Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sifted through the ingredients for my latest baking adventure, a delightful memory popped into my mind—sharing decadent desserts with friends over laughter and stories. These Espresso Martini Cookies are my latest take on that cherished tradition, combining the rich flavors of chocolate and a subtle espresso kick with a boozy Bailey’s Irish Cream frosting. They’re perfect for elevating any gathering, from cozy nights with pals to festive celebrations, making them an indulgent treat that feels just right. Plus, with a quick prep time and the option for non-alcoholic variations, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Curious about how to whip up these sweet morsels? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together! Why are Espresso Martini Cookies irresistible? Indulgent Flavor: These cookies deliver a decadent taste experience by perfectly marrying rich chocolate with a delightful espresso kick and the creamy essence of Bailey’s icing. Effortlessly Delicious: With only a few steps, you’ll be whipping up a batch of these delightful treats in no time. Perfect for those who crave homemade indulgence without the commitment! Versatile Variations: Want to keep it alcohol-free? Simply swap Bailey’s for a tasty coffee creamer or get creative with some mocha or nutty twists! Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress your friends at any gathering, from festive parties to cozy girls’ nights in, with cookies that are sure to be the highlight of the dessert table. Beautiful Presentation: Topped with cocoa powder and adorned with coffee beans, they make a stunning addition to your dessert spread—perfect for sharing! If you’re also in the mood for another delightful cookie experience, don’t miss out on these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies or the fun and whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies. Espresso Martini Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base • All-purpose flour – Provides structure and base for the cookie; feel free to substitute with wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. • Cornstarch – Creates a soft texture, enhancing tenderness for the perfect cookie bite. • Black cocoa powder – Gives a rich, dark chocolate flavor; regular cocoa powder can be swapped for a milder taste if desired. • Baking soda – A leavening agent that helps cookies rise beautifully in the oven. • Espresso powder – Intensifies the coffee flavor in the cookies; optional for those seeking a non-coffee version. • Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances the rich flavors, making every bite delightful. • Unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal mixing. • Granulated sugar & Light brown sugar – Sweetens the cookies while adding moisture and contributing to a chewy texture. • Eggs – Binds the ingredients together, providing the necessary structure; using room temperature eggs ensures even mixing. • Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor, elevating these Espresso Martini Cookies to a gourmet level. For the Bailey’s Frosting • Unsalted butter (for frosting) – The base for a creamy buttercream; softening this is key for a smooth texture. • Confectioner’s sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting, providing the perfect balance of sweetness. • Espresso powder (for frosting) – Intensifies the coffee flavor; can be omitted for a non-coffee frosting alternative. • Bailey’s Irish Cream – The star flavor component for the frosting, delivering a delightful boozy kick; can be adjusted for non-alcoholic versions. • Heavy whipping cream – Used to achieve the desired frosting consistency; swapping in more Bailey’s can boost the flavor. For Decoration • Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting) – Adds a charming touch, mimicking the presentation of an espresso martini. • Coffee beans (for garnish) – A traditional decoration that gives these cookies an authentic espresso martini look, perfect for impressing guests! These Espresso Martini Cookies are a sensational treat that you won’t want to miss making! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Espresso Martini Cookies Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ cup black cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup light brown sugar until creamy and light, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined, before gradually incorporating the dry ingredients until just blended. Step 2: Chill the Dough Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the dough firms up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for a delicious bake. Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies Remove the dough from the fridge, and scoop out tablespoons of dough using a cookie scoop or your hands, rolling them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, flattening each ball slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Step 4: Prepare the Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, 1 teaspoon espresso powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of heavy whipping cream to achieve a spreadable consistency. Taste the frosting, adjusting with more Bailey’s if you prefer a bolder flavor. Step 5: Decorate the Cookies Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a knife or spatula to generously spread the Bailey’s frosting over the top of each cookie. For a beautiful finishing touch, dust half of the frosted cookies with unsweetened cocoa powder, creating a lovely contrast. Finally, place three coffee beans on top of each cookie for garnish, mimicking a classic espresso martini presentation that will impress your guests! Storage Tips for Espresso Martini Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week, just ensure they are well-wrapped or in a sealed container to prevent drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, bringing back that freshly baked tenderness to your Espresso Martini Cookies. Espresso Martini Cookies Variations Feel free to infuse your creativity into these cookies, tailoring them to your taste with these delightful twists! Non-Alcoholic Version: Swap Bailey’s for Irish Cream-flavored coffee creamer or use vanilla extract for a classic buttercream. Mocha Twist: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for an indulgent burst of chocolate flavor with every bite. Nutty Variation: Add finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the dough for a crunchy nutty flavor that complements the coffee vibes beautifully. Coconut Delight: Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist, bringing a new depth to your cookies. Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for a unique spicy warmth that dances on your palate. Minty Fresh: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a festive minty version that’s refreshing and perfect for the holiday season. Caramel Surprise: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the frosting for a sweet, gooey finish that will have everyone reaching for a second cookie. If you’re intrigued by other cookie experiments, don’t forget to check out these wonderful recipes like Mango Cookies Delightful or the rich Toffee Espresso Brownies. Mixing flavors can turn every batch into something exciting! Expert Tips for Espresso Martini Cookies Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is well-chilled to achieve the right firmness for shaping; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center and only slightly set at the edges to maintain that chewy texture. Mixing Technique: Beat your butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy; this adds air and ensures a tender cookie. Frosting Adjustments: Gradually add Bailey’s to the frosting to balance sweetness with flavor; you can always increase or decrease based on your taste preference. Storage Best Practices: Store your Espresso Martini Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and delicious! Make Ahead Options These Espresso Martini Cookies are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time on busier days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. The cookies can also be baked and stored without decoration for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For the frosting, mix it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before decorating. When you’re ready to serve these delightful treats, simply frost the cookies, dust with cocoa, and garnish them with coffee beans for that finishing touch! What to Serve with Decadent Espresso Martini Cookies? These delightful treats are perfect for crafting a memorable dessert experience that delights the senses. Rich Espresso: The perfect pairing! A freshly brewed cup enhances the espresso flavor in the cookies, creating a harmonious balance. Classic Cheesecake: With a creamy richness, cheesecake beautifully complements the bold flavors of the cookies, adding a luxurious element to the meal. Chocolate Red Wine: A velvety red wine with hints of chocolate follows the cookies nicely, emphasizing their indulgent taste and bringing sophistication to your evening. Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can elevate each cookie, adding a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s chewy center. Pistachio Ice Cream: The nutty flavor of pistachio ice cream pairs wonderfully, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie experience. Coffee Liqueur Float: Pour a splash of coffee liqueur over vanilla ice cream for a fun twist, turning your dessert into a delightful treat that echoes the cookie’s meta flavors. Minty Fresh Salad: A refreshing salad with arugula, mint, and citrus can cut through the sweetness of the cookies, creating an elegant balance to the meal. Baileys Irish Cream Over Ice: Embrace the spirit of your dessert by sipping on a glass of Baileys on the rocks; it ties in the flavors perfectly for an indulgent finish. Dark Chocolate Truffles: A small addition of rich, dark chocolate truffles creates an exquisite chocolate experience, enhancing the luxurious vibe of your dessert table. Espresso Martini Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of cocoa powder should I use? For these Espresso Martini Cookies, I recommend using black cocoa powder for the richest, darkest chocolate flavor. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can easily substitute it with regular cocoa powder. How do I store leftover cookies? To keep your Espresso Martini Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them where they can last for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Can I freeze the cookies? Absolutely! To freeze your Espresso Martini Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight or let them come to room temperature. What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft? If your dough ends up being too soft and sticky, don’t worry! Simply chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows it to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape. Chilling is a key step to achieving perfect cookie consistency! Are these cookies suitable for children? Since these Espresso Martini Cookies contain Bailey’s Irish Cream, they are not suitable for children due to their alcohol content. If you’d like a version that’s family-friendly, simply replace the Bailey’s with an Irish Cream-flavored coffee creamer for a fun alternative that everyone can enjoy. Can I customize the frosting or skip the booze? Certainly! If you’re looking to make a non-alcoholic frosting, just omit the Bailey’s and use a flavorful coffee creamer or milk in place of it. You can also add more vanilla extract for added depth. If you’re feeling creative, consider mixing in some cocoa or coffee flavors for a twist! Indulgent Espresso Martini Cookies for Your Sweet Escape These Espresso Martini Cookies blend rich chocolate and espresso flavors with a boozy Bailey’s frosting, perfect for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1.5 cups all-purpose flour substitute with wheat flour or gluten-free blend if desired2 tablespoons cornstarch enhances tenderness0.5 cups black cocoa powder rich chocolate flavor0.5 teaspoon baking soda leavening agent1 teaspoon espresso powder optional for non-coffee version1 pinch salt enhances sweetness0.5 cups unsalted butter (softened) at room temperature0.5 cups granulated sugar for sweetness0.5 cups light brown sugar contributes to chewy texture1 large egg room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds depth of flavorFor the Bailey’s Frosting0.5 cups unsalted butter (for frosting) softened for smooth texture2 cups confectioner's sugar for sweetness and thickness1 teaspoon espresso powder (for frosting) optional0.25 cups Bailey’s Irish Cream star flavor component0.5 cups heavy whipping cream to achieve frosting consistencyFor Decoration1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting) mimics espresso martini presentation3 pieces coffee beans (for garnish) traditional decoration Equipment Mixing bowlCookie scoopBaking sheetParchment paperWire Rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Espresso Martini CookiesIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, black cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add an egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just blended. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Remove the dough from the fridge, scoop out tablespoons of dough, and roll them into balls. Flatten each slightly on a lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are set and centers are soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, confectioner's sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and Bailey’s Irish Cream until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust the frosting consistency with heavy whipping cream if too thick. Spread the frosting over each cookie, dust half with cocoa powder, and place three coffee beans on top for garnish. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze undecorated cookies for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
