate layers and textural interest.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze for cookie topping.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Provides additional coffee flavor to the glaze.
  • Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans: Optional garnish that adds crunch and intense coffee flavor.

Make Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies With Ease

Make Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk together in a bowl:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Espresso powder

Set aside the mixture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Use a stand mixer to beat until smooth and creamy:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Vodka

Blend until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.

Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate

Gently fold into the dough:
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • White chocolate chips

Step 6: Chill Cookie Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Roll dough into small balls, about 2 tablespoons each.

Place on prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake for 12 minutes.

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack to complete cooling.

Step 10: Create Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Coffee liqueur

Mix until smooth and pourable.

Step 11: Finish Cookies

Drizzle glaze over completely cooled cookies.

Optional: Top each cookie with a chocolate-covered espresso bean.

Tips For Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies

  • Chill Dough Completely: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth, ensuring a perfect texture and rich taste.
  • Control Alcohol Content: Adjust vodka quantity for a milder or stronger boozy flavor, keeping the overall cookie balance intact and tailored to personal preference.
  • Prevent Burning: Watch cookies closely during baking to avoid over-browning; they should have soft edges and slightly crisp centers for optimal texture and taste.
  • Glaze with Precision: Drizzle coffee liqueur glaze evenly and sparingly to complement the cookie's flavor without overwhelming the delicate espresso notes.
  • Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and preventing moisture absorption.

Best Way To Store Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies

  • Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, keeping them flat. Freeze for 2-3 months without the glaze.
  • Thaw: Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Add glaze after thawing for best texture.
  • Revive: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance the espresso and chocolate flavors.

What Tastes Good With Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies

  • Pair with Bold Coffee Cocktails: Enhance the cookie's espresso and vodka notes by serving alongside an Irish Coffee or White Russian for a delightful boozy dessert experience.
  • Complement with Rich Dessert Wines: Select a sweet Porto or Madeira wine that mirrors the cookie's chocolate and coffee undertones, creating a luxurious after-dinner treat.
  • Match with Intense Dark Roast Coffee: Serve the cookies with a strong, freshly brewed dark roast coffee to amplify the espresso powder's deep, robust flavor profile.
  • Elevate with Chocolate Liqueur Shots: Offer small shots of chocolate liqueur that beautifully highlight the cookie's chocolate chips and rich, complex taste.

Fun Twists On Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Espresso Martini Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the rich espresso and chocolate flavor profile.
  • Non-Alcoholic Coffee Cookies: Substitute vodka and coffee liqueur with strong brewed espresso and vanilla extract, perfect for family-friendly gatherings while preserving the original recipe's essence.
  • Vegan Chocolate Espresso Cookies: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax egg as an egg replacement, and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Keto-Friendly Espresso Cookies: Swap traditional flour with almond flour, use sugar substitutes like erythritol, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb alternative that still delivers intense coffee and chocolate notes.

Slightly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies FAQ List

  • Can I substitute the vodka with another alcohol?

While vodka works best for the recipe’s flavor profile, you can try coffee-flavored rum or kahlua as alternative alcoholic options that complement the espresso theme.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

A stand mixer is helpful but not mandatory. You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk and wooden spoon. Parchment paper and baking sheets are recommended for best results.

  • What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?

Dark and white chocolate chips provide a nice contrast. Use high-quality chips that melt well, preferably with at least 60% cocoa content for dark chocolate to enhance the rich espresso flavor.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly crisp edges and a soft center. The cookies will appear set but not completely hard. They’ll continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

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Irresistibly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies Recipe

Irresistibly Boozy Espresso Martini Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Smooth espresso martini cookies blend cocktail elegance with sweet indulgence, creating a delightful dessert that dances between rich coffee and spirited charm. Coffee enthusiasts and cocktail lovers will savor these irresistible treats that bring sophisticated flavor to their baking repertoire.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup (85 grams) dark chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (85 grams) white chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 tablespoons (15 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) vodka
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) coffee liqueur

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • Chocolate-covered espresso beans

Instructions

  1. Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform texture.
  2. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
  3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to achieve a cohesive mixture.
  4. Pour in the vodka and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient blend to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
  6. Gently fold dark and white chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
  7. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for one hour to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  8. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
  9. Form dough into uniform balls, approximately two tablespoons each, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing.
  10. Bake for 12 minutes, creating a slightly crisp exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
  11. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, which helps them set and prevents breaking during transfer.
  12. Whisk powdered sugar with coffee liqueur until a smooth, pourable glaze forms.
  13. Drizzle the glaze over completely cooled cookies, creating an elegant finish.
  14. Optionally garnish each cookie with a chocolate-covered espresso bean for an extra touch of sophistication and flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Swap vodka for coffee-flavored liqueur to enhance the espresso martini theme and add deeper flavor complexity.
  • Reduce alcohol content by replacing vodka with strong brewed coffee for a family-friendly version that maintains rich coffee notes.
  • Chill dough longer than 1 hour to develop more intense flavors and create a firmer cookie texture that prevents excessive spreading during baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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