My soft and chewy brown butter toffee cookies are packed with toffee pieces and flavored with vanilla, brown butter, and sprinkling of sea salt. Never browned butter before? I’ll show you how! Recipe includes a how-to video!
The BEST Toffee Cookies
I first shared these brown butter toffee cookies over 7 years ago. Since then, they’ve remained one of my favorites, a guaranteed-to-please go-to that everyone, without fail, asks me for the recipe for.
The inspiration for these cookies came to me via the cafeteria of the hospital where Zach and I used to work. The original was quite a bit underwhelming–too artificial, dry, and not enough butter flavor–but it provided me with some good starting points for my own creation.
My version is anything but underwhelming; we’re talking slightly crisped exteriors, crunchy milk chocolate toffee bits, and a nutty, buttery flavor in every bite (especially in those soft centers!). These cookies are so good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Makes a fantastic fall cookie that’s both pumpkin and pumpkin spice free (if you’re not into that kinda thing). Something about the warm, buttery flavor just makes me think of fall in all the best ways. Feel free to make them year-round though–I certainly do!
- Brown butter provides the best, butteriest flavor that complements the toffee add-ins so well. If making brown butter seems intimidating to you, just know that it’s a simple process. I’ll walk you through every step below!
- No chilling or mixer required! Though you can always cover and chill the dough if you would like; this would likely give the cookies an even richer, more buttery flavor. Keep in mind that that the dough gets a bit crumbly when chilled and will need to come to room temperature before you can scoop and bake.
- Soft and chewy texture that lasts for days, thanks to my tried-and-true baking technique. On the other hand, if you like crunchy cookies, try my butter crunch cookies!
What You Need
- Brown sugar. I recommend a blend of dark and light brown sugar, though you can use all light brown sugar if that’s all you have on hand.
- Toffee bits. Use the crushed milk chocolate toffee bits (Heath bar bits). You can usually find these near chocolate chips in the baking aisle of your grocery store.
- Vanilla. A hefty pour of vanilla (half a tablespoon!) adds SO much flavor to these cookies. I love using homemade vanilla extract in this recipe; if you haven’t made your own yet, you need to!
- Salt. While we are using regular table salt in the dough, I recommend sprinkling flaky sea salt on the cookies just after removing them from the oven. This really intensifies all of the already robust flavors of these brown butter toffee cookies.
- Butter. We’re using a full cup (two sticks) of butter today. We’ll brown this and let it cool completely before adding it to the dough. Note that unless otherwise indicated, you should measure your butter before browning it.
SAM’S TIP: Since we are using room temperature butter, it’s best if you use room temperature eggs as well. I have a trick to quickly bring eggs to room temperature if you forget to set yours out ahead of time.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Brown the butter
Browning the butter is the key to adding truly incredible, jaw-dropping flavor to this recipe. It’s a key ingredient in my brown butter frosting, brown butter chocolate chip cookies, and pistachio cake and it’s every bit as important here, too.
To make it, add the butter to a light-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, increase the heat to medium and stir constantly as the butter bubbles, foams, and pops. Pay close attention, and once you notice a toasty aroma and see brown bits forming on the bottom of the pan, remove from the heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl. You’ve just made brown butter!
Make sure to let the butter cool for 25-30 minutes before adding your other ingredients, otherwise you run the risk of melting your sugars and creating a seriously runny, unusable dough.
Make the dough
The dough comes together like most standard doughs. Once the butter has cooled (completely! Make sure the bottom of the bowl that it’s cooling in doesn’t feel even a little warm), you can add the sugars then the egg and vanilla.
Whisk the dry ingredients together separately then gradually fold it into the wet ingredients. This is a stiff dough, so I do this in 3-4 parts for the easiest combining.
Fold in your toffee bits until evenly incorporated, then you’re ready to scoop! No more chilling needed, you waited long enough for the browned butter to cool so you’re ready to go now!
Bake the cookies
Scoop and roll the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon balls, then place on parchment lined baking sheets.
Bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown (the centers will still look a bit underdone, then remove and sprinkle with sea salt (you need to do this while the cookies are still warm, so it sticks). The cookies will continue baking outside the oven on the hot cookie sheets. This is my favorite trick for soft and chewy cookies that stay soft for days!
SAM’S TIP: The toffee bits tend to stick to the baking sheets as the cookies cool, so I like to gently wiggle the cookies with a spatula after they’ve been out of the oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not ideal with this recipe as the dough doesn’t spread as much after a prolonged period of time in the refrigerator and can even become crumbly. However, if you absolutely must save the dough, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Note that you will likely need to let it completely come back to room temperature before attempting to scoop and roll it, and the dough might be a bit crumbly even with thawing. You may be better off chilling the dough in pre-portioned balls instead.
You don’t have to, but your cookies won’t be quite as soft and tender or thick if you skip it. I recommend substituting flour for the cornstarch if you must leave it out.
The most likely cause is adding the sugars to the butter while it is still just a bit too warm. The butter melts the sugars and creates a super greasy dough which unfortunately cannot be remedied (even chilling won’t help).
This can also happen if you put your cookie dough on hot baking sheets–never do that!
I highly recommend that you re-heat your toffee cookies briefly in the microwave before enjoying (about 9-seconds per cookie, in my microwave). Warm cookies are the best cookies!
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Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar (light or dark is fine, I like to use a blend of the two)
- ⅔ cup (135 g) white sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature preferred
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch cornflour in UK
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170 g) milk chocolate toffee pieces (Like Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Pieces)
- sea salt for sprinkling on top of the cookies (fine or coarse, your preference)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (177C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cut your butter into Tablespoon-sized pieces and place in a medium-sized saucepan. Melt over medium-low heat.1 cup unsalted butter
To Brown the Butter (It’s easy, I promise!)
- Once butter has melted, increase heat to just above medium heat.
- Swirl and scrape the sides of the pan frequently with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – the butter will bubble and pop. Once the bubbling/popping slows, the butter will begin to turn brown, it will look like this once it’s finished:
- Watch the butter very carefully at this point, and once it begins to brown and you smell the nutty aroma of browned butter, remove from heat quickly and pour into a large, heatproof bowl.
- Allow butter to cool for 25-30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
Cookie Dough
- Add sugars into cooled browned butter, stir well.1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, ⅔ cup (135 g) white sugar
- Stir in eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.2 eggs
- Add vanilla extract and stir.1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt.2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt
- Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, stirring until ingredients are nearly completely combined.
- Add milk chocolate toffee bits and stir until ingredients are well-incorporated.1 cup (170 g) milk chocolate toffee pieces
- Drop by heaping, rounded 1 ½ Tbsp (45g) scoops onto prepared cookie sheets, placing at least 2" apart.
- Bake on 350F (177C) for 9-10 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden brown (cookies should still be quite soft when you remove them from the oven, and may even appear slightly underbaked in center).
- Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.sea salt
- Allow cookies to cool on baking pan for about 3 minutes and then use a spatula to gently scoop beneath them and carefully wiggle them free from the parchment paper, as the toffee tends to stick.
- Allow to cool several more minutes and then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
LILLIE Kay
I ADDED INSTANT VANILLA PUDDING TO THIS RECIPE. BECAUSE THE FIRST BATCH WASN’T AS SOFT AS I WANTED BUT STILL AN AMAZING RECIPE ❣️
Patricia Gibson
Evening. I need your help again. I made your brown butter toffee cookies twice this week. Each time they spread and look flat and thin. All ingredients are room temperature and measured with a scale. Brown butter cooled completely. I didn’t refrigerate the dough cause you stated no need. How can I make this a normal size looking cookie.
Sam
Hi Patricia! That is so odd. If the dough seems too soft I would add a touch more flour and chill it for a little bit. Some times there are things in the atmosphere that can interfere with baking. It’s such a science. I hope they turn out better next time. 🙂
Alysia North
Taste is mainly sugar cookie vibe, but delicious. I wish I had used more toffee!
Mine were FLAT. Not sure why? I used an accurate gram scale. Let butter cool completely.
Attempted to freeze the remaining dough. Anyone had luck with this?
Sam
Hi, Alysia! It’s odd that you got a sugar cookie flavor. At the very minimum the brown butter should really shine through here. Did you let it brown enough? Did you make any substitutions?
Vicky
Fabulous cookies! They were so easy to make and delectable. This is now my favorite cookie recipe.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy you enjoyed them, Vicky! 😊
Lisa S.
These are so good. I had to bake 2 batches and everyone loved them. Browning the butter makes a difference in the taste so this is a recipe over kept and used many times.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy you enjoyed them Lisa! Thanks for coming back to leave a review 🥰
Nikk
Just wow!! My son and I made these yesterday and they came out great. This was my first time using brown butter in a cookie recipe, and it is incredibly complementary. Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy you liked them, Nikk! 🥰
Judy
These are my absolute favorite cookies. My family loves them and everyone I shared with wants the recipe. They are simple to make and oh so delicious. Thank you.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Thanks so much for the review, Judy! We’re so happy everyone loves the cookies 🥰
Kim
Can you please tell me how to make these amazing sounding cookies using my sourdough discard?
Sam
Hi Kim! I actually have a sourdough chocolate chip cookie recipe that uses brown butter. You could add some toffee bits to those. 🙂
Sahira
I’ve made this a few times and they have to be the best cookies I’ve ever had! My family and friends love them too 🙂
Mary S.
This sounds great, and I happen to have all of the ingredients at hand. Wondering, though, if these would fare okay as a bar cookie in a 15 x 9 pan? I’ve done it with my Toll House recipe, but not sure how it will work with this. I think parchment would be crucial for success, but it might be a good time saver if we want cookies fast…and we do!
Sam
Hi Mary! I haven’t personally tried it, but I think this could work as a cookie bar. 🙂
Maria Alejandra
Hi! Can I make the brown butter in advance? If so should I take it out of the fridge and use it at room temperature? Thanks!
Sam
Hi Maria! You can make it in advance. I would probably melt it so things combine easily, but make sure it’s not too hot when adding it in. 🙂
Donna Sharp
I usually make toffee shortbread cookies (slice and bake), but I found yours in a Google search and the browned butter drew me in. I am making these for my Christmas cookie haul. Your instructions for browning the butter is foolproof! I made some for my Doubletree chocolate chip cookies and have the dough chilling as I write this. I used a stainless steel skillet so I could see it happening clearly. This is one of the next batches of cookies I am making and I can’t wait to try them. My Maldon finishing flakey sea salt is waiting to be used. Thanks for sharing this recipe and it will, most likely be on my regular holiday cookie rotation and I can finally give my shortbread a break.
Melissa
Another awesome cookie recipe! I’ve never made browned butter before & was surprised how easy it is. It really adds a nice flavour to the dough, it would put edible cookie dough over the top… anyhow, these cookies are great. I didn’t have chocolate toffee, so used half milk chips & toffee bits. I think I cooked mine a little more than you, as they are slightly more brown than yours & a little crisp, but still very tasty. Thank you for another great recipe. Since discovering your site, I’ve been baking like crazy and am going to have the best Christmas cookie trays ever. I can’t wait to try your peppermint bark cookies next. 🙂
Melissa
I just had to reply to let you know that my husband has proclaimed these the best cookies I’ve ever made (and I’ve made a lot of cookies in my life) and I have to agree. Definitely my go-to cookie now, I’ve made these twice since Christmas already.
Sam
That’s so awesome! Thank you for letting me know! I love hearing things like this. 🙂
Lenny
Is the 1 cup of brown sugar packed or not packed?
Sam
Hi Lenny! Sorry for the confusion! Firmly packed here. 🙂
Lauren G
OH MY GOD this is the best cookie recipe ever. Everyone I know says this is the best cookie they’ve ever tasted
Patricia Gibson
Evening. I need your help again. I made your brown butter toffee cookies twice. Each time they spread and look flat. All ingredients are room temperature and measured with a scale. Brown butter cooled completely. I didn’t refrigerate the dough cause you stated no need. How can I make this a normal size looking cookie.
Sam
Hi Patricia! How strange! I want to just confirm that you are browning 1 cup of butter and then using that as written and not using 1 cup of browned butter (browning it and then measuring out a cup)? Assuming you are using the correct amount, the browned butter is cooled *completely* (sounds like it is!) and nothing was mis-measured and no substitutes are being used, I think I would try chilling the dough and see if that helps, but I have personally never needed to chill it.