Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that truly captures the essence of comfort, let me introduce you to my favorite treat: Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies. These cookies are not just sweet snacks; they’re a delightful blend of rich flavors that bring warmth and joy with every bite. The nutty aroma of browned butter combined with the bold kick of espresso powder and the crunch of toffee bits makes these cookies an irresistible choice for coffee lovers.

Whether you’re winding down after a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. They’re easy to whip up and can even be made ahead of time, so you can have them fresh from the oven whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: The combination of brown butter and espresso creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master these cookies easily.
• Perfect for sharing: These cookies make great gifts or treats to share at gatherings—they always disappear fast!
• Make-ahead option: Chill the dough in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies anytime.
• Deliciously chewy texture: Each bite has the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch from the toffee bits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! Each one plays a vital role in creating those chewy, delicious Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies.

For the Cookies

• 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 cup (175 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (80 g) Heath toffee bits with chocolate
• Flaked sea salt for topping

Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to get creative! Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Switch up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of toffee bits for a richer taste.
• Try different extracts: Experiment by adding almond extract or hazelnut extract for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and keep stirring as it turns golden brown. This step is important because browning the butter gives it a nutty flavor that elevates your cookies. When it’s ready, pour it into a bowl and stir in the espresso powder before refrigerating until firm.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Using a stand mixer, beat together your solidified browned butter and both sugars on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes. This process will incorporate air into your dough, making your cookies light and fluffy!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once your mixture looks smooth and creamy, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. This adds moisture and flavor—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in your dry ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!

Step 5: Fold in Toffee Bits

Gently fold in those delicious toffee bits until they’re evenly distributed throughout your dough. This is where the magic happens—the sweet little surprises inside each cookie!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Scoop your dough into large balls and refrigerate them for at least a few hours or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps develop flavors and keeps your cookies thick while baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Bake

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

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly—allowing you to enjoy chewy centers with crispy edges!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies to perfection!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking soda and powder; expired ingredients can affect the rise and texture of your cookies, leading to disappointing results.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only helps in developing flavors but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This ensures they remain thick and chewy.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to play around with different toppings like chocolate chips or nuts in addition to toffee bits! This customization allows you to make each batch unique.

• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture!

How to Serve Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies

These cookies are a treat on their own, but with a little creativity in presentation, you can impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top enhances the flavor profile by adding a touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over cooled cookies for an elegant touch that makes them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Nutty Granola: Serve alongside a bowl of nutty granola for a delightful crunch that pairs well with coffee-themed desserts.
• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla or mocha ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert pairing that complements the cookie’s flavors nicely.
• Espresso: Brew a cup of espresso or strong coffee to enhance the coffee notes in your cookies, creating a truly delightful experience for coffee lovers!

With these tips and serving ideas, your Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are not just a delicious treat; they also make for fantastic meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, ensuring you always have something sweet on hand to enjoy.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

• To freeze, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• If you’ve already baked the cookies, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy within 3 months for the best flavor.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chilled cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• If reheating baked cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies.

Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter in Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies?

While you can use regular butter, browning it adds a rich nutty flavor that makes these cookies truly special. It’s worth taking the time to brown your butter!

How do I make my Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, make sure not to overmix the dough after adding flour and avoid overbaking. Keeping an eye on the baking time will help keep them soft and chewy.

Can I substitute espresso powder in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use instant coffee granules instead. The flavor might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

How long will my Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days. If you choose to freeze them, they can last up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies as much as I do! With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they’re perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself with a warm cup of coffee. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!