Bourbon Toffee Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings smiles to everyone around, you have to try these Bourbon Toffee Cookies. They are sweet, chewy, and filled with a perfect blend of flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.
What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up. With simple ingredients and a little bit of patience while the dough chills, you’ll be rewarded with cookies that taste like they came from a bakery. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can have these cookies baking in no time.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet combination of toffee and nuts.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be chilled for hours or even overnight, making it perfect for spontaneous cookie cravings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy butter, sweet sugar, and crunchy nuts creates an irresistible cookie experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy for these Bourbon Toffee Cookies—just some wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Mix-Ins
- 8 ounces toffee chips
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces (chopped small)
Variations
One of the best things about these cookies is their flexibility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Change the Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Add Chocolate: Toss in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Try Different Extracts: Experiment with almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor twist.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter.
How to Make Bourbon Toffee Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly right from the start! Don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper; this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. A well-mixed dry ingredient blend leads to beautifully risen cookies!
Step 3: Cream Together Sugar and Cream Cheese
In another mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. This should take about 2 minutes. Creaming these ingredients helps create lightness in your cookies by incorporating air into the mixture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add melted butter, bourbon (don’t worry—we’re using alcohol-free options!), egg, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Scraping down the sides of your bowl ensures all ingredients are well combined—a key step for consistent flavor!
Step 5: Combine Everything!
Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Once combined, fold in those delicious toffee chips and pecans—this is where your cookies get their delightful crunch!
Step 6: Chill Your Dough
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least two hours. Chilling helps develop flavors and keeps your cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons of dough, place scoops onto prepared sheets about two inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are just slightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
And there you have it—your very own batch of Bourbon Toffee Cookies! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence. Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Toffee Cookies
Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your Bourbon Toffee Cookies to the next level!
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, creating a rich texture in your cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least two hours is crucial. This step not only enhances the flavors but also helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies; you want them soft and chewy!
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Bake in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, bake in smaller amounts. This ensures even baking and prevents overcrowding in your oven which can lead to uneven results.
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Check for Doneness: Every oven behaves differently, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly golden around the edges; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
How to Serve Bourbon Toffee Cookies
Serving your Bourbon Toffee Cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some creative ideas to present this delicious treat beautifully.
Garnishes
- A drizzle of chocolate: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that complements the toffee flavor.
- Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cookies, making for a comforting dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, adding a burst of freshness.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea is an ideal beverage pairing that complements the bourbon notes beautifully while providing a cozy atmosphere.
- Chocolate Milkshake: For an indulgent treat, serve with a thick chocolate milkshake. The combination of flavors will satisfy any sweet tooth!
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll have everyone raving about your Bourbon Toffee Cookies! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Bourbon Toffee Cookies are not just delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to properly store them or prepare them in advance.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer-lasting freshness, consider adding a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
Freezing
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm.
- Transfer into an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
Got questions? No problem! Here are some common inquiries about these delightful Bourbon Toffee Cookies.
Can I make Bourbon Toffee Cookies without bourbon?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of vanilla extract or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for that rich flavor without the alcohol.
How do I ensure my Bourbon Toffee Cookies are chewy?
To achieve that perfect chewy texture, make sure not to overbake the cookies. They should be slightly golden around the edges and soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
What is the best way to store Bourbon Toffee Cookies?
Store your Bourbon Toffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them!
Can I add other types of nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts based on your preference.
How many servings do I get from this Bourbon Toffee Cookies recipe?
This delightful recipe yields approximately 29 cookies, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these Bourbon Toffee Cookies as much as I do! They’re truly special with their blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion—or just because. Whether you share them with friends or savor them all by yourself, let each bite remind you of sweet moments. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Toffee Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 29 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these delightful Toffee Cookies, a perfect treat that brings joy to every occasion. With a chewy texture and a harmonious blend of sweet toffee and crunchy nuts, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your home. The recipe is simple and approachable, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Just mix your ingredients, chill the dough, and bake—it’s that easy! Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies promise to deliver smiles in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup non-alcoholic bourbon substitute (or fruit juice)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounces toffee chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add melted butter, non-alcoholic bourbon substitute, egg, and vanilla; mix until creamy.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined. Fold in toffee chips and pecans gently.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
