I’ve found that incorporating these Nestle espresso chips into my recipes has brought my dessert game to new, exhilarating heights. Imagine the comforting warmth of your favorite cup of Joe nestled within the soft, chewy embrace of a freshly baked cookie. Or how about the deep, complex notes of espresso mingling with the sweetness of a decadent brownie? It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
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How to make Nestle Espresso Chips
Nestlé Espresso Chips are a type of chocolate chip made by Nestlé, specifically infused with an espresso coffee flavor. These chips are typically used in baking, especially in recipes for cookies, brownies, or other desserts where you want to add a rich, coffee-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Nestle Toll House Espresso Baking Chips
Instructions
Now, let’s learn how to bake a batch of simple yet delicious espresso chip cookies using the delectable Nestle Espresso Chips.
- Preheat your oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a ready and evenly heated oven for your cookies.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a larger bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined after each addition.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Fold in the espresso chips: Stir in the Nestle Espresso Baking Chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are nicely golden.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips For Using Nestle Espresso Chips
- Experiment with different desserts: Besides cookies, try using espresso chips in muffins, pancakes, or even homemade ice cream, as they can enhance the flavor with a delightful espresso twist.
- Storage: Keep your espresso chips in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting together.
- Melting: If desired, Nestle Espresso Chips can be melted to use in various recipes, like frosting or glazes. However, due to their coffee content, they can scorch more easily than regular chocolate chips.
What to serve with
Incorporating Nestle Espresso Chips into your desserts can elevate the simplest treats to something remarkable. However, thoughtful pairing often leads to an unforgettable dessert experience.
With Espresso Chip Cookies:
- Ice-Cream Sandwiches: Use your freshly baked espresso chip cookies to create luxurious ice-cream sandwiches. Simply press a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or coffee ice cream between two cookies. The contrasting textures and flavors make for a sublime treat.
- Coffee or Tea: This is the classic pairing—a warm, comforting cup of coffee or tea. Opt for a coffee with a smooth, rich profile to enhance the espresso flavors of the chips, or a sweet, milky tea for a delightful contrast.
- Dessert Wine: For an elevated dessert experience, try serving your cookies with a glass of dessert wine. A port or a sherry with nutty, caramel notes can beautifully complement the deep coffee tones of the espresso chips.
With Espresso Chip Muffins or Pancakes:
- Fresh Fruit: The richness of espresso chip muffins or pancakes pairs wonderfully with the lightness of fresh fruit. For a refreshing contrast, think sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a citrus salad.
- Whipped Cream or Mascarpone: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or soft, creamy mascarpone can add a luxurious element to your espresso chip muffins or pancakes, creating a balance between the bitterness of the coffee flavor and the sweet, creamy topping.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Drizzle your espresso chip pancakes with high-quality maple syrup or honey for a sweet, sticky addition. The natural sweetness beautifully counteracts the rich bitterness of the espresso chips.
With Espresso Chip Brownies:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Little can improve the classic combination of a warm brownie paired with cold vanilla ice cream. The creamy vanilla flavor softens the intense espresso and chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a homemade or high-quality salted caramel sauce over your espresso chip brownies adds a layer of complexity. The salty sweetness of the caramel enhances the espresso flavor, making every bite an adventure.
- Nut Toppings: A sprinkle of roughly chopped, toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts) adds not only a crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements the rich taste of espresso in the brownies.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re in the middle of a recipe that calls for Nestlé Espresso Chips and you find yourself without them, there’s no need to worry. Several substitutes are available, depending on what you have on hand and the flavor profile you’re aiming for.
Substitutes Based on Ingredients:
1. Chocolate Chips with Espresso Powder:
Substitute: If you have some espresso powder or very finely ground coffee, you can add about 1/2 teaspoon of it to every 1/2 cup of regular chocolate chips. This combo can mimic both the coffee flavor and the chocolate base of espresso chips.
2. Mocha or Coffee Flavored Chocolate Bars:
Substitute: Chop up a mocha or coffee-flavored chocolate bar to about the size of chocolate chips. Measure the same amount as the recipe calls for in espresso chips.
3. Chocolate Chips with Coffee Liqueur:
Substitute: Mix regular chocolate chips with a small amount of coffee liqueur. Ensure the chocolate chips are well-coated but not drenched, as adding too much liquid could affect the recipe. You need just enough to impart the coffee flavor.
4. Cacao Nibs with Instant Coffee:
Substitute: Cacao nibs provide a distinct chocolate flavor with a crunchy texture. Combine them with a sprinkle of instant coffee granules or espresso powder to give that coffee edge. Bear in mind cacao nibs are less sweet than chocolate, which may slightly change the sweetness profile of your recipe.
Flavor Profile Substitutes:
1. Dark Chocolate Chips:
Substitute: If the coffee taste isn’t your priority and you want to retain that intense chocolate flavor, you could use dark chocolate chips. They share the robust flavor profile of espresso chips but without the caffeine kick.
2. White Chocolate Chips and Coffee Extract:
Substitute: If you have white chocolate chips and coffee extract on hand, you can mix them to create a white chocolate-coffee chip substitute. This option will be much sweeter and milder than espresso chips.
3. Butterscotch or Caramel Chips with Coffee Flavor:
Substitute: For a more caramel-like undertone, use butterscotch or caramel chips with some espresso powder or coffee extract added to your recipe. These will be sweeter and provide a different flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the best pairings are the ones that suit your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different accompaniments to find your perfect match. Enjoy discovering how Nestle Espresso Chips can transform your desserts and become a centrepiece for an array of delightful pairings.
More Espresso Recipes:
- Christmas Espresso Martini Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini Recipe
- Homemade Loverboy Espresso Martini Recipe
- How to Make Espresso Without Machine
- Nescafe Gold Espresso Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Nestle Toll House Espresso Baking Chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a ready and evenly heated oven for your cookies.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a larger bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined after each addition.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Fold in the espresso chips: Stir in the Nestle Espresso Baking Chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are nicely golden.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
