Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies combine rich, nutty browned butter with a hint of espresso and crunchy chocolate toffee bits. These cookies offer a perfect balance of deep flavor and satisfying texture, making them an irresistible treat for coffee lovers and sweet tooths alike.

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
- 1 ¼ cups (175 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (80 g) Heath toffee bits with chocolate
- Flaked sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it turns golden and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a stand mixer, beat the cooled browned butter together with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the Heath toffee bits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 6: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a deeper, more developed flavor.
- Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough onto the sheet in rounded tablespoons and lightly sprinkle each with flaked sea salt.
- Step 8: Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 1½ tablespoons or dissolve it in a teaspoon of hot water before adding.
- If you don’t have Heath toffee bits, chopped chocolate-covered toffee bars or caramel bits work well as substitutes.
- Chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavors and improves the texture, so plan ahead if possible.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature for the best chewy texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, but espresso powder provides a richer, more intense coffee flavor. If using instant coffee, use the same amount but expect a milder taste.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling firms the dough, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a better texture and deeper taste.
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Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with a bold espresso kick and crunchy Heath toffee bits. Finished with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and coffee-infused indulgence, making them an irresistible treat for cookie lovers and coffee aficionados alike.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- ¾ cup (165 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups (175 g) all-purpose flour
Add-ins and Toppings
- ½ cup (80 g) Heath toffee bits with chocolate
- Flaked sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and cook it until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow the browned butter to cool slightly before use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer, beat the cooled browned butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Toffee Bits: Gently fold the Heath toffee bits into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to deepen and the dough to firm up for easier scooping.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Scoop and Salt: Scoop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly sprinkle each cookie with flaked sea salt to enhance the flavor profile.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 1½ tablespoons.
- Chilling the dough overnight enhances the cookie texture and flavor significantly.
- Use high-quality browned butter to maximize the nutty depth in these cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute toffee bits for another type of chocolate or caramel bits according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown butter cookies, coffee toffee cookies, espresso cookies, toffee cookies, sweet and salty cookies, homemade coffee cookies

