Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the best of both worlds—chewy, buttery goodness and a delightful crunch—you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are my go-to treat for any occasion, be it a cozy family night or a festive gathering with friends. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter paired with the sweet and salty homemade saltine cracker toffee creates a taste sensation that is simply irresistible. Trust me; once you bake these cookies, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your home!

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also bring a sense of joy and nostalgia every time I make them. The extra effort of preparing the toffee is well worth it, as it elevates an ordinary cookie into something truly special. So gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: The steps are straightforward, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and salty combination, making these cookies great for sharing.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time, so you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Delicious Flavor: Brown butter adds a unique depth that takes these cookies from good to absolutely amazing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for these Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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)
• 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

One of the best things about these Brown Butter Toffee Cookies is their flexibility! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Mix Up the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer flavor.
• Incorporate Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to spice things up during the holidays.
• Try Different Crackers: Experiment with different types of crackers, like buttery Ritz or whole wheat varieties.

How to Make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Make the Toffee

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Then, lay out 20 saltine crackers in an even layer at the bottom of your pan. This creates a crunchy base that will soak up all that delicious caramel flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar. Stir occasionally until it comes to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and let it bubble away for 4-5 minutes without stirring. This step is crucial because you want that beautiful caramel color and flavor!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Remove your caramel mixture from heat and pour it over your saltine layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake this heavenly creation in your preheated oven for about 4–5 minutes until it’s bubbly. It’s going to smell fantastic!

Step 4: Add Chocolate

Once baked, take it out and sprinkle on those semisweet chocolate chips. Let them sit for a few minutes until melted, then spread them over the caramel layer using your spatula. Feel free to sprinkle some sea salt on top for an extra treat! Pop this delightful concoction in the freezer while you work on your cookie dough.

Step 5: Brown Your Butter

Now let’s get started on the cookie dough! In another medium saucepan over medium heat, place 1 cup of cubed unsalted butter. Swirl it around as it melts; keep stirring constantly for around 5 minutes until it’s golden brown. This browning process brings out rich flavors that will make your cookies unforgettable.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

While your butter cools slightly (about 10 minutes), whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a large bowl. Once cooled, mix in both sugars into the browned butter followed by two large room-temperature eggs and two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 7: Mix in Toffee

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour those wet ingredients into your flour mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t worry if it’s crumbly at first; it’ll come together nicely! Place this cookie dough in the freezer while you chop up your cooled toffee into small pieces.

Step 8: Chill Out!

Remove your dough from the freezer and fold in most of your chopped toffee pieces while saving some for later. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or up to three days—trust me; letting it rest makes all the difference!

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven again, this time at 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your sheet—make sure they’re spaced apart because they will spread.

Step 10: Finish & Enjoy!

Bake those beauties for about 8–10 minutes until they’re golden around the edges but still soft on top. Once out of the oven, sprinkle reserved toffee bits on top if desired! Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Brown Butter Toffee Cookies! Enjoy every chewy bite filled with delightful crunchy bits!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temperature helps them mix more evenly, leading to a better cookie texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in perfectly thick and chewy treats.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This avoids packing too much flour into your measuring cup, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Watch the browning process: When browning butter, stay close and stir constantly. The milk solids can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it for that nutty aroma and golden color.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even different chocolate varieties. This adds unique flavors and textures that make each batch special.

How to Serve Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

These cookies are not just delicious; they also present beautifully! Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies adds a decorative touch and enhances their sweet flavor.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving can elevate the sweetness and create a perfect sweet-salty balance.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, making for a comforting dessert experience.
• Fresh berries: A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies while providing a pop of color.
• Hot cocoa or coffee: Serving these cookies alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or coffee turns snack time into a cozy treat moment perfect for any occasion.
• Milk: Classic and simple, serving these cookies with a glass of cold milk is always a hit, especially for kids and adults alike!

Enjoy baking—and sharing—these irresistible Brown Butter Toffee Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Toffee Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time and store it, which allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes. Here’s how to keep them in tip-top shape:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For added softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
• To bake, add an extra minute or two to the baking time without thawing.

Reheating

• To enjoy cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help as you embark on making these delicious cookies!

Can I make Brown Butter Toffee Cookies without saltine crackers?

Absolutely! You can substitute the saltine crackers with another type of cracker or even use graham crackers for a different flavor profile.

What makes Brown Butter Toffee Cookies chewy?

The combination of brown butter and both brown and granulated sugars creates a rich, chewy texture. The added toffee bits also contribute to that delightful chewiness!

How can I customize my Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?

Feel free to mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different twist!

Can I use vegan butter in Brown Butter Toffee Cookies?

Yes! Using vegan butter will work just as well in this recipe, maintaining that delicious nutty flavor from browning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you are inspired to try making these Brown Butter Toffee Cookies! With their delightful combination of chewy cookie texture and crunchy toffee bits, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every moment of baking and savoring these treats; they truly are special! Happy baking!