Introduction
These Decadent Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with sweet toffee bits and semisweet chocolate chunks. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making these cookies an indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe involves browning butter to enhance its flavor, then combining it with sugars, flour, and other ingredients to create a cookie dough that is chilled before baking. The result is a batch of cookies that are crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and packed with delicious toffee and chocolate.
History and Origin
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic American dessert, first created by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. The addition of browned butter and toffee bits adds a modern twist to this traditional treat, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (227 grams) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 grams) lightly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (127 grams) bread flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 10 ounces (283 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup toffee bits (homemade or Heath)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- In a medium stainless sauté pan set over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Swirl the pan occasionally, and continue to cook the butter until it becomes foamy with audible cracking and popping noises.
- Once the crackling becomes quieter, continue to swirl the pan or stir until the butter develops a nutty aroma and brown bits start to form at the bottom.
- Once the bits are amber in color, remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl, ensuring to include the brown bits from the bottom of the pan as they hold a lot of flavor.
Step 2: Combine Sugars and Butter
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the hot butter, stirring to combine.
- Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking soda, salt, espresso powder (if using), and baking powder.
Step 4: Prepare the Dough
- To the cooled butter mixture, whisk in the eggs, yolk, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture with a rubber spatula.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate chunks and toffee bits.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours but no more than 72 hours.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
- Let the dough sit at room temperature just until it is soft enough to scoop, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6: Portion and Bake the Cookies
- Divide the dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls using a large cookie scoop and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets. The dough may be slightly challenging to scoop.
- (Optional) At this point, you can portion the dough, place it on a baking sheet, and freeze it just until solid. Then remove frozen balls of dough to an airtight container and store them for up to 6 weeks.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the cookies, if desired.
- Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Store the Cookies
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving
These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the chocolate is still melty. They can be paired with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite tea. For a special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Beverages: Milk, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a vanilla milkshake.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel-flavored ice cream.
- Fruits: Fresh berries, apple slices, or banana slices to balance the sweetness.
Variations of the Recipe
- Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
- White Chocolate and Cranberries: Replace semisweet chocolate with white chocolate chunks and add dried cranberries.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Substitute 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle the cookies with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
Health Benefits Notes
While these cookies are indulgent, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some potential health benefits of the ingredients used:
- Dark Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate may help improve heart health and boost mood.
- Toffee: Though sugary, toffee provides a quick source of energy.
- Butter: Provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour? A: Yes, but the bread flour adds a chewier texture to the cookies. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can use 2 ½ cups of it.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours or frozen for up to 6 weeks.
Q: Do I need to use the espresso powder? A: No, the espresso powder is optional. It enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted.
Conclusion
Decadent Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies are a luxurious treat that combines the rich flavors of browned butter, toffee, and semisweet chocolate. With their perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers, these cookies are sure to impress. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, as part of a dessert platter, or as a sweet snack, they are a delightful addition to any occasion.