Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the rich flavors of coffee and the delightful crunch of toffee, then you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are an absolute treat for coffee lovers. The nutty aroma of browned butter paired with the deep notes from espresso powder creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking up a storm for a family gathering or simply indulging yourself on a busy weeknight, these cookies will surely bring a smile to your face.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll have warm, chewy cookies ready in no time. Plus, the combination of sweet toffee bits and a sprinkle of sea salt elevates these cookies into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
- Perfect for sharing: These cookies are great for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a treat for yourself.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can chill the dough ahead of time, making them perfect for when unexpected guests pop by.
- Deliciously unique flavor: The brown butter and espresso create an irresistible taste that sets these cookies apart.
- Chewy texture: Each bite delivers a satisfying chewiness that keeps you reaching for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to gather some simple and wholesome ingredients! Each one plays an important role in creating those delicious Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies we all adore.
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 cups (175 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (80 g) Heath toffee bits with chocolate
- Flaked sea salt for topping
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies with these variations:
- Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Swap the chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of toffee bits for a richer taste.
- Use flavored extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
How to Make Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty. This step is crucial; browning the butter adds depth and richness to your cookies. Once browned, transfer it to a bowl and stir in the espresso powder. Let it cool in the fridge until it firms up—about 1-2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your browned butter has chilled, grab your stand mixer. Beat together the solidified butter and both sugars on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create those chewy textures we love.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Now it’s time to mix in one large egg and half a tablespoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until smooth—this adds moisture and flavor!
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, add in your dry ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed just until combined; be careful not to overmix! This ensures your cookies remain tender.
Step 5: Fold in Toffee Bits
Gently fold in those delicious Heath toffee bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These little gems will provide bursts of sweetness in every bite!
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Scoop out large balls of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Place them onto a plate or sheet pan and refrigerate for at least a few hours or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps develop flavors and prevents spreading during baking.
Step 7: Preheat Oven & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your chilled dough balls on the sheet, sprinkle them lightly with flaked sea salt, and bake for about 11-13 minutes until their edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let those tantalizing cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me; the wait will be worth it!
Enjoy every chewy bite of these amazing Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies! They’ll soon become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some pro tips to help you create the best Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies possible!
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Watch the Butter Closely: Browning butter can be tricky! Keep a close eye while it’s on the heat, as it can quickly go from perfectly browned to burnt. The nutty aroma will be your cue that it’s ready.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother dough, make sure your egg is at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine better and leads to a chewier cookie.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thick, chewy cookies.
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Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! While flaked sea salt is delicious, you can also sprinkle on some crushed nuts or extra toffee bits for added texture.
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Adjust Baking Time for Chewy Cookies: If you prefer your cookies chewier, take them out of the oven when they look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
How to Serve Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
These cookies are not just delicious; they also make for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests! Here are some ideas on how to serve them.
Garnishes
- Flaky Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking enhances the flavors and adds a gourmet touch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an elegant flair and a rich chocolate flavor that complements the coffee and toffee perfectly.
- Espresso Dust: For an extra coffee kick, lightly dust cocoa powder or espresso powder over the cookies before serving. This not only looks beautiful but also ties in with their coffee flavor.
Side Dishes
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of strong brewed coffee. The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm and cold, plus a creamy texture that complements chewy cookies.
- Milk or Nut Milk: A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk (or almond/cashew milk) is perfect for dipping and balancing out sweet flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your dessert table. Consider using seasonal fruits like berries or citrus for brightness that cuts through the richness of these cookies.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies will shine at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Storing Leftovers
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.
Freezing
- To freeze the cookie dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- You can also freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to an airtight container once frozen.
Reheating
- For warm cookies, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
- Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies!
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder in Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies?
While espresso powder enhances the flavor, you can substitute it with instant coffee granules. Just ensure it’s finely ground for better mixing.
How do I achieve the best texture in my Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies?
To get that chewy texture, make sure not to overmix your dough after adding the dry ingredients. Chilling the dough before baking also helps create thicker cookies.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chopped nuts or your favorite chocolate chips along with the toffee bits for an extra layer of flavor.
What should I do if my Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies spread too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is properly cooled before mixing it with other ingredients. Also, chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe for Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies brings joy and warmth to your kitchen! They are not just cookies; they are little bites of happiness filled with rich flavors that every coffee lover will adore. Enjoy making them and sharing with friends or savoring them yourself. Happy baking!
Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
Indulge in the deliciously rich flavors of Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies, perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. With a delightful balance of nutty brown butter, robust espresso, and sweet toffee bits, these cookies are sure to elevate your baking game. The chewy texture combined with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Easy to make with straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delectable cookies in no time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will undoubtedly leave everyone smiling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until golden brown and nutty-smelling. Stir in espresso powder and cool in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Beat chilled brown butter with both sugars until fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Mix in one large egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients (baking powder, baking soda, salt, all-purpose flour) on low speed until combined.
- Fold in toffee bits evenly.
- Scoop dough into balls and chill for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place dough balls on it, sprinkling with flaked sea salt.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are golden and centers remain soft. Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg