Espresso Brownies

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Get your coffee and chocolate fix in one fantastic bite of brownie. Use a box mix to get a head start on Espresso Brownies.

How to improve a brownie mix? ☕️🍫

Brownie mixes result in brownies that are pretty dang good all on their own, but if you love coffee flavor and chocolate, this Espresso Brownie Recipe will check all of your cravings boxes.

I visited Italy (eek! Lucky me!) where I had a cappuccino and it changed my life. All of a sudden, I understood all of the coffee heads in the world... Yuuuuummmmmm!

I liked it so much I bought an espresso pot and hauled it home in my suitcase.

However, with my personality and for the sanity of those around me, it's best I don't fuel my day with too much caffeine.

But, I don't have enough willpower to say no to these Espresso Brownies. This is your warning, you will be hard-pressed to eat just one of these beauties.

And I made it extra easy to make these in a flash, by using a boxed brownie mix!

Espresso Brownies with three espresso beans on top.

Pro Tips 👨🏻‍🍳

Adjust the amount of Espresso Powder to match your coffee flavor love level. Cut it in half if you like a light coffee flavor.

Reduce the baking temperature by 25 degrees to allow the brownies to cook slowly to achieve maximum chewy, gooey texture.

Slice brownies after they are cooled with a plastic knife. This keeps your brownies beautiful by helping keep a nice smooth edge.

Order Espresso Powder online.

The best brownies I've ever had! Don't tell anyone, but I hid them so I didn't have to share them with my husband. LOL!
--HWM

Ingredients 🧾

For the Brownies:

Brownie Mix--Use your favorite brand and make sure you have the ingredients needed to prepare the box directions.

Espresso Powder--adjust the amount to match your love of coffee flavor.

Chocolate Chips and/or Peanut Butter Chips--Use what you like! I love semi-sweet chocolate chips the most.

For the Frosting:

Powdered sugar, espresso powder, milk, vanilla, butter, and kosher salt.

How to Make Espresso Brownies🥣

Make the brownie mix following the directions on the brownie box.

Stir in Espresso Powder and chocolate chips.

Adding ingredients to Espresso Brownie mixture in a bowl.

Espresso brownie batter added to a backing dish.

Bake until the brownies test done using the toothpick testing approach.

Allow brownies to cool completely.

Make the frosting by mixing all ingredients together until smooth.

Spread over the brownies.

Cut using a plastic knife for neatly cut brownies.

Mixing Espresso Brownie icing ingredients together in a bowl.

Baking dish with iced Espresso Brownies.

Substitutions 🥄

Use instant coffee if you don't have access to Espresso Powder.

Do NOT use coffee or espresso grounds in this recipe. They will not dissolve and will leave an unpleasant texture in your brownies and frosting.

Variations 🍽️

Stir Ins--Vary your chips if you would like some variety of flavors or add some chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.

Espresso Cake--apply this technique to a white cake mix if you want an Espresso Cake.

Salted Espresso Brownies--Add a sprinkle of Sea Salt Flakes to the top of the frosting for a sweet and salty version.

Storage

Cover with food wrap or put in a covered bowl to prevent Espresso Brownies from drying out. They will hold their high quality for 3-5 days.

FAQ 🙋🏻

What is Espresso Powder?

Not to be confused with espresso grounds, instant espresso powder is actually brewed espresso that has been dehydrated to create water-soluble granules. It has all the same powerful punch as espresso, but without the liquid, making it a useful ingredient in batters, frostings, and doughs.

What's a substitute for espresso powder?

Instant coffee is one of the best bets for replacing espresso powder in chocolate desserts. Instant Coffee is less concentrated and therefore will add less richness to your recipe.

What to serve with Espresso Brownies 🥛

I love a big cold glass of milk with all cookies and brownies. However, you might find these brownies pair nicely with a cup of coffee or cappuccino.

Other Espresso Recipes ❤️

Try our Tiramisu Overnight Oats for an excuse to get more coffee-flavored goodness in your morning routine.

Other Related Recipes

If you're a major fan of chocolate, like me, then we will be friends. And if you want to share with other people who are cool like us, check out a few of my chocolate-laden recipes.

DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE? 💭

Lastly, if you made Espresso Brownies following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.

And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!

FOOD SAFETY

Wash hands before cooking
Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
Wash hands after touching raw meat
Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Never leave cooking food unattended