If you love the rich aroma of coffee paired with the irresistible crunch and buttery sweetness of toffee, then you’re in for a treat with this Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together browned butter’s deep nuttiness, a punch of espresso powder, and pockets of gooey toffee bits, all crowned with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that takes every bite to the next level. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll be reaching for another almost immediately, and they make the perfect cozy companion for your afternoon coffee or a delightful dessert to share with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of eight small containers with baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left is a white bowl filled with light off-white flour. To its right is another white bowl filled with light brown sugar. Below the flour is a single white egg placed directly on the surface. Slightly to the right of the egg is a white bowl containing a mix of small dark brown chocolate pieces and light tan nuts. To the right of this bowl is a white ramekin with a light brown, swirled mixture inside. Near the bottom left is a square white dish filled with fine white sugar. To the right of it is a small wooden bowl with coarse white salt. Below these dishes is a small metal tart mold holding a blend of white and light brown powders. Lastly, at the bottom right is a gold-colored measuring spoon containing a dark liquid, likely vanilla extract. The overall scene is bright and neat, with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these Coffee Toffee Cookies right starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final texture, flavor, and look of your cookies. From the richness of browned butter to the sparkle of sea salt, everything here works together beautifully.

½ cup browned butter: This adds a deep, nutty flavor that’s the cookie’s secret superstar.
1 tablespoon espresso powder: Enhances the coffee flavor without overwhelming the sweetness.
¾ cup brown sugar: Gives the cookies a moist chewiness and caramel undertones.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances moisture and contributes to a slight crunch.
1 large egg (room temp): Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
½ tablespoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm sweetness.
¼ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise perfectly.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Contributes to the perfect texture and spread.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
1¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for these soft yet sturdy cookies.
½ cup toffee bits with chocolate: Adds a sweet, crunchy surprise in every bite.
Flaked sea salt for topping: A finishing touch that highlights all the flavors.

How to Make Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting ½ cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the butter foams and then starts to turn golden brown with a rich, nutty aroma. This step is crucial—don’t walk away because it can quickly go from perfect brown to burnt. Once the butter reaches that lovely golden color, transfer it to a glass bowl, then whisk in the espresso powder until fully combined. Pop the bowl in the fridge and let it solidify to a soft, workable consistency before moving on.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Butter

Once your browned butter is solidified enough, place it along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar into a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration helps create those soft, pillowy cookies we all love.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the room temperature egg and beat on low speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These two ingredients bring moisture and warmth that tie your dough together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In Toffee

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients and mix on low just until the flour begins to disappear—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Finally, fold in the toffee bits, making sure they’re evenly distributed for every bite to have that delightful crunch.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Using a ¼ cup scoop, form large dough balls and place them on a baking sheet. For the best flavor and texture, allow the dough to chill in the fridge for at least a few hours or even overnight if you can wait. This rest period lets the flavors deepen and the dough firm up for perfect baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 8 cookie dough balls spaced apart, and sprinkle the top with flaked sea salt and a few extra toffee bits for a gorgeous finish. Bake for 11-13 minutes, watching for edges that turn golden brown while the centers stay soft. Let them cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack—this helps them set without losing that irresistible chew.

How to Serve Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe

A single round cookie with a golden brown color sits on light brown parchment paper on a metal tray. The cookie has a rough texture with visible chunks of chocolate and small white flakes sprinkled on top. The edges of the cookie are slightly darker and crisp, while the center is softer and more cracked. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle a little more flaked sea salt on top right after baking. This heightens the flavor contrast and adds a beautiful texture. You could even drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent twist.

Side Dishes

Serve these Coffee Toffee Cookies alongside a frothy cappuccino or a rich iced latte—coffee and cookie magic! They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies on a pretty plate tied with twine for gifting, or sandwich two cookies together with a layer of espresso-infused buttercream in between for a fabulous dessert. You can also crumble them over a bowl of whipped cream and berries for a quick trifle-inspired delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cooled Coffee Toffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their soft center and crisp edges, though they’re often gone before then!

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze beautifully as well—just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives their soft, gooey center and makes it feel like they’re fresh out of the oven all over again.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Absolutely! Instant coffee works well too, just make sure to use the same amount to keep that strong coffee flavor intact. Espresso powder is preferred for its smoothness, but instant coffee is a fine substitute.

Do I have to brown the butter first?

Browning the butter is key to this recipe’s rich, nutty flavor and is highly recommended. It elevates the overall taste far beyond ordinary cookies, so don’t skip it if you want that signature depth.

Can I substitute the toffee bits with chocolate chips?

You can, but toffee bits add a distinctive crunchy caramel flavor that contrasts beautifully with the coffee. Chocolate chips will make it sweeter and softer, which is delicious but a different experience.

How long should I chill the dough?

Chilling for at least a few hours is recommended to let the flavors develop and firm up the dough. Overnight chilling is even better and results in thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful of your blend’s ingredients so the texture stays just right.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve baked your first batch of this Coffee Toffee Cookies Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become such a beloved recipe. The wonderful harmony of coffee’s boldness, toffee’s sweetness, and buttery richness is pure magic in cookie form. So grab your ingredients, get that butter browning, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect anytime you crave a little sweet with your coffee.