Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a perfect texture. These cookies feature lightly crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, enhanced by the nutty essence of brown butter and the bold kick of espresso. The addition of toffee bits brings just the right amount of sweetness, making these cookies perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of brown butter and espresso creates a decadent taste that is hard to resist.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast of lightly crisp edges with soft and chewy centers in every bite.
- Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make baking these cookies simple, even for beginners.
- Versatile Delight: These cookies are great for parties, as gifts, or just as an afternoon snack with coffee.
- Customizable Topping: Add flakey sea salt for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. With these tools at hand, you’ll be all set to create delicious Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make creaming butter and sugars effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie base.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for organized ingredient mixing without mess.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: These prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies come off the pan easily.
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:
1. Place the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Cook until small brown flakes form while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Once it turns an amber/brown color with a nutty aroma (about 7–10 minutes), pour melted butter into a heatproof bowl to cool.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, espresso powder, and kosher salt.
2. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the browned butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Scrape down your bowl:
1. Add one egg and the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined (30-60 seconds).
2. Scrape again, add the remaining egg, mixing another 30-60 seconds until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add the flour mixture in three additions.
2. Scrape down the bowl before adding each addition until just a few streaks of flour remain.
Step 6: Fold in Toffee Bits
Gently fold in:
1. The toffee bits using a spatula until evenly distributed through the dough.
Step 7: Portion Dough
Using a size 30 scoop (just over 2 tablespoons):
1. Portion out dough into approximately 24 equal scoops.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
Step 8: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F while you prepare your baking sheets:
1. Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Space cookie dough scoops about two inches apart on prepared sheets.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven:
1. For about 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
2. Drop pan hard on counter once removed from oven for crinkled edges; use a cup bottom if necessary to press down slightly.
3. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt while hot if desired.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to cool:
1. On the pan for about two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
2. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.
Now you have everything you need to bake indulgent Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Serving Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can enhance their rich flavors.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies. The creaminess of milk complements the rich espresso flavor beautifully.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream between two cookies for a delightful treat. The contrast of warm cookies and cold ice cream is irresistible.
Coffee or Espresso
- Enjoy these cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or espresso. The flavors will harmonize, making each bite more enjoyable.
Warmed with Whipped Cream
- Heat up the cookies slightly and serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich toffee bits.
Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce
- Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent treat. The combination of chocolate and brown butter is heavenly.
How to Perfect Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Perfecting your Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies can take your baking skills to the next level. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.
- Use fresh espresso powder: Freshness matters! Old espresso powder can lose its flavor, so opt for a new batch for that bold taste.
- Don’t skip browning the butter: Browning the butter enhances the flavor profile significantly. This step is essential for achieving that nutty taste.
- Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Watch baking time closely: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. They should be lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Experiment with toffee bits: Try different brands or types of toffee bits for varying sweetness and texture in your cookies.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and chewiness.
Best Side Dishes for Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic choice that adds creaminess and balances out the cookie’s richness.
- Coffee Cake – Complementary flavors make this an excellent match for coffee lovers.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie in warm chocolate sauce for a decadent experience.
- Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie which can pair well with sweet desserts.
- Espresso Martini – A cocktail that combines coffee and sweetness, perfect for adults enjoying dessert together.
- Panna Cotta – This creamy Italian dessert adds elegance alongside your cookies.
- Nutty Granola Bars – For those who prefer something less sweet, nutty granola bars offer texture and flavor balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and making Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the browning process: Not browning the butter can lead to a less rich flavor. Always take the time to brown your butter for that nutty taste.
- Using cold eggs: Baking with cold eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate the dough for at least an hour.
- Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that is too hot or too cool can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature settings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough in scoops for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
Reheating Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covered, to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions commonly asked about Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies.
How do I enhance the espresso flavor in my cookies?
To boost the espresso flavor, consider adding an extra teaspoon of instant espresso powder or using finely ground espresso beans.
Can I substitute ingredients in Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?
Yes! You can use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar or swap out chocolate chips for toffee bits if you prefer.
What makes these cookies chewy?
The combination of brown butter, cornstarch, and proper mixing techniques contributes to the chewy texture of these cookies.
How should I store leftover Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness and softness.
Final Thoughts
Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their rich flavors make them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!
Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are a truly indulgent treat that beautifully blends rich espresso flavor with the nutty essence of brown butter. These cookies feature crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, perfectly balanced with bits of toffee for a delightful sweetness. Ideal for any occasion, from coffee breaks to celebrations, they are sure to impress your friends and family. With easy-to-follow instructions, even beginner bakers can create these gourmet delights in their own kitchens.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- 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
- Flakey sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over low heat until it turns amber.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, espresso powder, and salt.
- Cream browned butter with dark brown and granulated sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in toffee bits gently.
- Portion dough and chill for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F; bake cookies for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool briefly before transferring to a rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
