Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines chewy goodness with a delightful crunch, then you’ve found it! These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are truly special. The rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty homemade saltine cracker toffee. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they will quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight treat or a sweet addition to family gatherings.

What I love most about these cookies is how they bring together simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. The extra step of making your own toffee is totally worth it and adds an unforgettable flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up these cookies without any fuss.
• Family Favorite: The combination of flavors and textures makes these cookies a hit with both kids and adults!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You might even have most of them in your pantry already!

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 Cookies

• 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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add an extra crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Chocolate: Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different taste.
• Mix in Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile of your cookies.
• Go Vegan: Substitute plant-based butter and egg replacements to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

How to Make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Make the Toffee

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lay the saltine crackers in an even layer at the bottom of the pan. This step creates a solid base for your delicious toffee!

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt together the butter and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until it comes to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it boil gently for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. This creates that rich caramel flavor that will coat your crackers.

Step 3: Bake the Toffee

Remove your saucepan from heat and pour the caramel mixture over the saltines, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 4-5 minutes until bubbly. This step allows everything to meld beautifully together.

Step 4: Add Chocolate

Take it out of the oven and sprinkle on those chocolate chips! Let it sit for a few minutes so they can melt. Then spread them into an even layer over the caramel. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt before placing it in the freezer while you prepare your cookie dough.

Step 5: Brown Your Butter

In another saucepan over medium heat, add cubed butter. Swirl it around as it melts, continuing to stir constantly for about 5 minutes until it’s golden brown and smells nutty. This process is key—it develops that amazing depth of flavor in your cookies!

Step 6: Mix Your Dough

While cooling slightly, whisk together flour and baking soda in a large bowl. Once cooled, combine your brown butter with both sugars in the same saucepan, mixing well before adding eggs and vanilla extract until no yellow streaks remain.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until combined. It may seem dry at first but will come together nicely!

Step 8: Chill Your Dough

Pop this dough in the freezer for just a few minutes while you break up your chilled toffee into small pieces. Add most of this delicious toffee into your dough; save some for topping later! Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours—this helps develop flavors.

Step 9: Preheat & Scoop

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop out dough balls about two tablespoons each onto prepared sheets.

Step 10: Bake & Enjoy

Bake cookies in preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown but tops are just set! Top them with reserved bits of toffee right after pulling from the oven, letting them cool on sheets before transferring them to wire racks.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these delightful Brown Butter Toffee Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Baking these brown butter toffee cookies is a rewarding experience, and these tips will elevate your cookie game!

• Use room temperature eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the dough, leading to a smoother texture and more even baking results.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least two hours (or up to three days) helps develop deeper flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Don’t skip the browning step: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
• Break up the toffee carefully: Using a sharp knife rather than your hands helps maintain the chocolate’s shape and prevents melting. This ensures you get those delightful crunchy bits in every bite.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time. They are done when the edges are golden brown and the tops look just set but still soft.

How to Serve Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

These brown butter toffee cookies are not just delicious; they also make a wonderful presentation for any gathering or cozy night in. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Sea salt sprinkle: A light dusting of sea salt on top enhances the caramel flavor and provides a delightful contrast.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing with cookies! The creaminess of milk perfectly balances out the sweet and salty flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee or espresso: The bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of toffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
• Ice cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that combines warm and cold textures.
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or orange slices add a refreshing contrast to the richness of these cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert table.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your brown butter toffee cookies will be sure to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough in advance or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment. Here’s how to manage storing and freezing your delicious treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to a week.
• For longer freshness, consider layering cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the cookie dough balls before baking: scoop them onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• You can also freeze baked cookies: place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between them.
• They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• For frozen cookie dough, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• If reheating baked cookies, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful cookies.

Can I use other types of chocolate in Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?

Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are delicious, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. Each will offer a unique flavor twist.

How do I achieve the best flavor for my Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?

Make sure to brown the butter properly until it’s golden and nutty-smelling; this step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your cookies. Don’t rush it!

Can I make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies without saltine crackers?

Yes! You can substitute saltine crackers with another type of cracker or even crushed pretzels for a different texture and flavor if desired.

How long do Brown Butter Toffee Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. If you freeze them, they’ll last up to three months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these irresistible Brown Butter Toffee Cookies as much as I do! They bring together a delightful combination of chewy texture, salty sweetness, and that rich brown butter flavor that’s simply hard to resist. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to delight. Happy baking!