Coffee Crunch Cookies: Espresso Toffee Chip Cookies

Coffee crunch cookies turn a classic chocolate chip cookie into a grown-up, mocha treat. Homemade espresso crunch bits and gooey chocolate chips fill every bite. Rich, buttery dough carries the coffee flavor through. These cookies nod to the classic San Francisco coffee crunch cake.

The candy crunch takes a little time, but the payoff is worth the effort. Dip these in milk or a fresh cup of coffee. A batch makes four dozen, plenty for a party or a gift tin.

Coffee Crunch Cookies at a Glance

This recipe has two parts: a coffee candy crunch and the cookie dough. Both come together in one afternoon.

A strong dark roast or espresso gives the boldest coffee flavor. Chill the dough for clean, even cookies. Browse our premium whole bean coffee to start.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup strong brewed coffee
• ¼ cup corn syrup
• 1 tbsp baking soda

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp coffee syrup or liqueur (optional)
• 3 cups sifted white flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup coffee crunch candy

How to Make Coffee Crunch Cookies

Make the coffee crunch candy first, then the cookie dough. The candy needs an hour to cool.

1. Stir the sugars, coffee, and corn syrup together in a large saucepan.
2. Heat over a low flame until the sugars dissolve and the liquid turns clear.
3. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil.
4. Boil until the syrup reaches 290 degrees, the soft-crack stage.
5. No thermometer? Drop a little syrup into cold water. Flexible threads mean the soft-crack stage.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the baking soda.
7. The mixture foams and thickens like soft taffy.
8. Pour the foamed sugar onto a parchment-lined sheet and spread thin.
9. Cool for at least an hour, then break into chocolate-chip-sized pieces.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together.
2. Cream the butter with both sugars until light and creamy.
3. Mix in the coffee and coffee syrup until fully blended.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the batter turns light and fluffy.
5. Add the flour mixture a half cup at a time, beating well, until the dough stiffens.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips and coffee crunch candy.
7. Chill the dough for about 20 minutes.
8. Roll the dough into a thick log and slice into rounds, then quarter each round.
9. Space the pieces on parchment-lined sheets.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes, until lightly browned.

Tips and FAQ

Work fast once the candy foams, since the crunch sets while cooling. Store the crunch airtight until you fold the pieces into the dough. Chill the dough so the cookies keep their shape. Spread the candy thin for the lightest crunch. For more sweet ideas, see our baking with coffee recipes.

Coffee crunch candy is an airy, honeycomb-style toffee. Baking soda foams the hot sugar into a light crunch. Coffee gives the candy a deep, roasty edge. The texture melts on the tongue.

Brew a strong, fresh dark roast or a shot of espresso. The bold flavor carries through the sugar and butter. Freshly ground beans give the cleanest result. See our roast levels guide to choose yours.

The crunch gives these cookies their name and texture. Store-bought toffee bits work in a pinch. Homemade candy tastes far better, though. The homemade crunch carries more coffee flavor.

Keep the cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature. The crunch softens as air gets in, so seal them well. Enjoy within four to five days.

The optional coffee syrup or liqueur deepens the flavor. A splash adds a richer, more grown-up note. Coffee liqueur brings a warm, boozy depth. See our coffee liqueur guide to make your own.

Fresh Coffee to Bake With

Bake with coffee worth tasting. Browse our premium whole bean coffee, roasted fresh and shipped within 1 to 2 business days.

Subscribe with the Blackout Coffee Club and save 19% on every order. Baking a big batch? Our bulk coffee keeps up.

Craving more? Try our flourless coffee chocolate cake and our coffee caramel sauce.

Plan a spread with our coffee and dessert pairing guide, or grab coffee pods for a quick brew.

Learn how we source and roast on our About Blackout Coffee page.

Follow Blackout Coffee on Instagram and Facebook for recipes, brewing tips, and tasting notes.