Name: Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup toffee bits; 1 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Buttery, nutty, and delightfully chewy, these Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something a little special. The magic begins with rich brown butter, which brings a warm caramel depth to every bite. Add in toffee chunks and melty chocolate, and you’ve got a cookie that’s equal parts cozy and indulgent.

Whether you’re baking a batch for a holiday tray, an afternoon snack, or just because you deserve it, these cookies deliver big flavor with that irresistible chew. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds the final flourish, balancing the sweetness and making every bite pop.

What Kind of Butter Should I Use for Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?

Unsalted butter is best here, giving you control over the salt level. When browning, keep a close eye—you want a deep golden color and nutty aroma without burning it. Browning the butter intensifies its flavor, creating a toasty, caramel-like backbone that gives these cookies their signature richness.

Ingredients for the Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter is key to infusing the cookies with a nutty depth that sets them apart from standard cookie recipes.

Brown Sugar: Gives the cookies a chewy texture and a deeper molasses flavor that complements the toffee.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the chew with a slightly crisp edge.

Egg + Egg Yolk: One whole egg plus an extra yolk gives richness and that soft, tender interior.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm flavors in the butter and toffee.

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie structure.

Baking Soda: For just the right amount of lift.

Salt: Crucial for balance, even in sweet recipes.

Toffee Bits: The star mix-in—little pockets of buttery crunch that melt slightly into the dough.

Chocolate Chunks or Chips: Go for chopped semi-sweet chocolate for gooey pockets in every bite.

Flaky Sea Salt (optional): For that fancy bakery-style finish and a burst of contrast.

How To Make the Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until it foams and the milk solids at the bottom turn golden brown and smell nutty. Immediately transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

To the cooled brown butter, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until combined. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk again until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until a dough forms.

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Fold in the toffee bits and chocolate chunks. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor and texture in every cookie.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This helps deepen the flavors and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them a few inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.

Step 7: Finish with Flaky Salt

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm when the chocolate is still a little melty and the centers are soft. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee. They’re perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or just treating yourself after a long day.

To store, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze the dough balls and bake fresh whenever you’re craving one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip browning the butter?

Technically yes, but you’d miss out on that deep, nutty flavor. Browning the butter is what takes these cookies from good to unforgettable.

What kind of toffee bits should I use?

Store-bought toffee bits (like Heath Bits-O-Brickle) work great. You can also chop up a toffee bar for chunkier bits.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. In fact, chilling improves the flavor.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Yes, but chopped chocolate creates more gooey pockets throughout. If you’re going for bakery-style, chunks are the way to go.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill your dough and avoid placing it on a warm baking sheet. Cold dough and a hot oven are key.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.

If these Brown Butter Toffee Cookies hit the spot, you’re going to love diving into these other cookie creations from Life with Jam:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth holiday magic.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you’re craving something creamy with a gooey center.
Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies for a delightful crispy-chewy bite.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for that buttery classic in cookie form.
Zesty Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies when you want a no-oven-required treat with tangy citrus flair.

Explore more of my daily bakes and small-batch treats on my Pinterest board: Life with Jam

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so it’s ready for your next craving.

And when you try these, let me know in the comments how they turned out. Did you add extra chocolate? Swap in butterscotch chips? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your tips, swaps, or wins below—let’s bake together and make every batch better.