5 Irresistible Toffee Butter Cookies : Easy Recipe

Buttery, crunchy, and packed with sweet toffee flavor, these Toffee Butter Cookies are a timeless dessert you’ll want in your cookie jar all year long. Made as icebox cookies, this easy slice-and-bake treat is perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or anytime your sweet tooth needs a satisfying fix. With a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and crisp edges, they’re everything you love about old-fashioned cookies—with a toffee twist. Whether you’re prepping for Christmas easy baking, planning a Thanksgiving kids activity, or stocking your freezer with sweets, these cookies deserve a place on your dessert table.

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What Are Icebox Cookies and Why You’ll Love This Version

Icebox cookies are made from dough that is rolled into a log, chilled, and then sliced before baking. This method makes it super easy to prepare cookies ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed. With buttery dough and bits of toffee candy folded in, these toffee cookies become something truly special: crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and full of sweet, nutty flavor. These are the perfect cookies Christmas celebrations call for—classic, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients for Toffee Butter Cookies

To make these irresistible cookies, you’ll need:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (170g) toffee bits (Heath or similar)

Optional:
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Melted chocolate for drizzling

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Perfect Icebox Cookies

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Large mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Plastic wrap or parchment paper
Sharp knife for slicing chilled dough
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Toffee Icebox Cookies

1. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
2. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
4. Fold in toffee bits: Stir in the toffee bits (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed.
5. Shape and chill dough: Divide the dough in half. Shape each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Slice and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake and cool: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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Pro Tips for Buttery, Crunchy-Toffee Flavor in Every Bite

Use room temperature butter to get the perfect cookie dough consistency. Don’t skip the chill time—cold dough slices cleanly and prevents spreading. Slice evenly for uniform baking. Let the cookies cool completely before storing for best texture. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.

Delicious Variations: Crinkle Cookies, Chocolate Drizzle, and More

Crinkle Cookies: Roll sliced dough in powdered sugar before baking for a festive, crinkled look.
Toffee Chocolate Cookies: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or dip one half for a beautiful contrast.
Toffee Truffles Candy: Use the dough as a base for truffle-style candies rolled in cocoa powder or crushed toffee.
Add mini chocolate chips or chopped dried cherries for an extra burst of sweetness.

Serving Ideas for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and More

These toffee cookies are perfect for:
Holiday cookie trays for Christmas or Thanksgiving
Cookie exchange parties
Gifting in decorative tins or jars
Afternoon coffee or tea snacks
Sweet treats for school events or bake sales
They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a cold glass of milk.

Storing and Freezing Toffee Butter Cookies

To store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze baked cookies: Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
To freeze dough: Wrap logs tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Slice and bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Toffee Cookies

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just reduce the added salt by half.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely—this is a great Christmas easy recipe to prep a day or two before baking.

What if I don’t have toffee bits?
Chop up toffee candy bars or use butterscotch chips for a similar flavor.

Are these cookies good for kids?
Definitely! They’re sweet, crunchy, and perfect for Thanksgiving kids desserts or holiday fun.

Why These Easy Icebox Cookies Belong in Your Holiday Baking

Whether you’re gearing up for a cookie exchange, creating a festive dessert board, or just indulging your love of baking sweets, these Toffee Butter Cookies check all the boxes. They’re rich, flavorful, easy to make ahead, and versatile enough to dress up or keep simple. Once you taste that buttery crunch and sweet toffee bite, you’ll know they belong in your permanent holiday rotation.

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