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brown butter toffee chocolate chip cookies with one held up.
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Meaningful Eats

Gluten-Free Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

24 cookies
If you love thin, crispy, buttery cookies, this recipe is for you.
These gluten-free brown butter toffee chocolate chip cookies are loaded with homemade toffee bits and high-quality chopped chocolate — and they have the most irresistible crisp, golden edges you'll ever bite into.
My #1 tip? Use a high-quality butter like Kerrygold. The higher fat content gives these cookies their signature deep golden color and rich, buttery flavor. You can taste the difference, and you can see it too
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 48 minutes
Freezing time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 33 minutes

Ingredients

Homemade Toffee Bits

  • 1 cup (227g) butter
  • 1 cup (213g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (227g) butter
  • 1 cup (213g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk of choice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional
  • 1 ⅔ cups (250g) gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • 8 ounces high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup toffee bits, plus more for topping
  • flaky salt for sprinkling, optional

Instructions

  • For the homemade toffee bits: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once partially melted, add the brown sugar and salt and whisk until smooth.
  • Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth, thickened and deep golden brown, about 8-10 minutes and the mixture measures 300°F.
  • Remove from the heat and immediately pour onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread into an even layer.
  • Let cool until hardened, about 20 minutes. Break into small pieces.
  • You’ll only use about a cup of toffee for this recipe. Store the rest in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • For the cookie dough: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the butter is melted and begins to foam, stir continuously to prevent the milk solids from sticking to the skillet. The butter will change from yellow to golden brown quickly and will have a nutty aroma. Remove from the heat and immediately pour into a medium bowl.
  • Place the browned butter in the freezer for 10 minutes (or leave at room temperature for 30 minutes) to cool slightly.
  • Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the brown butter. Whisk to combine.
  • Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the milk, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, salt and espresso powder. Whisk until smooth.
  • Using a rubber spatula, mix in the gluten-free flour and almond flour until almost combined. Stir in the semisweet chocolate and toffee bits and mix just until no dry streaks of flour remain.
  • Scoop the cookie dough into round balls, about 2 tablespoons per ball. Place the dough balls onto a large plate or a parchment paper-lined large baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap.
  • Freeze the dough balls for at least 2 hours or up to 3 months. Transfer to an airtight container if freezing for more than a few hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • Place the 6 frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet, leaving room for the cookies to spread. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the cookies have spread and are golden brown (note that these are supposed to be thin and crisp cookies!).
  • Remove from the oven and top with more pieces of toffee and chopped chocolate if desired. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky salt and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Gluten-Free: I always use King Arthur for the best cookie texture! It is high-quality, reliable, and already contains xanthan gum.
Dairy-Free: These cookies cannot be made dairy-free.
Nut-Free: Replace the almond flour with 1/2 cup of gluten-free measure-for-measure flour.
To Make-Ahead: Prep the dough and shape into balls, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes, if needed.
To Store: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 386mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 612IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg