Bourbon Toffee Cookies Recipe

If you love cookies that bring a little extra warmth and crunch to your snack time, these Bourbon Toffee Cookies are an absolute game changer. Picture a soft, buttery cookie infused with the rich, subtle smokiness of bourbon, loaded with sweet, crunchy toffee chips and toasted pecans to give a delightful texture in every bite. Whether you’re gathering with friends or wanting to treat yourself, Bourbon Toffee Cookies deliver a layered flavor experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to cookie for every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with some pantry staples and a few special touches that make all the difference. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing the flavor, texture, and overall magic of these cookies.

• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The base that gives structure and chewiness to your cookies.
• Baking powder (¾ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right, creating a light, tender crumb.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Enhances browning and balances the acidity.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Accentuates sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): For that perfect sweet backbone and slight crispiness on the edges.
• Cream cheese (2 ounces, room temperature): Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the cookies super tender.
• Unsalted butter (7 tablespoons, melted): Infuses buttery richness and helps with the soft texture.
• Bourbon (¼ cup): The star ingredient that brings warmth, depth, and a slight boozy charm that elevates these cookies.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to that perfect cookie structure.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds a lovely sweet aroma and complements the bourbon beautifully.
• Toffee chips (8 ounces): Bursting with buttery, caramelized crunch in every bite.
• Pecan pieces, chopped small (½ cup): Toasty nutty flavor and extra texture to make each cookie irresistibly satisfying.

How to Make Bourbon Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This gives the dry ingredients a chance to evenly combine so your cookies bake up consistently in texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cream Cream Cheese and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and fully combined. This step is crucial because it ensures a creamy base that contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb and slight tang.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the melted butter, bourbon, egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl so everything is well incorporated before moving on.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour patches. Then fold in the toffee chips and chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least two hours. This chilling step is essential for the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading during baking, giving you thick, chewy cookies.

Step 6: Bake Your Bourbon Toffee Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons to portion out the dough onto the sheet, spacing each scoop about two inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cookies are just slightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on the sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack. The aroma alone will make it impossible to wait!

How to Serve Bourbon Toffee Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a few extra toffee bits or finely chopped pecans on top of the cookies right after baking while they are still warm. You could also dust lightly with powdered sugar to add a festive flair that contrasts beautifully with their golden color.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For evening gatherings, consider serving them alongside a glass of bourbon or your favorite whiskey to highlight their boozy notes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a lovely companion, especially if you slice the cookies into smaller pieces for a decadent dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Bourbon Toffee Cookies on a rustic wooden tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks for a cozy, inviting look. You can also sandwich softened cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an irresistible treat, or break the cookies into chunks to sprinkle over milkshakes or ice cream sundaes for added texture and flavor delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your extra Bourbon Toffee Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This lets them retain their soft centers and crunchy toffee without drying out, so you can enjoy them fresh-baked anytime.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for later, freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can also be frozen, wrapped tightly in foil and stored in a sealed container for up to three months.

Reheating

Warm your Bourbon Toffee Cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Reheating helps refresh their softness while reviving the toffee’s melt-in-your-mouth texture, making each bite even more satisfying.

FAQs

Can I substitute bourbon with something non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can simply omit the bourbon or replace it with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract. The flavor will be a bit different, but the cookies will still be delicious and moist.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps firm it up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also enhances the flavor as the ingredients blend together over time, resulting in richer, more complex cookies.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, if you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the added kosher salt slightly to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter is preferred for precise control in flavor, but salted will work in a pinch.

How do I store Bourbon Toffee Cookies to keep them fresh the longest?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated with parchment paper if stacking. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out, unless your climate is very warm and humid.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They have a lovely balance — soft and tender centers with slightly crisp edges, complemented by the crunch of toffee chips and pecans. The texture contrast is part of what makes Bourbon Toffee Cookies so wonderfully addictive.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe Bourbon Toffee Cookies are a delicious way to bring a little warmth and celebration into your kitchen. The harmony between buttery dough, boozy bourbon, sweet toffee, and crunchy pecans creates a cookie that’s uniquely comforting and special. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon — once you bake and taste them, I know these cookies will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to share again and again.

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