If you’re craving a rich, decadent treat that perfectly balances fudgy chocolate with a delightful crunch, this Toffee Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the buttery sweetness of toffee bits and melted chocolate chips, these brownies are irresistibly moist and full of flavor. Whether for a casual snack, a special celebration, or an anytime dessert fix, these brownies deliver a comforting and addictive bite that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple yet essential list of ingredients that combine to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this Toffee Brownies Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy melted butter that ensures richness, to the cocoa powder that gives that deep chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melting it adds rich creaminess and moisture to the batter.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps develop the brownie’s tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor to deepen the taste.
- Eggs plus egg yolk: They bind all ingredients together and contribute to fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and soft without overpowering the chocolate.
- Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives a smooth, intense chocolate taste and beautiful dark color.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderness by softening the overall texture.
- Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavors.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Add bursts of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Toffee bits: Bring delightful crunch and buttery caramel richness in every bite.
How to Make Toffee Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining an 8×8-inch metal pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This prepping step ensures the brownies will bake evenly and come out of the pan effortlessly after cooling.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter for about a minute until fully liquid. Whisk in both the granulated and brown sugars until smooth, then allow this mixture to cool just enough so it remains warm but won’t cook the eggs in the next step. This blend sets a sweet, tender base for your brownie batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Oil, and Cocoa
Whisk in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract vigorously for 30 seconds to create a silky, emulsified mixture. Next, pour in the vegetable oil and Dutch-process cocoa powder to infuse deep chocolate flavor and moisture throughout the batter. This combination makes the brownies luxuriously fudgy.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and sea salt using a rubber spatula just until combined, so you don’t overwork the batter and end up with tough brownies. Then stir in most of the semisweet chocolate chips and toffee bits, reserving a handful of each to sprinkle on top before baking, which adds visual appeal and extra crunch on the surface.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and scatter the reserved chocolate chips and toffee bits over the top. Bake for 30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a cake tester; it should have moist crumbs attached. For less fudgy brownies, add 5-7 more minutes of baking until the tester shows melted chocolate only. Once baked, cool completely before cutting to allow the texture to fully set.
How to Serve Toffee Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving to contrast the sweetness beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, can also elevate these brownies from everyday treat to something a bit more special and decadent.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add fresh creaminess that complements the toffee’s buttery crunch. Fresh berries on the side introduce a subtle tart contrast, balancing the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into different shapes using cookie cutters for a fun twist at parties or gift-giving. Layer warm brownies with ice cream in a glass for an indulgent brownie sundae. You can even sandwich two brownies with chocolate ganache or peanut butter cream for a bite-sized dessert delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge can extend freshness to 5 days, though the texture will be firmer.
Freezing
Wrap individual brownie pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months, making it easy to have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy brownies as if freshly baked, warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until soft and gooey again. This quick heat brings out the toffee’s buttery goodness and melts the chocolate chips beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but omit or reduce the added sea salt in the recipe to avoid making the brownies too salty. The unsalted butter version allows full control over seasoning.
Is Dutch-process cocoa powder necessary for this recipe?
While Dutch-process cocoa powder provides a smoother, less acidic flavor and darker color, you can use natural cocoa powder if that’s what you have. Just expect a slightly tangier taste and lighter color.
Can I replace toffee bits with another crunchy ingredient?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can provide a similar crunchy texture and complementary flavor if you’re out of toffee bits or prefer less sweetness.
How do I make these brownies more fudgy?
For extra fudgy brownies, be careful not to overbake; removing them when the center has moist crumbs attached is key. Also, including the extra egg yolk and vegetable oil as the recipe directs helps achieve that decadent fudgy texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time, as a larger pan or thicker batter might need additional minutes. Test with a cake tester for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Toffee Brownies Recipe has all the elements of a perfect chocolate treat — rich, fudgy, and generously studded with crunchy toffee bits and melty chocolate chips. It’s a wonderful dessert to make for friends, family, or yourself when you want something truly comforting and satisfying. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and delight in every buttery, toffee-filled bite!
Print
Toffee Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40-47 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
These Toffee Brownies are rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate chips and crunchy toffee bits. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, featuring a deep cocoa flavor enhanced by butter, brown sugar, and a tender crumb. Perfect for an indulgent treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk (cold)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (74 grams) vegetable oil
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup (128 grams) semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
- 1 cup (170 grams) toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8 by 8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by microwaving it for about 1 minute. Whisk in the granulated and brown sugars until fully combined. Allow the mixture to cool until just warm to prevent cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the 2 eggs, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract vigorously for about 30 seconds to incorporate air and help achieve a tender crumb.
- Incorporate Oil and Cocoa: Whisk the vegetable oil and Dutch-process cocoa powder into the batter until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and fine sea salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Toffee Bits: Stir in most of the semisweet chocolate chips and toffee bits, reserving a handful of each to sprinkle on top in the next step.
- Fill Pan and Add Toppings: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and toffee bits evenly over the top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the center: it should have moist crumbs attached. For less fudgy brownies, bake an additional 5–7 minutes until the tester comes out with only melted chocolate.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Using cold eggs helps create a more decadent and chewy brownie texture.
- Toffee bits add a wonderful crunch and complement the chocolate flavor perfectly.
- For a fudgier result, avoid overbaking and keep an eye on the cake tester doneness indication.
- Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal and clean cutting edges.
- Store brownies airtight to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-37 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
