Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures. With lightly crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. The deep notes of espresso paired with the nutty aroma of brown butter create a unique flavor profile that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, the toffee bits add just the right amount of sweetness, making them a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of espresso and brown butter brings a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful contrast between crispy edges and chewy centers in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, baking these cookies is a breeze, even for beginners.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, holidays, or just because—you can share or savor them all by yourself!
- Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking, you’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cookie-making experience. Ensure you have everything ready before you start baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep your dry ingredients separate from your wet ones, ensuring even mixing.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring you get all the ingredients mixed thoroughly.
Ingredients
Lightly crisp edges and soft and chewy centers with a rich and decadent flavor from the espresso and brown butter. The toffee bits add the perfect amount of sweetness!
Ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312g)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g), browned and returned to room temperature {solidified}
– 1 cup dark brown sugar (200g)
– ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– ½ cup toffee bits (85g)
– Flakey sea salt, optional for sprinkling on finished cookies
How to Make Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
To brown the butter, place the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook until small brown flakes form. Stir or swirl frequently to prevent burning. The butter will foam; keep stirring until it turns an amber color with a nutty smell. This should take about 7–10 minutes. Pour into a heatproof bowl to cool until solidified back to room temperature (about 1 hour).
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Cornstarch
4. Instant espresso powder
5. Kosher salt
Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Brown Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the cooled brown butter with both sugars on medium-high speed for about 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Scrape down the sides of your bowl. Add one room-temperature egg along with pure vanilla extract. Mix until well combined (30–60 seconds). Then add the second egg and mix again for another 30–60 seconds.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
With your mixer set to low speed, gradually add your dry flour mixture in three additions. Be sure to scrape down the bowl before adding each new portion. Blend until only a few streaks of flour remain.
Step 6: Fold in Toffee Bits
Gently fold in the half-cup of toffee bits using a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
Step 7: Portion Dough
Using a size 30 scoop (a little over two tablespoons), portion out dough into approximately 24 equal scoops. Chill these portions in the refrigerator for one hour.
Step 8: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing cookie dough scoops about two inches apart on the prepared sheets.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly browned while centers may appear slightly underdone. After removing from oven, drop pan hard onto counter once to create crinkled edges.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on the pan for about two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Now you’re ready to enjoy some amazing Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies!
How to Serve Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
These Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are not only delicious on their own but can also be enhanced with various serving ideas. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these cookies.
Pair with Coffee
- A strong cup of black coffee complements the espresso flavor in the cookies perfectly, creating a delightful pairing for your afternoon snack.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream for an indulgent treat. Vanilla, chocolate, or coffee-flavored ice cream works wonderfully!
Milk Dipping
- Enjoy the classic combination of cookies and milk. The creamy texture of milk balances the rich flavors of the cookies.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats for a festive gathering. They make an impressive addition to any dessert spread.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each cookie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience that adds lightness and sweetness.
How to Perfect Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
To achieve the best outcome with your Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
Brown the butter carefully: Monitor the butter closely while browning it to avoid burning. A nutty aroma and amber color indicate it’s ready.
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps maintain shape during baking and enhances flavors.
Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality espresso powder and dark brown sugar for richer taste and texture in your cookies.
Don’t overmix: When combining your dry ingredients with wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to sprinkle extra toffee bits or nuts on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be paired with some fantastic side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus adds brightness alongside the rich cookies.
Cheese Platter: Serve a variety of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese that contrast well with the sweetness of the cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate fondue for a decadent experience that satisfies chocolate cravings.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit, then crumble a few cookie pieces on top for added crunch and flavor.
Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast that balances the soft texture of the cookies.
Coffee Cake: Pairing these cookies with a slice of coffee cake creates a delightful breakfast or brunch option that complements their flavors.
Ice Cream Float: Combine soda with vanilla ice cream in a glass, serving it alongside your cookies for a fun dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the browning of butter: Not browning the butter can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Browning adds nutty notes that enhance the cookie’s taste.
- Not chilling the dough: If you don’t chill the dough, cookies may spread too much during baking. Chilling helps maintain their shape and texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing after adding flour can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Ignoring oven temperatures: Baking at incorrect temperatures can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Forgetting to use parchment paper: Skipping parchment paper can cause cookies to stick and burn on the bottom. Line your baking sheets for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Alternatively, freeze unbaked dough balls for fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies:
What makes Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies special?
The combination of brown butter and espresso creates a rich, bold flavor that sets these cookies apart from traditional recipes.
Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter?
While you can use regular butter, browned butter adds a unique nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly browned while the centers look slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips along with or instead of the toffee bits.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite add-ins. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, they offer a rich experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious treats!
Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are a decadent delight that brings a rich and indulgent twist to your cookie jar. The unique combination of nutty brown butter and bold espresso creates an irresistible flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of lightly crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, while toffee bits add just the right hint of sweetness. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a treat for yourself, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tries them. With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a batch of warm cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup toffee bits
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over low heat until it turns amber and smells nutty. Allow it to cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, espresso powder, and salt.
- Cream the cooled brown butter with both sugars until fluffy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients; fold in toffee bits.
- Chill dough for an hour before portioning it into scoops.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
