WHAT ARE THE BEST COFFEE TREATS?

We all deserve a break every once in a while — a coffee break, that is. You only have 15 minutes, so mid-chug, there's no doubt you'll also be shoveling down a quick snack to go with it. You're in it for the pick-me-up, so let's stay caffeinated, shall we? Here are a few tried-and-true treats that will fill a space in the soul that no dessert du jour can intercept.

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Words cannot espresso how good these cookies hit the spot.

Recipe:

• 3 c. flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 c. unsalted butter at room temperature

• 1 c. brown sugar

• 1/2 c. sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 c. chocolate chips

• 1/4 c. instant coffee granules

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, cream butter, sugars, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Gradually add in flour mixture.

5. Stir in chocolate chips and coffee granules.

6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto lightly greased baking sheets.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Remove to wire rack to cool.

Coffee Cream Pie

Coffee, men, pie... They're all better rich.

Recipe:

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups milk

• 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules, crushed

• 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 chocolate crumb crust (9 inches)

Topping:

• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 Heath candy bar (1.4 ounces), crushed

Instructions:

1. In the top of a double boiler, combine the sugar, flour and salt; gradually stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over boiling water until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in coffee granules.

2. Gradually stir a small amount into egg yolks; return all to pan. Cook and stir for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; add butter and vanilla. Cool for 30 minutes. Pour into crust; chill.

3. In a bowl, dissolve coffee granules in a small amount of cream. Add sugar, vanilla and remaining cream. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread over filling; sprinkle with crushed candy bar. Chill. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Coffee Brownies

The only treat to keep you truly grounded.

Recipe:

• 5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

• 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened

• 3 tablespoons espresso powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 1/2 cups sugar

• 5 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and butter and flour a 9-by-12-inch baking pan. Line the base of the pan with parchment paper. Combine the chocolate, butter, coffee, and salt in the top of a double boiler and, over simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Add the melted chocolate mixture and continue whisking until well combined. Fold in the flour until you can't see any traces of white, but do not overfold. Gently fold in the pecans. Scoop out into the prepared pan and spread and jiggle the pan until the batter finds its level.

3. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean. Set the pan on a rack to cool for 1 hour. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen, then cut into squares as desired.

Coffee Popsicles

Now that you have a latte on your mind, suck on this and think it over.

Recipe:

• 2 cups of brewed Royal Cup coffee, add sugar and cream to taste. Note: The more sugar/cream you add the sweeter the popsicle. The less you whiten it, the bolder the coffee taste.

• 1/2 cup heavy cream.

• Sugar to taste.

• Popsicle molds.

Instructions:

1. Combine 1/3 cup of cream and sweeten with sugar to taste. Stir until completely dissolved.

2. Pour a little of the cream into the bottom of each mold.

3. Freeze the mold until the cream is solid, about an hour.

4. Mix the coffee, cream and sugar, and stir until dissolved.

5. Refrigerate until chilled.

6. Carefully pour the chilled coffee mixture into each mold, filling it to the top.

7. Place top onto molds and insert the sticks.

8. Freeze until solid.

9. Enjoy!

Coffee Ice Cream

RELATED: Six foods that were made for coffee