Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Cookie Lovers

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect cookie recipe that combines rich, nutty flavors with a soft, chewy texture, look no further than these Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies. Created by Tessa Arias, this recipe has taken the internet by storm, earning a stellar 4.89 rating from 325 votes and going viral on TikTok. These cookies are not just any ordinary treat—they’re a masterpiece of flavor and texture, featuring browned butter, homemade toffee bits, and semisweet chocolate chunks. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, share tips for perfecting these cookies, and explain why they’re worth the 24-hour chill time. Plus, we’ll explore the science behind browned butter and how it elevates this classic dessert. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love These Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Rich, Nutty Flavor: Browning the butter adds a deep, caramelized flavor that regular butter simply can’t match.
2. Chewy Yet Soft Texture: The combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour ensures the perfect balance of chewiness and softness.
3. Sweet and Salty: The addition of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweetness of the toffee and chocolate.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be frozen for up to 6 weeks, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering.

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Ingredients for Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make 25 large cookies:

• 2 sticks (227 grams) unsalted butter: The star of the show, browned to perfection.
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with spreading.
• 1 cup (200 grams) lightly packed dark brown sugar: Provides moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
• 1 cup (127 grams) bread flour: Adds chewiness to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature: Adds richness and structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 10 ounces (283 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped: Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
• 1 cup homemade toffee bits or Heath brand: Adds a crunchy, buttery element.
• Flaky sea salt, for finishing: The perfect finishing touch.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

1. In a medium stainless steel sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan occasionally. It will become foamy, and you’ll hear crackling noises.
3. Once the crackling quiets down, keep swirling until the butter develops a nutty aroma and amber-colored bits form at the bottom.
4. Remove from heat and pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl, making sure to scrape all the flavorful brown bits into the bowl.

Step 2: Combine Sugars and Cool

1. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the hot butter, stirring until combined.
2. Set the mixture aside to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using).

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

1. To the cooled butter mixture, whisk in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula.
2. Fold in the chopped chocolate and toffee bits until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (up to 72 hours). This step is crucial for developing flavor and achieving the perfect texture.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

1. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 1 hour until it’s soft enough to scoop.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough into 3-tablespoon-sized balls.
4. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for spreading.
5. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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The Magic of Browned Butter in Baking

Browned butter is a secret weapon in the baking world, and it’s the star ingredient in these Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies. But what exactly makes browned butter so special? When butter is heated, the milk solids separate and caramelize, creating a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that regular melted butter simply can’t match. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, transforms the butter into a deeply flavorful ingredient that elevates any recipe.

In cookies, browned butter adds a layer of complexity that makes them taste gourmet. It also removes some of the water content from the butter, resulting in a more concentrated flavor and a chewier texture. For this recipe, browning the butter is a crucial step that shouldn’t be skipped. The nutty aroma pairs perfectly with the toffee bits and chocolate, creating a cookie that’s rich, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.

To brown butter, simply melt it in a stainless steel pan over medium heat. As it melts, it will foam and crackle, and the milk solids will begin to brown. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from browned to burnt quickly. Once the butter has a nutty aroma and amber-colored bits form at the bottom of the pan, it’s ready. Be sure to scrape all those flavorful brown bits into your mixing bowl—they’re packed with flavor!

Using browned butter in baking is a game-changer, and once you try it, you’ll want to incorporate it into all your favorite recipes. From cookies to cakes, browned butter adds a depth of flavor that will impress everyone who tastes your creations.

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 The Importance of Chilling Cookie Dough

One of the most important steps in this Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is chilling the dough for at least 24 hours. While it might be tempting to skip this step and bake the cookies right away, chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Chilling cookie dough serves several purposes. First, it allows the flavors to meld and develop. The browned butter, toffee, and chocolate have time to infuse into the dough, resulting in a more complex and delicious cookie. Second, chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. When the dough is cold, it holds its shape better, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

Additionally, chilling the dough gives the flour time to fully hydrate. This means the cookies will have a better texture and won’t be overly dry or crumbly. For this recipe, the dough should be chilled for at least 24 hours, but no more than 72 hours. If you’re short on time, you can freeze the dough for a few hours, but the longer chill time is worth the wait.

Once the dough is chilled, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before scooping and baking. This will make it easier to portion the dough and ensure even baking. Trust us—the extra time and effort will pay off when you bite into a perfectly chewy, flavorful cookie.

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 Customizing Your Cookies

While this Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is already a winner, there’s always room for customization. Whether you want to add your own twist or adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, here are some ideas to make these cookies uniquely yours.

1. Switch Up the Chocolate: While semisweet chocolate is classic, you can experiment with other types of chocolate. Try dark chocolate for a richer flavor, milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, or white chocolate for a creamy contrast. You can also use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate for convenience.
2. Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.
3. Try Different Mix-Ins: If toffee isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with other mix-ins like caramel bits, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruit.
4. Make Them Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose and bread flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture.
5. Adjust the Salt: If you love the sweet-and-salty combination, add a bit more flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
6. Make Them Smaller: If you prefer smaller cookies, use a tablespoon-sized scoop and reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality chocolate and butter for the best results.
3. Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much.
4. Freeze for Later: Portion the dough into balls and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
5. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding nuts, white chocolate, or dark chocolate for a twist.

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The Science Behind Browned Butter

Browning butter is a simple process that transforms its flavor. As the butter heats, the milk solids separate and caramelize, creating a rich, nutty aroma and taste. This process also removes water from the butter, resulting in a more concentrated flavor. In cookies, browned butter adds depth and complexity, making them taste gourmet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/2 teaspoon.

Q: Can I skip the espresso powder?
A: Absolutely! The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but isn’t essential.

Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make smaller cookies?
A: Yes, but reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes.

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Final Thoughts

These Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies are a game-changer. With their rich, nutty flavor, chewy texture, and perfect balance of sweet and salty, they’re sure to become your new favorite cookie recipe. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are worth every minute of effort.