Ingredients

½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter

1 tablespoon espresso powder

¾ cup (165 g) brown sugar

¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

½ tablespoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cups (175 g) all-purpose flour

½ cup (80 g) Heath toffee bits with chocolate

Flaked sea salt for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the butter by melting it in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Transfer the browned butter and any brown bits to a bowl, stir in the espresso powder, then refrigerate until firm, about 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Using a stand mixer, beat the solidified browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Gently fold in the toffee bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the dough into large balls and refrigerate for several hours or up to 24 hours to firm them up.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with flaked sea salt, and bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense coffee flavor, add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder to the browned butter.

Substitute Heath toffee bits with your favorite toffee candy or chopped chocolate for a different texture.

Refrigerating the dough overnight helps develop deeper flavors and improves the cookie texture.

If you prefer softer cookies, reduce baking time by a minute or two and monitor closely.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

Do I have to brown the butter?

Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the cookie’s taste. While you can skip this step, the cookies won’t have the same depth of flavor.