Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars - In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Cream - Add the large egg, cream, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso granules, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies soft.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips - Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake - Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool on a Rack - Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting - While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, confectioners sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Frost and Decorate - Once the cookies are cool, generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting and top with chocolate sprinkles or shavings to your liking.
