Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings together the warmth of home and the rich flavors of coffee, then these Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are just what you need. Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy cookie that has a nutty aroma from browned butter, an energizing kick from espresso powder, and sweet crunchy toffee bits—all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s a delightful combination that makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet treat at family gatherings.

This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s simple yet impressive. The process of browning the butter fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent, and trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delectable cookies in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of brown butter and espresso powder creates a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Family Favorite: These cookies are sure to please everyone—from kids to adults—with their chewy texture and sweet toffee crunch.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s for a potluck or just to share with neighbors, these cookies make a delightful gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies is straightforward thanks to simple, wholesome ingredients. Gather these items, many of which you may already have in your pantry!

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• ¾ cup (165 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cups (175 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (80 g) Heath toffee bits with chocolate
• Flaked sea salt for topping

Variations

Feel free to get creative! This recipe is flexible enough to allow for some fun variations.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Switch Up the Sweetness: Try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a richer taste.
• Go Nut-Free: Substitute the toffee bits with dairy-free chocolate chips if you want a nut-free version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently. Keep stirring as it cooks until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This step is essential as browning the butter adds depth and richness that makes these cookies special. Once browned, transfer it to a bowl and mix in the espresso powder while it’s still warm. Refrigerate this mixture until it firms up—this usually takes about 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Using a stand mixer is ideal here! Beat the solidified browned butter along with both sugars on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key—it helps create that delightful chewy texture we all love in cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Now it’s time to mix in one large egg and half a tablespoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, ensuring everything is well combined. The vanilla enhances the flavor profile beautifully!

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently add in your baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix on low speed just until everything comes together—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful here!

Step 5: Fold in Toffee Bits

With care, fold in those luscious Heath toffee bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These bits will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of sweetness.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Scoop out large balls of cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. If you have time, refrigerate them again for several hours or even overnight—this helps deepen the flavors!

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Bake

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place those chilled dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, sprinkle them lightly with flaked sea salt, and bake for about 11-13 minutes until their edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks. Allow them to cool completely; this step ensures they set perfectly!

Enjoy every bite of these delicious Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies—they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

Baking is an art, and these tips will help you create the most delicious cookies possible!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking ingredients, especially the espresso powder and baking soda. Freshness ensures that your cookies rise properly and have the vibrant flavors you desire.

• Measure Butter Correctly: Make sure to measure your butter accurately. Too much or too little can affect the texture of your cookies. Using a kitchen scale can help you get it just right!

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps to intensify flavors and prevents your cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in chewy centers.

• Watch Your Baking Time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they’re just golden at the edges for a perfectly chewy texture.

• Add Extra Toffee Bits: If you really love that sweet crunch, consider adding a few extra toffee bits on top of each cookie before baking. It gives a beautiful finish and an extra layer of flavor!

How to Serve Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also make for an impressive presentation! Here are some ideas on how to serve them up perfectly.

Garnishes

• Flaked Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top right before serving enhances the sweetness and provides a delightful contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that adds richness.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a fresh cup of coffee or espresso for a true coffee lover’s experience. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
• Milk: A classic pairing! Serve with a glass of cold milk to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie meets cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies. Fresh berries or citrus fruits offer a refreshing side that complements their sweetness perfectly.

Enjoy sharing these delightful Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies with family and friends, or keep them all for yourself—they’re just that good!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For added freshness, layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Freeze the dough balls until solid, about 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no thawing necessary—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste!

FAQs

Got questions about these scrumptious Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter for these cookies?

While you can use regular butter, browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies. It’s definitely worth the extra step!

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of espresso powder in this recipe?

If you don’t have espresso powder, you can substitute it with instant coffee granules. Just make sure they are finely ground for even distribution in the cookie dough.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to my cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or even chocolate chips alongside the toffee bits for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are truly something special! Their delightful combination of flavors and textures makes each bite an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! So gather your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself to these delightful cookies. Happy baking!