For many, dessert is not complete unless it’s paired with a steaming mug of coffee.The only way that classic flavor combination could get any better is by combining them into one. This espresso chocolate chip cookies recipe does just that. The rich and slightly bitter from the espresso helps bring out the inherent sweetness in the chocolate to the next level. This is one duo you definitely don’t want to miss.

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Image via: theantidote.tumblr

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 stick room-temperature butter
¾ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
1/3 cup dark chocolate covered espresso beans (Substitute 2 heaping teaspoons of instant espresso powder that have been dissolved in water, if needed)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Image via: Savor Home

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Finely grind the espresso beans in the food processor. (Note: If you don’t have one, put the beans in a sealed freezer bag and crush them with a rolling pin.)
3. Meanwhile assemble the wet ingredients. Cream the butter and both sugars together in the mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
4. Then, add in the eggs, and vanilla extract and beat everything for and additional 30 seconds. If using the dissolved espresso powder, mix that in too.
5. When the wet ingredients are ready, assemble the dry ingredients by flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
6. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet. Once a cohesive batter forms, mix in the chopped espresso beans and chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto a greased baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to press the dough into a circle.
8. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browed.
9. When done, allow the cookies to cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm.

These cookies would be excellent with a glass of milk. But for an even stronger punch, go ahead and dunk them into a cup o’ joe. Regardless, these are going to be delicious, so be prepared to share.

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After all the preparation, noise and parties, it is for sure time to get some relaxation. There is nothing better to relax than waking up late in the morning and have a nice, hot cup of a delicious white chocolate latte recipe. Here is a recipe from All Recipes that will for sure meet your expectations.

Warm Winter Drink – White Chocolate Latte

Image via: Amelia

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Warm Winter Drinks – White Chocolate Latte

Ingredients for two cups

• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• ½ cup brewed espresso, hot
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips, chopped

Image via: Pinterest

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and the cream and stir over high heat until the mixture gets hot and kind of frothy.
2. Remove from heat. Whisk in the sugar and the vanilla.
3. In a cup, combine the espresso and the chocolate chips and stir until you get a smooth mixture.
4. Pour half of the mixture into the second cup.
5. Top with the milk and stir slightly.

This drink is ideal to take a breath after all the festive activities of the past few weeks. Together with some left over cookies or desserts will make it even more perfect.

If you want, you can add flavors to the latte, like caramel, almond or peppermint. Just use one or two teaspoons of your favorite extract to jazz it up. Another option is to spice your drink up, using wintery, cozy spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and even gingerbread spice mix. One more ingredient you can use for an afternoon or evening hot drink is a little Irish cream liquor or something similar. For decoration, use cinnamon sticks, a little cinnamon or cocoa powder or flakes of white chocolate. And of course you can always top the latte with more whipped cream!

For more drinks and cocktails on Stagetecture, click here.