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Vietnamese Coffee Marble Cookies

Stunning and chewy marble cookies combining robust espresso dough with sweet, rich condensed milk dough, inspired by classic Cà Phê Sữa Đá.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Vietnamese
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Base Cookie Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Milk Dough Addition
  • 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Espresso Dough Addition
  • 3 tbsp hot water
  • 3 tbsp instant espresso powder
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
For Rolling
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  4. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the dough equally into two bowls.
  7. To the first bowl, fold in the sweetened condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of extra flour until smooth.
  8. In a small dish, mix hot water, espresso powder, and cocoa powder into a paste. Fold this paste into the second bowl of dough until completely dark brown.
  9. Cover both bowls and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  10. Take 1 tablespoon of milk dough and 1 tablespoon of espresso dough, press them together, and gently roll into a ball to create a marbled effect.
  11. Roll the marbled dough balls in the remaining 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
  12. Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Notes

Do not over-roll the dough balls in your hands, or the distinct marble colors will blend into a muddy brown.