Save
These bourbon toffee cookies are my favorite for a weekend treat when I want something a little special but still easy to make. The rich bourbon flavor combined with sweet crunchy toffee chips offers a perfect balance that keeps everyone reaching for more.
I first made these after a friend brought them to a party and immediately asked for the recipe. Since then they have become my go-to when I want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: for structure choose fresh and well-sifted flour for light cookies
- Baking powder and baking soda: to give the cookies just the right rise and tenderness
- Kosher salt: to enhance all the flavors gently without being salty
- Granulated sugar: for sweetness and slight crunch try to use regular granulated instead of fine sugar
- Cream cheese: adds moisture and richness making the cookies soft and a bit tangy
- Unsalted butter: melted helps blend everything smoothly and adds to the buttery aroma
- Bourbon: brings in a warm woodsy note that pairs perfectly with toffee
- Egg: binds the dough together and helps with texture
- Pure vanilla extract: amplifies the sweet notes and rounds out the flavor
- Toffee chips: provide sweet caramel bursts with crunchy texture pick good quality for the best melt and bite
- Pecan pieces: introduce a soft nutty crunch complementary to the sweet and boozy notes use fresh or lightly toasted for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt for consistent flavor and texture in the cookies.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar:
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about two minutes. This step ensures the sugar dissolves well and the base is fluffy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- To the cream cheese mixture add the melted unsalted butter, bourbon, egg, and pure vanilla extract. Stir or beat until the batter turns smooth and creamy. Remember to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to blend any hidden pockets of ingredients.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins:
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet batter. Mix just until combined so the cookies stay tender. Scrape down the bowl again then fold in the toffee chips and chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking and helps develop the flavors.
- Shape Cookies on Baking Sheet:
- Use a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons to portion the dough. Place dough balls spaced about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets so there is room for spreading.
- Bake Until Slightly Golden:
- Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a slight golden edge with a soft center. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
My favorite part is the toffee chips melting just right so you get that sweet caramel crunch in every bite. It reminds me of baking with my grandmother and sneaking a few chips straight from the bag before dropping dough on the tray.
Storage tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They also freeze very well if you want to keep them for longer just thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh them a bit, pop in a low oven for a couple of minutes.
Ingredient swaps
If bourbon is not your preference you can substitute with vanilla or almond extract though the flavor will be less complex. Toffee chips can be swapped for butterscotch chips or even chocolate chips to change the flavor profile. Pecans can be replaced with walnuts for a slightly different nutty taste.
Serving ideas
Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. They pair wonderfully with dessert wine or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a grown-up dessert.
Bourbon toffee cookies are such a joy in the kitchen. There is something comforting about the warm bourbon scent mixing with the sweet toffee that always makes me smile while baking. Once you try them you might find yourself making these for every occasion.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Why is the dough chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing excessive spreading while baking, and helps develop richer flavors.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the dough?
Yes, feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to suit your taste preferences.
- → What role does cream cheese play in these cookies?
Cream cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang, contributing to a tender, rich texture.
- → How can I tell when the cookies are done?
Bake until the edges turn slightly golden while the centers remain soft for the best texture.
- → Is the bourbon flavor strong in the finished cookies?
The bourbon imparts a gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the sweet toffee and pecan notes.