Line a 9 x 13 inch sheet pan with plastic wrap. Drop soft 1½ quart ice cream by the scoop over pan, then spread to edges. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350˚F and line 2 13x9 inch pans with parchment paper.
Using a stand mixer and mixing bowl, add ½ cup butter with ¼ cup sugar and ½ cup brown sugar Beat until fluffy.
Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Blend until light in color.
Slowly add 1¼ cup flour, ½ cup cocoa, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon espresso powder (if using) to the sugar mixture. Blend for 1 minute until smooth. Add ½ cup milk, warmed, and blend for 1 minute more. The batter will be thick.
On two parchment lined pans, drop dough by spoonful. Spread dough to edges as evenly as possible.
Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and pierce randomly with a fork or leave plain. Cool completely on a wire rack. Transfer to freezer for 2 hours or overnight.