Baking with a Buzz: Delicious Pastries Infused with Coffee Flavors

The Magic of Coffee in Baking

Coffee and pastries are a match made in culinary heaven. The robust, slightly bitter notes of coffee can enhance the sweetness and complexity of pastries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you’re a fan of muffins, scones, cakes, or cookies, there’s a coffee-infused pastry for you.

The Basics: Coffee-Infused Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the basic coffee-infused ingredients you’ll need:

1. Coffee Extract:

Coffee extract is a concentrated form of brewed coffee that adds a deep coffee flavor without the liquid. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own by simmering coffee grounds in water and then straining the liquid.

2. Instant Coffee:

Instant coffee granules can be dissolved in hot water and added directly to your pastry dough or batter for a quick coffee flavor boost.

3. Brewed Coffee:

Leftover brewed coffee works wonders in recipes. Just make sure it’s cooled down before adding it to your ingredients.

4. Coffee Grounds:

Coffee grounds can be used to add texture and a subtle coffee crunch to your pastries.

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—baking!

Recipe: Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons coffee extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the coffee extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until well combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and finely ground coffee.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful blend of coffee and chocolate, perfect for your afternoon coffee break or dessert indulgence.