Silky Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies Recipe For Coffee Lovers

Melting butter until golden and nutty creates a rich backdrop for these incredible espresso brown butter toffee cookies that dance with deep, complex flavors.

The aroma of caramelized edges and coffee-infused crumbs will stop anyone in their tracks.

Crisp exterior meets a soft, tender center packed with sweet toffee bits.

Browned butter adds a luxurious depth that ordinary cookies can only dream about.

Each bite delivers a symphony of caramel and roasted coffee notes that tingles your taste buds.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake something extraordinary that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 22

Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies Ingredient Lineup

For Butter Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Transforms into nutty, golden brown goodness that adds deep, complex flavor with rich caramel undertones. Select high-quality butter with good fat content for optimal browning.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm, aromatic profile of the cookies with its smooth, sweet essence. Choose pure vanilla extract for authentic, robust flavor.
For Dry Mixture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates tender cookie texture. Look for fresh, unbleached flour with consistent fine grain.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with perfect golden edges. Ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal leavening.
  • Cornstarch: Contributes to soft, tender cookie crumb with delicate, melt-in-mouth texture. Select pure, fine cornstarch without additives.
  • Espresso Powder: Intensifies chocolate notes and adds deep, sophisticated coffee undertone. Opt for finely ground, high-quality espresso powder.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens overall flavor complexity. Choose coarse-grain salt for better distribution.
For Sweet and Binding Elements:
  • Dark Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates luxurious caramel-like sweetness with complex molasses undertones. Select fresh, moisture-rich brown sugar and fine granulated sugar.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients, provides structure, and adds richness. Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth incorporation.
  • Toffee Bits: Introduces delightful crunch and buttery caramel flavor. Select high-quality, crisp toffee bits for best texture.

What Tools Help Make Espresso Toffee Cookies Shine

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars to light, fluffy perfection.
  • Paddle attachment: Helps mix ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Saucepan: Perfect for browning butter with precise control.
  • Heatproof bowl: Catches browned butter after cooking.
  • Medium mixing bowl: For whisking dry ingredients together.
  • Spatula: Helps fold toffee bits gently into dough.
  • Size 30 cookie scoop: Creates uniform cookie portions.
  • Baking sheets: Holds cookies during baking.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
  • Whisk: Combines dry ingredients thoroughly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

How to Bake Espresso Brown Butter Cookies Perfectly

  • Butter Magic Transformation

Melt butter slowly in a saucepan, watching it turn golden and develop rich nutty aromas. Watch for delicate brown flakes forming while gently swirling the pan. Transfer the liquid gold to a heat-resistant container and let it return to room temperature.

  • Dry Ingredient Symphony

Combine flour, baking soda, cornstarch, espresso powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk together until perfectly blended.

  • Sweet Creamy Fusion

Use a mixer to blend browned butter with dark brown and white sugars. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.

  • Egg and Flavor Enhancement

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract to boost the flavor profile.

  • Dough Formation

Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Softly incorporate toffee bits using a spatula.

  • Chill and Prepare

Scoop cookie dough into uniform portions. Refrigerate for one hour to develop deeper flavors and improve texture.

  • Baking Adventure

Preheat oven and arrange chilled dough scoops on baking sheets. Bake until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft. Drop pan once after baking to create delightful crinkled edges.

  • Final Touches

Let cookies rest briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack. Sprinkle with sea salt for an elegant flavor finish.

  • Transform ordinary butter into a flavor powerhouse by carefully monitoring the color and aroma during the browning process, creating a rich, nutty base for extraordinary cookies.
  • Gently fold toffee bits into the dough to ensure even distribution, preventing clumping and creating delightful pockets of sweet, crunchy goodness in every bite.
  • Rest the cookie dough for at least an hour to intensify flavors, prevent excessive spreading, and develop a more complex, developed taste profile during baking.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of warm cookies to elevate the sweet-salty balance, bringing out the deep caramel notes of the browned butter and toffee.
  • Experiment with different toffee brands or swap for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or caramel pieces to create your unique twist on this indulgent cookie recipe.

Serving Espresso Cookies at Any Time

  • Pair with Espresso: Serve these rich, buttery cookies alongside a freshly brewed shot of espresso to enhance the coffee flavor and create a delightful dessert experience.
  • Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a elegant platter with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a sprinkle of toffee bits, and a light dusting of cocoa powder for a stunning presentation.
  • Elevate Afternoon Tea: Pack these cookies in a cute tin for a sophisticated treat during afternoon tea, complementing the cookies with a smooth Earl Grey or a delicate herbal tea blend.
  • Gift with Love: Wrap a stack of these brown butter toffee cookies in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and share as a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and warm hospitality.

Storing Espresso Toffee Cookies Correctly

  • Store Safely: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they'll stay fresh for 5-7 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze Cookie Dough: Wrap unbaked cookie dough scoops tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Maximize Freshness: Keep cookies away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their crisp texture and rich brown butter flavor. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods that might transfer odors.
  • Revive Texture: Warm slightly stale cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their original soft, chewy consistency.
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Silky Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies Recipe

Silky Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 22 1x

Description

Warm espresso brown butter toffee cookies bring rich caramel notes and deep coffee undertones to classic cookie lovers. Crisp edges and chewy centers offer delightful textures that will satisfy sweet cravings with each memorable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsps instant espresso powder
  • 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup (170g) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup (85g) toffee bits
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsps cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown Butter Preparation: Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat, swirling continuously until it develops a nutty, amber hue with delicate brown flakes. Transfer to a heatproof container and cool to room temperature.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, cornstarch, espresso powder, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Sugar and Butter Emulsification: Cream cooled brown butter with dark brown and granulated sugars using a mixer, whipping until the mixture becomes light and voluminous, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Mix in eggs individually, incorporating vanilla extract, and thoroughly blend while scraping down bowl sides to create a uniform mixture.
  5. Dough Formation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed, stopping when minimal flour streaks remain. Gently incorporate toffee bits using a spatula for even distribution.
  6. Dough Portioning and Chilling: Scoop dough into 24 equal portions using a size 30 scoop. Refrigerate for 1 hour to enhance flavor and texture development.
  7. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper, arranging chilled dough scoops 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading.
  8. Baking and Texture Optimization: Bake 8-10 minutes until edges turn light brown and crisp, maintaining slightly underbaked centers for optimal texture. Immediately drop pan onto counter surface to create attractive crinkled edges.
  9. Finishing Touches: Optional: Flatten cookies with a flat-bottomed cup and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool on baking pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

  • Unlock Brown Butter Depth: Carefully brown butter to develop complex, nutty flavors that elevate the entire cookie’s taste profile.
  • Chill Dough for Perfection: Refrigerating the portioned dough for one hour allows ingredients to meld and creates a more concentrated, rich flavor with ideal cookie texture.
  • Master Baking Timing: Watch cookies closely during the 8-10 minute baking window; remove when edges are light brown and centers appear slightly underbaked to achieve a soft, chewy interior.
  • Finale Technique: Drop the baking pan immediately after removing from the oven to create signature crinkled edges and help cookies settle into a perfect texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 22
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 33mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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