Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both chewy and full of rich flavor, then you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a delightful treat that brings together the nutty essence of brown butter and the sweet crunch of homemade saltine cracker toffee. They are my go-to recipe for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings, and I promise they’ll become your favorite too!

What makes these cookies truly special is that extra step of creating the toffee. It might seem like a bit of work, but trust me, it’s worth every minute for that salty, caramel goodness. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear once you share them with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The combination of brown butter and homemade toffee creates a cookie that’s bursting with flavor.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and salty contrast, making them perfect for all occasions.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for easy baking whenever you need a sweet treat!
• Simple ingredients: With just a few wholesome ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a batch anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need for this delightful treat!

For the Toffee

• 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)

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Use different chocolate: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate to suit your taste.
• Make it seasonal: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during fall or peppermint extract during winter holidays for a festive twist.

How to Make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Make the Toffee

To start, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lay out those saltines in an even layer at the bottom of your pan. This base will give your cookies that delicious crunch!

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir occasionally until it comes to a boil, then lower the heat slightly and let it bubble away without stirring for about 4-5 minutes. This step creates that luscious caramel flavor that will coat our crackers beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once bubbling, remove it from heat and pour this golden mixture over your crackers. Spread it evenly so every cracker gets its fair share of sweetness! Bake this in your preheated oven for about 4-5 minutes until it’s bubbly. After that, sprinkle on those chocolate chips and give them a moment to melt before spreading them into an even layer.

Step 4: Brown Your Butter

Now onto the star of our cookie dough—browned butter! In another medium saucepan over medium heat, melt down your cubed butter while swirling it around. Keep stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen. This step adds depth and richness to our cookies.

Step 5: Mix Up Your Dough

While your browned butter cools slightly, whisk together flour and baking soda in a large bowl. Once cooled down enough not to cook your eggs, whisk in both sugars along with eggs and vanilla until combined. Pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients and stir gently until everything is mixed well.

Step 6: Chill Out!

Pop this dough into the freezer briefly while you chop up your cooled toffee into small pieces. Add most of these lovely bits into your dough mixture—saving some for topping later—and stir well so every bite has that delightful toffee goodness!

Step 7: Bake Those Delicious Cookies

Preheat your oven again now to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your baking sheet leaving space between each one since they’ll spread while baking. Bake them for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown around the edges.

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, sprinkle those reserved toffee bits on top while they’re still warm! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Now get ready—you’re going to fall in love with these Brown Butter Toffee Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Baking these brown butter toffee cookies is a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature eggs: Ensuring your eggs are at room temperature helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
• Don’t skip browning the butter: This step adds depth of flavor and a nutty aroma to your cookies. Take care to not burn it; watch closely as it turns golden brown!
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours (or even up to 3 days) enhances the flavors and creates a chewier texture in your cookies.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour when measuring; this prevents overpacking which can lead to dry cookies. A kitchen scale can also ensure accuracy!
• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different; start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range. You want them just set but still soft in the middle.

How to Serve Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

These scrumptious brown butter toffee cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a cup of coffee or tea. Here are some ideas on how to present and serve them!

Garnishes

• Sea salt flakes: A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet and salty contrast, elevating each bite.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an extra touch of decadence.
• Chopped nuts: Adding some chopped pecans or walnuts can introduce a delightful crunch that complements the chewy texture.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing, a tall glass of cold milk balances out the sweetness and complements the cookie’s flavors perfectly.
• Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their buttery, caramel notes.
• Ice cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delicious dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or apple slices add a refreshing contrast that brightens up your dessert table.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade treats throughout the week. With a little planning, you can make a batch and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For optimal freshness, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container.
• Both the dough and baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• For frozen baked cookies, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• To warm slightly, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until just warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delightful cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use different types of sugar for Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?

You can experiment with different sugars, but keep in mind that brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor. If you prefer, you could use dark brown sugar for an even richer taste!

How do I prevent my Brown Butter Toffee Cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, ensure your cookie dough is chilled before baking. Also, measure your flour accurately; using too little can lead to flatter cookies.

What makes Brown Butter Toffee Cookies so special?

The unique combination of brown butter and homemade saltine cracker toffee creates a rich flavor profile that is both chewy and crunchy. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty!

Can I use store-bought toffee instead of making my own?

Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought toffee bits instead. However, nothing beats the flavor of homemade toffee!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has brought to mine! These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are truly special with their chewy texture and delightful crunch from the homemade toffee. Enjoy making them for yourself or share them with loved ones — either way, they’re bound to be a hit! Happy baking!