Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with a bold espresso kick and sweet, crunchy toffee bits. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for a unique, indulgent cookie treat.

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
- 1¼ 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 butter by melting it in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer to a bowl and stir in the espresso powder. Refrigerate until firm, about 1–2 hours.
- Step 2: Using a stand mixer, beat the solidified browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 4: Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the Heath toffee bits to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 6: Scoop the dough into large balls and refrigerate for a few hours or up to 24 hours before baking.
- Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with flaked sea salt, and bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder when browning the butter.
- Substitute the Heath toffee bits with chopped chocolate or caramel chips if preferred.
- To make the cookies chewier, try chilling the dough overnight for better flavor development.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a warm, freshly baked feel.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, instant coffee can be used as a substitute, but espresso powder provides a more intense and richer coffee flavor that complements the toffee well.
What if I don’t have Heath toffee bits?
You can use other toffee bits, chocolate chips, or chopped caramel candies. Just choose a mix-in that melts well and matches the cookie’s flavor profile.
PrintBrown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe
Delight in these rich and chewy Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies, featuring the deep nutty flavor of browned butter combined with bold espresso, sweet toffee bits, and a hint of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 large cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
Dry Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (115 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
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 over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and cook while stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, approximately 5-7 minutes. Take care to prevent burning by continuously stirring. Remove from heat and immediately transfer the browned butter with the browned bits into a mixing bowl. Stir in the espresso powder thoroughly. Refrigerate this mixture for 1-2 hours until the butter firms up.
- Prepare the Dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the solidified browned butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes. This process aerates the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed, just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Toffee Bits: Gently fold in the Heath toffee bits using a spatula until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion the dough into large balls. Place them on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for several hours or up to 24 hours to allow the dough to firm and flavors to meld.
- Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with adequate spacing. Lightly sprinkle each cookie ball with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up further. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to preserve their chewy texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly browned butter as it imparts a rich, nutty aroma.
- Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances texture.
- Espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor without adding liquid; do not substitute with brewed coffee.
- The flaked sea salt topping balances the sweetness, so do not skip it.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: brown butter cookies, coffee toffee cookies, espresso cookies, toffee bits, browned butter dessert

