Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies loaded with rich, comforting flavors, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with these Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies. They feature that heavenly browned butter base that adds a deep, nutty charm complemented perfectly by the bold espresso notes. Crunchy toffee bits add a touch of sweetness and texture while a delicate sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top balances the flavors in the most delightful way. These cookies are truly a celebration of classic ingredients working together to deliver an unforgettable cookie experience that feels warm, indulgent, and a little bit fancy all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a specific role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that makes these cookies stand out. From the nutty browned butter to the vibrant espresso powder and crunchy toffee bits, every component is essential to this irresistible treat.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup / 113.5 g): Browning the butter brings out a rich, nutty flavor that forms the cookie’s delicious foundation.
• Espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep coffee aroma and slight bitterness that perfectly complements the sweetness.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup / 165 g): Gives moistness, caramel undertones, and chewiness to the cookies.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50 g): Balances the brown sugar’s moisture with crispness and sweetness.
• Large egg, room temperature (1): Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract (½ tablespoon): Enhances flavor complexity and rounds out the espresso notes.
• Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Provides gentle rising for a soft texture.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps achieve a tender crumb and slight spread.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and savory notes for balance.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cups / 175 g): The structure of the cookie, giving it substance and bite.
• Heath toffee bits with chocolate (½ cup / 80 g): Introduce sweet, crunchy pockets of toffee and chocolate that make each bite exciting.
• Flaked sea salt (for topping): A finishing touch that creates bursts of savory contrast on the surface.

How to Make Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Begin by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir continuously so it doesn’t burn. As the butter melts, it will start to foam and then develop a beautiful golden brown color along with a rich, nutty aroma that signals it is perfectly browned. Once browned, remove from heat and stir in the espresso powder to allow the flavors to meld. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until firm, about 1 to 2 hours. This chilling step helps because the browned butter will solidify, allowing for better mixing in the next stage.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

With a stand mixer, beat the chilled browned butter along with the brown and granulated sugars on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes. You want to achieve a light and fluffy mixture, as this will create an airy texture in the cookies and intensify the sweetness while building structure.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, incorporate the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated to maintain a tender texture and consistent flavor throughout each cookie.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low, and gradually add your baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix just until combined, careful not to overmix, as too much stirring can make the cookies tough. This combination of leavening agents guarantees a cookie that’s soft but with a subtle lift.

Step 5: Fold in Toffee Bits

Gently fold in the Heath toffee bits with chocolate using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough so you get little pockets of sweet, crunchy toffee surprises in every bite. These toffee bits are what make the Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies particularly fun and addictive.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough into large balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a container. Refrigerate these dough balls for a few hours, or up to 24 hours if you want to prepare ahead. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to spread. Lightly sprinkle flaked sea salt on top of each cookie. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Once baked, let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up just enough to handle yet stay tender and chewy on the inside. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaked sea salt is perfect for enhancing the sweet and crunchy notes in the Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies. You can also add a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate on top to give them an extra touch of elegance, especially if serving at a party.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or espresso to echo the espresso powder in the dough. For a cozy treat, serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or creamy hot chocolate to contrast the rich toffee and browned butter flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, consider arranging these cookies on a beautiful wooden platter with a scattering of whole coffee beans and additional toffee bits around. You can stack smaller cookies for a fun cookie tower or place each cookie in a decorative paper liner to make them feel like special little gifts. They also make for charming edible gifts when packed in rustic jars tied with twine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out and protects the crunchy toffee bits from absorbing moisture.

Freezing

If you want to preserve these cookies longer, they freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This keeps them from sticking together and they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover cookies back to that just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their softness and melts the toffee bits slightly, making each bite taste freshly made again.

FAQs

Can I use regular instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

While espresso powder is ideal for its intense, pure coffee flavor, you can substitute with instant coffee granules in a pinch. Just use slightly less and be sure it dissolves completely to avoid gritty bits in the dough.

What if I don’t have Heath toffee bits?

You can substitute any crunchy toffee bits or even chopped caramel candies to achieve a similar sweet crunch. Chocolate chips or butterscotch chips also work well if you want to experiment with flavor variations.

Why is browning the butter important?

Browned butter adds a deep, nutty complexity that regular melted butter simply can’t match. It enhances the flavor of these cookies by giving them a warm, caramel-like undertone that perfectly complements the coffee and toffee.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep an eye on the dough texture as gluten-free flours sometimes absorb liquids differently.

How large should the cookie dough balls be?

Using a large scoop (about 2 tablespoons) creates nicely sized cookies that stay soft in the center. Smaller scoops will bake faster and be crunchier, so adjust according to your preferred cookie texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that feels both comforting and a little luxurious, these Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are an absolute must-try. They marry simple, everyday ingredients with little techniques like browning butter and folding in espresso to elevate the flavors to something truly special. Whether you’re baking just for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies bring delicious warmth and happiness with every bite. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it.

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