If you are a coffee and chocolate lover looking for the perfect indulgence, this Coffee Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. These brownies combine deep, fudgy chocolate with a rich espresso undertone that elevates their flavor to a new level of deliciousness. They’re incredibly easy to whip up from scratch, and once baked, they come out perfectly moist and chewy, with that signature coffee kick that will have you savoring every bite. Whether you want a cozy treat for yourself or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this Coffee Brownies Recipe hits all the right notes with its bold, luscious taste and effortless preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coffee Brownies Recipe is in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples that blend perfectly to create those irresistible flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the espresso powder providing that aromatic coffee punch to the semisweet chocolate delivering luscious fudginess. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together and ensures a tender crumb.
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder: Adds depth and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon espresso powder: Gives these brownies their signature coffee richness without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the chocolate and coffee flavors perfectly.
- 5 oz semisweet chocolate (1 cup): Offers a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture with balanced sweetness.
- ½ cup salted butter: Adds moisture and richness, helping achieve that fudgy bite.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the classic brownie surface texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely fragrance.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help the brownies rise just right.
- ½ cup mix-ins (optional): Chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite additions for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Coffee Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt in a small bowl. This dry mix is the backbone of the brownies’ flavor profile, so whisk it thoroughly to evenly distribute the coffee and cocoa throughout your batter. Setting this aside will make the next steps seamless.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Gently melt the semisweet chocolate and salted butter together, either in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts or over low heat on the stovetop. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth, shiny, and fully combined. This luscious blend contributes the fudgy richness that brownies are known for.
Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In the bowl of a mixer, beat the eggs for about a minute until they turn pale and thicker. Then, add the granulated sugar and continue beating for another 60 seconds. This step is crucial because properly aerated eggs and dissolved sugar make for a perfect, tender crumb with just the right moisture.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Slowly add your melted chocolate and butter mixture along with the vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Stir this on low speed until the batter is smooth and homogenous, ensuring every bite gets the full, rich flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add your pre-mixed dry ingredients gradually to the wet batter. Mix on low speed and be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain. Overworking the batter can lead to tough brownies, so just mix until everything is barely combined.
Step 6: Add Mix-ins and Bake
Fold in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts by hand to keep that fudgy consistency. Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×9″ baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This cooling step makes cutting neater and helps the brownies set to their perfect fudgy texture.
How to Serve Coffee Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Coffee Brownies Recipe by sprinkling a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of caramel sauce complements the coffee’s robust notes beautifully. For an extra touch, add a few chocolate shavings or espresso beans as an edible decoration that showcases the brownie’s coffee essence.
Side Dishes
Serve these coffee-infused brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a classic sundaelike experience. They also pair fabulously with a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte, creating a harmonious flavor balance that coffee lovers will adore. Fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast to the dense, fudgy brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter for parties or casual get-togethers. You can also layer brownie pieces in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers to transform the recipe into an elegant dessert parfait. For a fun twist, sandwich two brownie squares with a layer of espresso-flavored frosting or cream cheese filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your fresh batch, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their fudgy texture and moist crumb beautifully. If you want to keep the coffee flavor vibrant, avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
Freezing
If you want to save some brownies for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To revive the fudgy softness of frozen or stored brownies, warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. You can also pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This short reheating time brings out the chocolate and coffee flavors in full force without drying the brownies.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, instant coffee works as a substitute, but espresso powder generally provides a richer, more concentrated coffee flavor that enhances the brownies without bitterness. If you use instant coffee, use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the chocolate.
Are these brownies cakey or fudgy?
This Coffee Brownies Recipe yields fudgy brownies with a moist, dense texture thanks to the butter and melted chocolate. If you prefer cakier brownies, consider reducing the butter slightly and adding a little baking powder.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit makes the brownies more interesting. Just fold them in gently during the final mixing step to maintain the perfect texture.
What type of chocolate works best?
Semisweet chocolate is ideal because it balances sweetness and bitterness, complementing the espresso flavor perfectly. You can also experiment with bittersweet or dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate experience.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies should have a set top with a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can dry them out, so err on the side of slightly underdone for that lush, fudgy consistency.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Coffee Brownies Recipe if you want a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and simple to prepare. The harmony of coffee and chocolate creates a decadent treat that’s perfect any time of day. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these brownies as much as I do—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Print
Coffee Brownies Recipe
These coffee brownies are a delightful treat for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. Made from scratch, they are fudgy, rich, and have a deep coffee flavor thanks to the addition of espresso powder. Perfectly balanced with semisweet chocolate, buttery richness, and optional mix-ins, these brownies make an excellent dessert or snack.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon espresso powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 5 oz semisweet chocolate (about 1 cup chopped)
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Optional Mix-ins
- ½ cup mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and fine sea salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stovetop, melt together the semisweet chocolate and salted butter. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth, glossy, and fully combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Beat Eggs: Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat the eggs for about 1 minute until they become pale and thick, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the eggs while continuing to beat for an additional 60 seconds until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture looks smooth.
- Incorporate Chocolate Mixture and Vanilla: Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture, along with the vanilla extract, into the egg and sugar mixture. Stir on low speed until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the pre-mixed dry ingredients to the wet batter. Mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated and the batter is lump-free. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Fold in Mix-ins: By hand, gently stir in your choice of optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9 inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and the center is only slightly jiggly to ensure fudgy brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Place the brownie pan on a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- For best fudgy texture, avoid overbaking. The brownies should be just set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- You can customize these brownies by adding nuts, extra chocolate chips, or even swirl in caramel or peanut butter before baking.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To intensify coffee flavor, use brewed espresso or coffee extract in addition to espresso powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American