Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee and toffee, you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are a delightful indulgence that will make your taste buds sing. The nutty aroma of browned butter paired with the deep notes of espresso creates a cookie experience like no other. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies offer a little bit of magic in each bite.
What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Whether you’re sharing them with friends over coffee or enjoying them solo as a late-night snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of brown butter, coffee, and toffee bits creates a rich, decadent taste that you won’t forget.
- Easy preparation: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can have fresh cookies ready without much fuss.
- Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these chewy cookies—perfect for sharing!
- Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough ahead of time, making it easy to bake cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies is a breeze! You’ll be using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you need:
- 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! You can easily modify it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Use different chocolates: Swap out the Heath bits for dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chunks.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm spice notes.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a delicious treat everyone can enjoy.
How to Make Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and keep an eye on it as it cooks. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This step is crucial because browning the butter enhances its flavor, giving your cookies that rich depth we all love. Once browned, transfer it to a bowl and stir in the espresso powder. Let it cool in the refrigerator until it’s firm—about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your butter has cooled down, grab your stand mixer! Beat together the solidified browned butter with both sugars on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in chewy cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Now it’s time to add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix these in until everything is smooth and well combined. This step adds moisture and sweetness that balances out the flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour into your mixture. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy ones.
Step 5: Fold in Toffee Bits
Now comes one of my favorite parts—folding in those delicious toffee bits! Use a spatula to gently incorporate them until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Scoop out large balls of dough and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate these balls for several hours or up to one day if you want even more flavor development before baking.
Step 7: Preheat Oven & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your chilled dough balls onto another parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle them with flaked sea salt (this makes all the difference!), and bake them for about 11-13 minutes until their edges are golden brown.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let those heavenly cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet first before transferring them onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before diving in—if you can wait!
And there you have it! Your very own batch of irresistible Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies that are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Enjoy each delightful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
Baking these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few insider tips, you can elevate your cookie game even more!
-
Use Fresh Espresso Powder: For the best flavor, make sure your espresso powder is fresh. Stale espresso can dull the rich coffee notes that make these cookies so special.
-
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps to meld the flavors and ensures a thicker cookie that won’t spread too much during baking.
-
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft; they will continue to firm up while cooling.
-
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Just ensure any extras complement the coffee and toffee flavors without overpowering them.
-
Store Properly: To maintain their chewy texture, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just let them cool completely before freezing!
How to Serve Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but serving them creatively can enhance your dessert experience! Here are some fun ideas to impress your family and friends.
Garnishes
- Flaked Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaked sea salt right after baking will enhance the sweet and nutty flavors, creating a beautiful contrast that elevates each bite.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness and sophistication.
Side Dishes
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The warmth and bitterness of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside a warm cookie creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
- Milk Shake: Blend up a rich milkshake for a nostalgic treat that pairs wonderfully with these chewy cookies—think mocha or classic vanilla!
- Fruit Compote: Serve a side of warm fruit compote, such as cherry or berry, for a tart contrast that balances out the sweet richness of the cookies.
Enjoy indulging in these delicious Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time and enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you crave them.
Storing Leftovers
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they can last up to a week.
Freezing
- Scoop cookie dough balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm.
- Transfer frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
- To reheat cookies, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies:
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder in Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies?
Yes! While espresso powder provides a concentrated coffee flavor, you can substitute it with finely ground instant coffee. Just use slightly more than the recipe calls for to achieve a similar taste.
How do I prevent my Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent excessive spreading, ensure that your browned butter is properly chilled before mixing it with other ingredients. Also, chilling your cookie dough balls before baking helps maintain their shape.
What makes Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies special?
The unique combination of nutty brown butter, rich espresso flavor, and sweet toffee bits makes these cookies truly special. They offer a delightful chewy texture that’s hard to resist!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips along with the toffee bits for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies as much as I do! They bring together wonderful flavors that will surely impress your friends and family. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or sharing at gatherings, these cookies are bound to be a hit. Happy baking!
Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies, where rich coffee flavors meet the sweetness of toffee. These cookies boast a chewy texture and an irresistible nutty aroma, thanks to the browned butter that elevates their flavor profile. Perfect for any occasion, whether shared with friends over a warm cup of coffee or enjoyed solo as a late-night treat, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 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
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty. Stir in espresso powder and let cool.
- Beat together the cooled brown butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients (baking powder, baking soda, salt, flour) into the wet mixture; mix just until combined.
- Fold in toffee bits gently.
- Chill dough balls on parchment for several hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake chilled dough balls for 11-13 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
