Name: Espresso Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re a coffee lover who also happens to have an unrelenting sweet tooth, these Espresso Brownies are just what you’ve been dreaming of! Imagine everything you adore about classic, fudgy brownies — rich chocolate flavor, gooey centers, and crisp edges — but elevated with a bold shot of espresso. The result is a sophisticated treat with a deep mocha profile that absolutely melts in your mouth. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a unique dessert at your next gathering, Espresso Brownies bring together the best of two worlds. Get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible and your taste buds to do a happy dance!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need to fuss with fancy ingredients — each item in this recipe is simple, pantry-friendly, and plays a starring role in crafting brownies with unforgettable depth and texture. Here’s a closer look at what makes each ingredient in our Espresso Brownies so special:

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Butter creates the luscious, fudgy base we all crave in brownies, and melting it first gives you an extra silky batter.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies without overwhelming, while also playing a part in creating the coveted crackly top.
Large eggs (2): Eggs provide structure and richness, making sure each square bakes up perfectly moist.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors with aromatic notes that shine alongside chocolate and coffee.
Instant espresso powder (1 tablespoon): The secret weapon! It intensifies the chocolate and delivers that beautiful, deep coffee kick.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Deepens the chocolate flavor and lends a gorgeous dark color to every bite.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough flour to hold everything together without making the brownies cakey — expect dense, fudgy results.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the rich, roasty notes of both coffee and cocoa.
Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): A small lift so your brownies aren’t too dense, but still wonderfully chewy.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For moments of melt-in-your-mouth decadence in every bite. Stir them into the batter or sprinkle on top!

How to Make Espresso Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the edges so you can easily lift your Espresso Brownies out later. This not only ensures easy removal but also guarantees cleaner squares for slicing — always a brownie win!

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns smooth and a bit glossy. This step is key for achieving that irresistible shiny top layer, which is a hallmark of the very best brownies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix together until everything is completely blended. Don’t be afraid to give this a good stir — you want the eggs and vanilla to thoroughly enrich the batter, so it bakes up thick and luscious.

Step 4: Add Espresso Powder

Stir in the instant espresso powder and watch as it instantly transforms the aroma of your batter! The espresso powder dissolves into the mix, infusing every corner with café-style flavor that pairs perfectly with cocoa.

Step 5: Sift in Dry Ingredients

Over the bowl, sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Sifting these dry ingredients helps prevent lumps — especially important for cocoa — and allows you to gently mix until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix; a few streaks are better than a tough brownie!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

If you’re craving extra indulgence (and who isn’t?), fold in semisweet chocolate chips at this stage. They’ll create dreamy pockets of melted chocolate throughout your Espresso Brownies. If you like, you can save a handful to sprinkle on top for extra gooeyness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the glossy batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — for fudge lovers, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into generous squares.

How to Serve Espresso Brownies

Garnishes

Dress up your Espresso Brownies with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a bakery-style finish. For a truly gourmet touch, sprinkle on a few chocolate-covered espresso beans or a dash of flaky sea salt. These little extras add beautiful contrast both visually and in flavor!

Side Dishes

Espresso Brownies are deliciously rich all on their own, but they also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. If you’re serving a crowd, consider pairing them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for brightness and balance. Even a tiny shot of espresso or a mug of strong coffee complements the mocha notes, creating a complete café experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your Espresso Brownies into a stunning dessert platter? Stack them in a pyramid, or use a round cookie cutter for elegant brownie rounds. You can also slice them into thin fingers and serve upright in small glasses with mascarpone cream for a fancy twist. For parties, cut them into mini bites and skewer with toothpicks — they make adorable brownie “pops!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These brownies will keep beautifully for up to four days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their moisture and rich flavor. If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop the container in the fridge to keep them fresh and fudgy.

Freezing

Espresso Brownies are perfect for making ahead! Once they’re completely cooled, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. When you’re in need of a treat, just let them thaw on the counter until soft.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, microwave a brownie square for about 10–15 seconds. This revives the gooey chocolate bits and makes the whole treat melty and warm — absolutely irresistible with a scoop of ice cream or your favorite afternoon drink.

FAQs

Can I make these Espresso Brownies without instant espresso powder?

Yes, you can omit the espresso powder if needed — you’ll end up with classic fudgy brownies. However, the espresso really intensifies the chocolate flavor, so for true coffee lovers, it’s worth including!

How do I know when my Espresso Brownies are done?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; when it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), they’re ready. Remember, slightly underbaking results in fudgier brownies.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as a larger batch may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven.

What’s the best way to cut brownies neatly?

For clean, bakery-worthy squares, wait until your Espresso Brownies are completely cool. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. For ultra-smooth edges, you can even chill the brownies before slicing.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and you can stir them in with the chocolate chips. Dried cherries, a swirl of caramel, or even peanut butter chips would all taste amazing with the coffee-chocolate base.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that will wow coffee fans and chocolate lovers alike, these Espresso Brownies are the ultimate treat. Their deep mocha flavor, irresistible texture, and crowd-pleasing appeal make them a go-to favorite in any kitchen. Give them a try, share them with friends, and watch the smiles (and requests for seconds) roll in — happy baking!

Espresso Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these rich and decadent Espresso Brownies that perfectly balance the bitter notes of espresso with the sweetness of chocolate. A delightful treat for coffee lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

Optional:

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and espresso powder; mix well.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
Optional: Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until done.
Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.