If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly balances rich coffee flavor with buttery toffee sweetness, this Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe will be your new go-to treat. With the warmth of espresso, the deep caramel notes of browned butter, and those irresistible crunchy toffee bits, every bite feels like a comforting hug and a little celebration all at once. It’s a simple recipe that comes together beautifully and is bound to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with seven small bowls and one egg arranged neatly. The largest white bowl on the top left contains white flour with a soft, powdery texture. Next to it on the right is a medium white bowl filled with light brown sugar that looks crumbly and fine. Below these, a white square bowl on the left is filled with granulated white sugar, smooth and shiny. To its right, a white round bowl contains a mix of chopped nuts and small chocolate pieces in dark and light brown tones. Above it, another white round bowl holds a cinnamon-colored powder mix, soft and dry. A small round wooden bowl near the bottom right is filled with coarse white sea salt crystals. In front of the wooden bowl is a small metallic fluted container holding fine, pale pink salt. Lastly, a gold measuring spoon with a small amount of dark vanilla extract is placed near the bottom right. A single white egg sits near the two large bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet carefully chosen to create the exquisite taste and texture of these cookies. Each component plays its part, from the nutty browned butter to the crunchy toffee bits, crafting a cookie that’s chewy, crisp, and packed with flavor.

½ cup butter (browned and solidified): Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that elevates the cookie’s flavor immensely.
1 tbsp espresso powder: This infuses the cookies with an unmistakable coffee essence without overpowering the sweetness.
¾ cup brown sugar: Provides moisture and that rich molasses undertone for soft, tender cookies.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness and helps create the perfect texture contrast.
1 large egg (room temp): Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookie’s chewiness.
½ tbsp vanilla: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
¼ tsp baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep cookies from getting too dense.
½ tsp baking soda: Helps with leavening and creates the perfect cookie spread.
½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates the toffee and coffee flavors.
1¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie’s structure and texture.
½ cup Heath toffee bits with chocolate: Adds satisfying crunch and bursts of sweet, buttery toffee throughout.
Flaked sea salt for topping: A sprinkle on top intensifies flavor and adds a gourmet touch.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection

Start by melting ½ cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep cooking past the initial melting stage until the butter foams and turns a warm golden brown with a nutty aroma. This process unlocks deep, rich flavors that will carry through your entire cookie. Be vigilant; the transition from brown to burnt can happen quickly. Once browned, transfer the butter to a glass bowl and stir in the espresso powder until smooth. Refrigerate this mixture until it solidifies again into a soft, workable state.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place your browned butter, now solid but soft, into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add both the brown and granulated sugar, then beat on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and aerated. This will create a tender, chewy texture in the finished cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in your room temperature egg. Mix on low speed just until it becomes smooth, about 30 seconds, then pour in the vanilla extract. The egg enriches the dough, while vanilla blends the coffee and toffee notes together wonderfully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Toffee

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture on low speed, stirring just until most of the flour disappears but some streaks remain. Overmixing can ruin the texture, so stop early. Then gently fold in the Heath toffee bits, ensuring every bite will have delightful bursts of sweet crunch.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough into large balls, around ¼ cup each. Chilling the dough for at least a few hours, ideally 24, allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking. This step makes all the difference in texture and flavor depth.

Step 6: Bake with Care

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Place 8 cookie dough balls per sheet, leaving space between each. Sprinkle the tops with flaked sea salt and extra toffee bits if desired. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are golden brown and set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the pans before transferring to a rack.

How to Serve Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe

The image shows six round cookies on a silver baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper. The cookies are golden brown with a slightly cracked surface and scattered darker brown spots of nuts or chocolate chips. Small grains of salt or sugar are sprinkled on top of some cookies. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The cookies are evenly spaced and have a soft, slightly textured appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For extra indulgence, sprinkle freshly shaved dark chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. The sea salt topping already adds sophistication, but these little touches elevate your coffee toffee cookies into a true delight for any occasion.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a freshly brewed cup of black coffee or a creamy latte. For a dessert spread, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a rich chocolate mousse to complement the toffee and espresso notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider packaging these cookies in a decorative tin or cellophane bags tied with rustic twine as a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, create a cookie platter with varied coffee-themed treats for a fun, thematic dessert table that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Coffee Toffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, perfect for sweetening your mornings all week long.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls. For baked cookies, place parchment between layers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing dough, scoop balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple minutes extra to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This helps revive their freshly baked softness and melts the toffee bits slightly, making each bite as irresistible as the first.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?

Espresso powder has a concentrated flavor that’s crucial in this recipe to give the cookies that distinct coffee taste without adding liquid. Regular brewed coffee would add unwanted moisture and could alter the dough’s texture, so espresso powder is best.

What if I don’t have Heath toffee bits?

If Heath bits aren’t available, substitute with any good quality toffee chips or even chopped caramel candies. Just be mindful that some caramel candies may melt differently, impacting texture slightly.

Is it necessary to brown the butter?

Browning butter adds incredible depth and nuttiness that sets these cookies apart. You could skip it, but your Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe won’t have that signature richness that makes them unforgettable.

Why chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough relaxes the gluten and solidifies the fats, which prevents cookies from spreading too much. This results in thicker, chewier cookies with more concentrated flavors from the toffee and espresso.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try swapping in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary depending on the blend used. For best texture, look for blends with xanthan gum or add your own binder.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves cookies with a bold, sophisticated flavor. The combination of browned butter, espresso, and crunchy toffee bits creates a satisfying treat that’s just as perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up as it is for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with each bite as much as I have!