Nebraska’s Best Butter Brickle Cookies: A Classic Toffee Delight Recipe
Discover the irresistible charm of Butter Brickle Cookies, inspired by the iconic ice cream that originated right here in Nebraska. These buttery delights are generously studded with crunchy toffee bits, boasting a wonderfully chewy interior and a delicate, crisp exterior. Prepare for them to become an instant, cherished family favorite!
Have you ever heard of Butter Brickle Cookies? If not, you’re in for a delightful introduction to a true American classic, deeply rooted in the heartland. Imagine a cookie that captures the essence of that beloved Butter Brickle Ice Cream, transforming it into a portable, buttery, and utterly satisfying baked treat. These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a taste of history, a nod to Nebraskan culinary innovation, and a testament to the simple joy of a perfect cookie, brimming with delightful toffee bits. Their unique combination of chewy and crisp textures, coupled with the rich, caramelized notes of toffee, makes them truly unforgettable.
But first, let’s talk about the inspiration: Butter Brickle Ice Cream. Here in Nebraska, it’s more than just a flavor; it’s a source of local pride, earning enthusiastic two thumbs up from virtually everyone. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it also holds a special place as one of the many fantastic foods to have originated in my home state of Nebraska. Our state may be known for its vast prairies and agricultural bounty, but it also boasts a surprising number of culinary claims to fame, with Butter Brickle Ice Cream undeniably at the very top of my personal list for its distinctive and appealing taste. This humble ice cream flavor has a long and storied past, setting the stage for these amazing Butter Brickle Cookies.
Celebrating America’s Diverse Flavors with Bob’s Red Mill: The 50 States of Cookies Campaign
I was absolutely thrilled and honored when Bob’s Red Mill Flour extended an invitation to participate in their incredible “50 States of Cookies” campaign back in 2016. This ambitious project brought together 50 states, represented by 50 dedicated bloggers, each tasked with crafting 50 unique cookie recipes. Their mission was beautifully simple yet profoundly meaningful: to unite our diverse nation through the shared joy of a sweet treat, celebrating the wonderful individuality of each state. Bob’s Red Mill, a brand synonymous with quality and wholesome ingredients, aimed to highlight the unique culinary tapestry of America, one delicious cookie at a time. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase a beloved Nebraskan flavor, elevated by the superior quality of Bob’s Red Mill flour, which I’ve trusted in my kitchen for years to deliver exceptional baking results. The campaign was a sweet way to highlight regional specialties and connect people through food.
Nebraska’s Culinary Identity: The Unmistakable Butter Brickle Cookie
When tasked with representing Nebraska in this prestigious cookie campaign, my mind immediately raced through the various iconic foods and culinary traditions that define our state. While Nebraska is famous for many delightful edibles, including its robust beef industry, and even unexpected contributions like Kool-Aid and the hearty Runza sandwich, when it came to cookies, one flavor truly stood out: Butter Brickle. It was a clear and instant choice. The idea of translating the rich, buttery, toffee-filled goodness of Butter Brickle ice cream into a portable cookie seemed like a culinary no-brainer. Toffee bits and cookies are, after all, a match made in heaven, creating a synergy of textures and flavors that is utterly compelling. While we’ll save detailed discussions about other Nebraskan specialties like Kool-Aid or the savory Homemade Runzas for future posts, for this campaign, Butter Brickle was undoubtedly the star, perfectly capturing the spirit of Nebraskan sweets.
The Fascinating History of Butter Brickle Ice Cream
Let’s delve into a little bit of delicious history, tracing the origins of this iconic flavor. The delectable Butter Brickle Ice Cream was first developed by the prestigious Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, during the roaring 1920s. This era was a vibrant period of innovation and culinary creativity, and the Blackstone Hotel was at the forefront. Interestingly, this very same historic hotel is also credited with the creation of another internationally famous food item: the Reuben sandwich! The original flavoring and the accompanying candy bar for Butter Brickle were produced by the Fenn Bros. Ice Cream and Candy Co., based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This company continued to delight taste buds until its liquidation in the 1970s. Following this, the trademark and the secret formula were acquired by the makers of the popular “Heath” bar, further cementing its place in American confectionery. Today, a direct descendant of that original name lives on in “Heath Bits ‘o Brickle Toffee Bits,” a beloved baking ingredient now sold by The Hershey Company, which acquired the Heath assets in 1996. This journey from a local hotel specialty to a nationally recognized ingredient is truly a testament to Butter Brickle’s enduring appeal and delicious legacy.
A note on the magnificent birthplace of Butter Brickle: “The Blackstone Hotel, now known as the Blackstone Center, is located at 302 South 36th Street in the Blackstone neighborhood of the Midtown area in Omaha, Nebraska. Constructed in 1915, it was recognized as an Omaha Landmark in 1983 and subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.” This landmark stands as a proud symbol of Omaha’s rich history and its significant contributions to American culinary culture, giving us not only a fantastic ice cream flavor but also these incredible Butter Brickle Cookies, a taste of history in every bite. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a true gem, just like the recipes it inspired.
Understanding Butter Brickle: The Essence of English Toffee
So, what exactly is “Butter Brickle” made of? At its heart, butter brickle refers to delicious, golden-brown toffee, carefully broken into tiny, irregular bits. This isn’t just any candy; it’s a rich, buttery, and often slightly salty confection made by boiling sugar and butter together until they reach a hard crack stage. These delightful little pieces of crunchy, buttery toffee are the unmistakable stars you find generously scattered throughout toffee-flavored ice cream – the very treat we all know and love as Butter Brickle Ice Cream. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and slightly salty notes that creates such an addictive flavor and texture, offering a satisfying crunch that elevates any dessert it’s added to.
Today, Heath, under The Hershey Company, offers two primary varieties of these fantastic toffee bits that are perfect for baking. The first is their classic English Toffee Bits, affectionately known as “Bits ‘o Brickle.” These are the ones I specifically recommend and use for my authentic Butter Brickle Cookie recipe, providing that pure, unadulterated toffee crunch and flavor that truly defines these cookies. The second variety is their Milk Chocolate variety, where the same delicious toffee bits are coated in, you guessed it, rich milk chocolate! While both are wonderful and can add a delightful dimension to many baked goods, the plain “Bits ‘o Brickle” truly capture the original essence and provide the distinct texture needed for these traditional Butter Brickle Cookies.
Crafting Perfection: Ingredients for My Irresistible Butter Brickle Cookie Recipe
These buttery, toffee-filled cookies are not only incredibly easy to prepare, making them accessible even for beginner bakers, but they also offer another fantastic bonus: they freeze exceptionally well! This makes them an ideal candidate for preparing ahead of time, especially if you’re looking to get a head start on your holiday baking, manage time during busy weeks, or simply want to have a stash of delicious homemade cookies ready for any impromptu craving or occasion. The simple, high-quality ingredients combine harmoniously to create a complex flavor profile that is truly more than the sum of its parts, resulting in a cookie that is both nostalgic and supremely satisfying.
For this classic Butter Brickle Cookie recipe, you will need the following high-quality ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick / 1/2 cup): Essential for that rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor that is the hallmark of a great cookie. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your recipe, which is important for balancing sweetness. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars.
- Packed Light Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture, chewiness, and a deeper, molasses-rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the toffee perfectly. Its slight acidity also interacts with the baking soda for lift.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Contributes to the crisp exterior of the cookies and provides overall sweetness, balancing the richness of the brown sugar and butter.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A crucial flavor enhancer that brings out the sweetness and complexity of all the other ingredients. It’s especially important when working with rich flavors like butter and toffee, preventing the cookies from tasting bland.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Provides a warm, aromatic foundation for the cookie dough, enhancing the overall dessert experience and adding a layer of sophisticated flavor.
- Large Eggs (2): Act as a binder, adding structure, richness, and moisture to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape and have a pleasant, slightly chewy texture.
- Bob’s Red Mill Organic Unbleached All-Purpose White Flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation of our incredible cookies. Bob’s Red Mill flour is renowned for its consistent quality, optimal protein content, and fine texture, ensuring a perfect structure and lift in your baked goods. It contributes to the desired chewy-crisp balance.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): The primary leavening agent that helps the cookies spread slightly and achieve that delightful soft-chewy texture while promoting golden-brown edges.
- Heath Bits ‘O Brickle Toffee Bits (1 8-ounce package): The star ingredient! These provide the characteristic crunch, intense buttery flavor, and distinct “brickle” texture that defines these unique cookies. An 8-ounce package is usually just the right amount for a generous distribution of toffee throughout the dough.
The preparation process for these Butter Brickle Cookies is wonderfully straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results with confidence. Begin by expertly mixing your cookie dough until it’s beautifully smooth, light, and cohesive. This initial creaming step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender crumb. Once the buttery base is ready, it’s time for the star: gently fold in those irresistible toffee bits. For uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made, I highly recommend using a cookie scoop. This simple yet effective tool ensures each cookie is precisely the same size, leading to consistent baking times and a more appealing, Instagram-worthy presentation. Remember, precision in baking often leads to the most delicious and satisfying outcomes!
One of the most crucial tips for achieving the perfect Butter Brickle Cookie – that coveted balance of chewy and crisp – is to absolutely avoid overbaking. This is the secret to retaining that wonderfully soft and chewy center that contrasts so beautifully with the slight crispness of the edges and the delightful crunch of the toffee bits. I always pull my cookies from the oven when they’re just starting to turn golden around the edges, even if the center still looks a little soft or slightly underdone. The residual heat from the hot baking sheet will continue to cook them gently as they rest, allowing them to set perfectly without becoming dry or hard. Let them sit on the warm cookie sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This technique ensures a tender, deliciously chewy cookie every single time, preserving all the buttery, toffee-filled goodness.
Loved This Recipe? Pin it for Later!
If you’ve fallen in love with these delightful Butter Brickle Cookies and want to ensure you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! Pin it directly to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. This way, you can easily find it whenever that desire for a buttery, toffee-filled treat ignites, or when you’re planning your next baking adventure. It’s the perfect way to keep all your favorite recipes organized and accessible!
Another fantastic quality of these Butter Brickle Cookies that I absolutely adore is how incredibly well they travel. Their sturdy yet tender structure makes them perfect for packaging and shipping without crumbling. Simply place them carefully in an airtight container, and they’ll arrive beautifully, maintaining their freshness and deliciousness. This makes them an ideal gift, whether you’re sending them across the country to family or friends, or even to our amazing servicemen and women stationed across the globe, providing a comforting taste of home. I’m truly grateful to the friend who generously shared this recipe with me so many years ago, especially for this very reason – knowing they could bring joy over long distances. These cookies truly make an excellent, heartfelt gift that brings happiness and a sweet reminder of connection, no matter the distance.
Featured in “United Sweets of America”: A National Recognition
Just a couple of years after I initially shared this beloved Butter Brickle Cookie recipe on my blog, I received an incredibly exciting and unexpected message that truly took me by surprise. A representative from the United States government contacted me, inquiring if they could feature this very cookie recipe in their annual planner, which is distributed to federal employees nationwide. It was a truly humbling and proud moment to know that my recipe had caught the attention of such a prestigious institution and would be shared with so many people across the country!
Each year, these federal employee planners adopt a distinct theme, making them unique and engaging. For 2019, the theme was a delightful celebration of “Sweets from Each State,” highlighting culinary contributions from across the nation. My Butter Brickle Cookie recipe was chosen to represent the great state of Nebraska, proudly featured as the recipe for the week of July 1st, 2019. It was an honor to see a piece of my kitchen, a taste of Nebraska’s heritage, and a recipe I poured my heart into, shared with so many dedicated individuals across the country. This national recognition truly underscored the universal appeal of these simple yet profoundly delicious cookies.
Yes, my Butter Brickle Cookie Recipe was proudly chosen as the sweet representative for Nebraska, gracing the pages of the federal employee planner for the week of July 1st, 2019. A true testament to its universal appeal and deliciousness, solidifying its place as a beloved American classic!
Explore More of My Irresistible Cookie Recipes Here!
More Delicious Toffee Recipes You’ll Love
Can’t get enough of that rich, buttery toffee flavor? You’re certainly not alone! Its unique crunch, sweet depth, and hint of salt make it an addictive addition to many desserts, transforming ordinary treats into extraordinary delights. If you’re eager to explore more ways to enjoy toffee and bring its irresistible taste into your kitchen, here are some other fantastic recipes from my collection that you simply must try. Each one offers a different take on this beloved candy, ensuring there’s something for every toffee enthusiast to discover and savor!
- Coffee Toffee Cheesecake: A truly decadent dessert combining the bold, aromatic flavors of coffee with the sweet crunch of toffee in a luxuriously creamy cheesecake. A perfect showstopper!
- Giant Chocolate Toffee Cookies: If you love big, chewy cookies, these generously sized chocolate and toffee-studded giants will quickly become your new favorite. They’re a satisfyingly substantial treat.
- Caramel Toffee & Pecan Fudge: A rich, melt-in-your-mouth fudge recipe packed with crunchy pecans and irresistible swirls of sweet toffee bits. Ideal for gifting or a sweet indulgence.
- Graham Cracker Toffee: (pictured Above) An incredibly easy-to-make, dangerously addictive treat, perfect for holidays or quick cravings. Features layers of crisp graham cracker, buttery toffee, and a smooth chocolate topping.
- Cinnamon Toffee Monkey Muffins: A fun, pull-apart muffin recipe bursting with warm, comforting cinnamon and delightful sweet toffee. Great for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Seriously, if you’re a devoted fan of Butter Brickle Ice Cream, you would truly be missing out on a culinary delight not to give these extraordinary cookies a try. They are absolutely perfect for your Christmas cookie platters, bringing a unique and beloved flavor to your holiday spread that stands out from the usual fare. But why limit yourself to the festive season? These delightful treats are so versatile and universally loved that they’re fantastic “any ‘ol time” you’re craving something sweet, buttery, and satisfyingly crunchy! They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake, yet special enough for celebrations.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the highly anticipated and utterly delicious Classic Nebraska Butter Brickle Cookie recipe! Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Classic Nebraska Butter Brickle Cookies
Equipment You’ll Need
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Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Jelly Roll and Cookie Pan, 10.5 x 15.5-Inch – Essential for even baking and easy cleanup, ensures cookies brown consistently.
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop – For perfectly uniform cookies every time, resulting in even baking and presentation.
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer or
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KitchenAid Stand Mixer – For effortlessly creaming butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency.
Ingredients for Perfect Butter Brickle Cookies
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups Bob’s Red Mill Organic Unbleached All-Purpose White Flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 8-ounce package Heath Bits ‘O Brickle Toffee Bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking, ensures easy cleanup, and helps your cookies bake more evenly.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Bob’s Red Mill flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking thoroughly helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, ensuring consistent texture and flavor in every bite. Set this dry mixture aside.
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Cream Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter on medium speed until it’s light, pale, and fluffy, typically about 2 minutes. Gradually add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Form the Dough: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies; stop as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain. Finally, gently fold in the Heath Bits ‘O Brickle Toffee Bits by hand using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for a perfect crunch in every cookie.
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Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded teaspoons of cookie dough onto the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures a wonderfully chewy interior. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
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Cooling Process: Allow the cookies to cool on the hot baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial resting step helps them set properly and prevents them from breaking, while also maintaining their delicious chewy texture.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
This cherished recipe for Butter Brickle Cookies was originally shared on November 17, 2016. It has been meticulously updated and re-shared on November 3, 2020, to enhance the user experience, provide even more helpful details, and ensure its timeless appeal for new generations of bakers.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to take a moment and explore the incredible United States of Cookies project. It’s a wonderful collection showcasing the diverse and delicious creations from all 50 talented bloggers, each representing their home state with a unique cookie recipe. You’ll find a treasure trove of inspiration and regional flavors, making it a fantastic resource for any cookie enthusiast!
Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with sweet aromas!
A heartfelt thank you to Bob’s Red Mill for generously sponsoring this post and supporting my passion for baking! Their commitment to quality ingredients truly elevates every recipe. I highly recommend visiting BobsRedMill.com to explore the complete “United States of Cookies” collection, featuring exceptional recipes from every state across the nation.
Why I Choose Bob’s Red Mill Flour for My Baking
As a passionate baker, I can confidently say that I’ve been completely “hooked” on Bob’s Red Mill Flour for years, and once you try it, I believe you will be too. Their unwavering commitment to quality, diverse range of products, and dedication to wholesome ingredients make them an indispensable staple in my kitchen. Using Bob’s Red Mill contributes significantly to the consistent success and superior taste of all my baked goods, from everyday treats to special occasion desserts.
Let me tell you why I especially love two of their standout products, which exemplify their exceptional standards:
Organic Unbleached All-Purpose White Flour: This isn’t just any all-purpose flour; it’s a premium, high-quality ingredient. It boasts a higher protein content, making it the preferred choice for professional bakers who demand extraordinary results. Its superior protein is key to creating high, beautifully textured loaves of bread, yet it’s equally adept at yielding light, airy, and exquisitely tender baked goods like cookies, cakes, and muffins. This remarkable versatility makes it a true kitchen workhorse, capable of handling all your baking needs with exceptional performance and consistent reliability. Using this flour ensures that my Butter Brickle Cookies achieve their ideal chewy texture, subtle crispness, and delightful golden hue every single time.
Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour: For those with dietary restrictions, gluten sensitivities, or simply looking for reliable gluten-free options, Bob’s Red Mill offers an outstanding and thoughtfully formulated solution. Their Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour is a meticulously crafted blend of finely ground brown rice flour, sweet white rice flour, whole grain sorghum flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. What truly sets it apart is the intelligent inclusion of just enough xanthan gum – a crucial ingredient for creating the desirable chewiness in gluten-free cookies and the perfect springy, moist texture in muffins, effectively mimicking the structural properties that gluten provides in traditional flours. The sorghum flour, in particular, contributes a significant protein boost, helping gluten-free baked goods achieve an almost wheat-like texture and aiding in achieving that coveted golden-brown finish. This specific blend is expertly designed for consistent success in recipes for cookies, cakes, and brownies, making gluten-free baking both easy, delicious, and indistinguishable from their traditional counterparts. While not used in this specific Butter Brickle recipe, it’s a testament to Bob’s Red Mill’s dedication to inclusive, high-quality baking for everyone.
By consistently choosing Bob’s Red Mill, I ensure every batch of cookies, including these delightful Butter Brickle delights, benefits from the best possible foundation in terms of flavor, texture, and overall quality. Happy baking, and enjoy the difference that premium flour makes!