Name: Mocha Nonpareil Cookies: A Festive Chocolate Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 102 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (softened); 1 cup Sugar (can use brown sugar for deeper flavor); 1 large Egg (or egg replacer for vegan option); 1 teaspoon Coffee Extract (or coffee liqueur/ground espresso); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour); ¼ cup Dark Cocoa Powder (can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (can substitute with baking soda); 1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips (or dark chocolate chips for richer flavor); 1 cup Nonpareils (or other sprinkles)

In the cozy chaos of holiday preparations, I discovered an unexpected champion: Mocha Nonpareil Cookies. This delightful treat melds the richness of chocolate with a whisper of coffee, delivering a firm yet tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. They’re not just delicious but also a visual feast, thanks to their glossy chocolate dip and vibrant sprinkles. These cookies are a fantastic quick addition to any Christmas cookie platter, making them perfect for gifting or sharing at festive gatherings. Plus, they can easily be personalized with your favorite toppings, ensuring they fit any festive theme. So, are you ready to sprinkle a little magic into your holiday baking? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Mocha Nonpareil Cookies Irresistible?

Indulgent Flavor: The enchanting blend of chocolate and coffee brings a gourmet touch to your holiday treats.

Eye-Catching Presentation: Glossy chocolate dips and colorful nonpareils make these cookies a delightful addition to any holiday platter.

Versatile Toppings: Personalize them with your favorite sprinkles or even chocolate-covered espresso beans for a unique twist!

Quick to Bake: With straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch without spending hours in the kitchen—perfect for busy festive days.

Crowd Favorite: These cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike, making them ideal for sharing or gifting during the holiday season.

In a rush? Try serving your Mocha Nonpareil Cookies with a cup of coffee to elevate the experience, just like how I’d pair them with my favorite Brown Butter Cookies!

Mocha Nonpareil Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Salted Butter – Provides fat for richness and moisture; you can substitute with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if desired.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together, adding moisture; an egg replacer can be used for a vegan option.
Coffee Extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting strong coffee notes; coffee liqueur or ground espresso can be used as alternatives.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; swap for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Dark Cocoa Powder – Gives a deep chocolate flavor; unsweetened cocoa powder can be substituted if needed.
Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise for a light texture; baking soda can be used as a substitute in equal amounts.
Milk Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and a creamy texture; dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer flavor.

For the Decoration

Nonpareils – Used for decoration to add a festive touch; consider other sprinkles or chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans as alternatives.

Embrace the magic of Mocha Nonpareil Cookies this holiday season and let each bite transport you to a blissful world of flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mocha Nonpareil Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened salted butter at medium speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of sugar until well combined. Add a large egg and 1 teaspoon of coffee extract, blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy, setting the stage for your Mocha Nonpareil Cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of dark cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky, perfect for shaping your cookies.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Divide the cookie dough in half and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 1 hour, allowing it to firm up. This chilling step is crucial for the Mocha Nonpareil Cookies, as it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Roll Out
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, roll out one portion of the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of about ¼ inch. This thinness will ensure a crispy texture on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Step 5: Cut Cookies
Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer each cookie to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading. You should be able to fit several Mocha Nonpareil Cookies on each tray, ready for baking.

Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cookies should look set, with slightly puffed edges. Once done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Chocolate Dip
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted. Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off before coating them liberally with colorful nonpareils for that festive touch. Set each decorated cookie on a drying rack to allow the chocolate to set.

How to Store and Freeze Mocha Nonpareil Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-5 days.

Fridge: For extended freshness, place cookies in the fridge, but note that they may lose some of their original texture. Enjoy within one week for best results.

Freezer: Freeze Mocha Nonpareil Cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, simply thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave them for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel!

What to Serve with Mocha Nonpareil Cookies

Create the perfect cozy gathering by pairing these delightful cookies with equally comforting accompaniments.

Rich Hot Cocoa: A classic pairing, the creamy warmth of hot cocoa enhances the chocolate flavors beautifully while providing a luscious contrast.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: A cup of your favorite coffee not only complements the mocha flavor but also offers a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing balance to the cookies’ rich chocolate and coffee notes.
Spiced Chai Tea: Warm, spiced chai gives a cozy, aromatic experience that elevates each bite, creating a festive ambiance.
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans: For the coffee aficionados, these little bites amplify the mocha flavor profile, adding an extra crunch that’s irresistible.
Nutty Biscotti: Dip crunchy biscotti into your coffee while enjoying these cookies for an enriched flavor experience that delights the palate.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Use as a dip or spread to add a sweet and creamy element that complements the mocha essence beautifully.
Decadent Milkshake: Blend your favorite ice cream with milk for a rich shake that pairs perfectly with the cookies’ textures for a fun twist.

Each accompaniment offers a different texture or flavor, ensuring that your cookie experience is as delightful as the Mocha Nonpareil Cookies themselves!

Mocha Nonpareil Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these Mocha Nonpareil Cookies and tailor them to your taste buds!

Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added depth in flavor. Nuts not only complement the chocolate but also bring a satisfying texture.
Festive Sprinkles: Switch up the nonpareils with seasonal-themed sprinkles or coarse sea salt for a sophisticated touch. These sprinkles can instantly elevate your cookies, making them a hit at holiday parties.
Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for even more coffee flavor. This enhances the chocolate, creating a more robust, café-inspired treat.
Spiced Twist: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic surprise that celebrates the essence of the holiday season. A little spice can create a lovely warmth in each bite.
Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for everyone. Your gluten-sensitive friends will be thrilled to enjoy a treat that tastes just as good as the original!
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies for an indulgent layer of sweetness. The sticky caramel will add a delightful chewiness to your cookie crooning!
Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap out milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate experience. Dark chocolate is a great balancing act against the sweetness and contributes to the overall decadence of the treat.

Embrace the festive spirit with your personalized Mocha Nonpareil Cookies! For more delightful treats, try pairing them with my delicious Honey Cookies Chewy or a satisfying Chocolate Oat Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Mocha Nonpareil Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can save you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. This chilling step not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Additionally, once the cookies are baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days or frozen for up to three months. Just ensure to let the cookies thaw completely at room temperature before serving, and when ready to enjoy, simply dip in melted chocolate and coat with nonpareils. With these make-ahead tips, you can have delicious Mocha Nonpareil Cookies ready to impress without the last-minute hassle!

Expert Tips for Mocha Nonpareil Cookies

Chill for Perfection: Chilling the dough is crucial; it helps maintain cookie shape while baking and enhances flavor development for your Mocha Nonpareil Cookies.
Check the Bake: Avoid overbaking! The cookies should look set but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, keeping them tender.
Melt with Care: When melting chocolate for dipping, use short microwave bursts and stir frequently to achieve a smooth texture. This prevents burning and clumping.
Sprinkle Variety: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try different sprinkles or add chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans for a bit of crunch and added flavor to your cookies.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for the recommended time to avoid breaking. It’s an important step for ensuring they maintain their beautiful shape!

Mocha Nonpareil Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my ingredients are fresh?
Absolutely! For the best Mocha Nonpareil Cookies, ensure your butter is soft but not melted and that your baking powder is still active. Check your cocoa powder for any clumps; if it’s fresh, it should be smooth and rich in color. If you see dark spots on any of your butter, it’s better to discard it.

How should I store my cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Mocha Nonpareil Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-5 days. If you live in a humid environment, keep them in the fridge, but they may lose some crunch! For best results, consume them within a week.

Can I freeze Mocha Nonpareil Cookies?
Very much so! To freeze, wrap each cooled cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring there’s no air inside. Your cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature, or microwave them for a few seconds for that warm, just-baked taste!

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
No worries! If your Mocha Nonpareil cookie dough feels too sticky, you can add a tablespoon or two of flour to make it more manageable. Just remember not to overmix, as you want to keep the cookies tender. If you’re in a rush, you can chill the dough for an extra 15-30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to roll out.

Are Mocha Nonpareil Cookies safe for pets and allergies?
Great question! The ingredients used in Mocha Nonpareil Cookies should be kept away from pets, especially chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. For those with allergies, you can substitute the egg with an egg replacer or applesauce, and ensure that your flour is gluten-free if necessary. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens!