Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Brown Butter Toffee Cookies. This recipe combines the richness of browned butter with the sweet, crunchy goodness of toffee, creating a cookie that is simply irresistible. Each bite offers a warm blend of flavors and textures that will make your mouth water, perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself.
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Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are a unique fusion of buttery goodness and sugary crunch. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter enhances the overall taste, while the toffee bits provide a satisfying crunch. These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy night in. Everybody will appreciate the combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious bite-sized treat.
How to Make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Ingredients:
- 20 saltine crackers
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt for topping (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (cubed)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make the Toffee: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lay the saltine crackers in an even layer in the bottom of the pan and set aside.
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup light brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Continue boiling for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and pour the caramel mixture over the cracker layer. Spread the mixture evenly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until just bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle on 6 ounces of chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to melt and soften the chocolate, then use a rubber spatula to spread the chocolate over the caramel evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Transfer the toffee to the freezer while preparing the cookie dough.
- Brown the Butter: Place 1 cup (2 sticks) of cubed unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the butter around to melt it, and continue to stir constantly for about 5 minutes. The butter will bubble, foam, and turn golden brown. It should have a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly (approximately 10 minutes).
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda. When the browned butter is slightly cooled, add 1 cup light brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar to the saucepan. Whisk to combine. Next, whisk in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. The dough will be dry at first but will come together as you mix. Place the dough in the freezer for a few minutes while breaking up the toffee.
- Retrieve the toffee from the freezer and chop it into small pieces. Avoid breaking it with hands to prevent melting the chocolate. Mix most of the chopped toffee into the cookie dough, saving some to sprinkle on top after baking.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. Allow it to sit out and soften for a bit if it’s been chilled for more than 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet a few inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the tops are just set.
- After baking, top the cookies with the reserved toffee bits. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm with a glass of milk for a classic pairing. They also make a delightful addition to dessert platters or cookie boxes during the holidays. For an extra treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
How to Store Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Store your Brown Butter Toffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Tips to Make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies Perfect
- Be Patient with Browning: Watching the butter brown can be tricky. Stir constantly and keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling solidifies the butter, which helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to cook after being removed from the oven. Aim for a slight under-bake for the best texture.
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for an extra crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate types for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to complement the sweetness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents dense cookies.
- Experiment with sea salt toppings for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
- For even baking, rotate the cookie sheet halfway through the baking time.
FAQs About Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
1. Can I use substitutes for the butter?
Yes, you can substitute with margarine or a non-dairy butter alternative, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor. Browning will still add richness.
2. What if I don’t have saltine crackers?
You can replace saltine crackers with graham crackers or even crushed pretzels for a different texture and flavor.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it is designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are a delicious treat that anyone can enjoy. With their unique flavor profile and satisfying texture, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite. Whether you serve them at a gathering or savor them on your own, their rich, buttery taste and crunchy toffee promises an unforgettable experience. So, gather your ingredients and bake up a batch today!
Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Lay the saltine crackers in an even layer in the bottom of the pan and set aside.
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup light brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Continue boiling for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and pour the caramel mixture over the cracker layer. Spread the mixture evenly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until just bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle on 6 ounces of chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to melt and soften the chocolate, then use a rubber spatula to spread the chocolate over the caramel evenly.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Transfer the toffee to the freezer while preparing the cookie dough.
- Place 1 cup (2 sticks) of cubed unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Swirl the butter around to melt it, and continue to stir constantly for about 5 minutes. The butter will bubble, foam, and turn golden brown. It should have a nutty aroma.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly (approximately 10 minutes).
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- When the browned butter is slightly cooled, add 1 cup light brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar to the saucepan. Whisk to combine.
- Next, whisk in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. The dough will be dry at first but will come together as you mix.
- Place the dough in the freezer for a few minutes while breaking up the toffee.
- Retrieve the toffee from the freezer and chop it into small pieces. Avoid breaking it with hands to prevent melting the chocolate.
- Mix most of the chopped toffee into the cookie dough, saving some to sprinkle on top after baking.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
- Allow it to sit out and soften for a bit if it’s been chilled for more than 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet a few inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the tops are just set.
- After baking, top the cookies with the reserved toffee bits. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.