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    Malted Chocolate Ganache Tart

    side view of malted chocolate ganache tart on a cake stand

    This malted chocolate ganache tart is one indulgent dessert! The tart recipe starts with an edible malted oatmeal cookie dough crust, which is then topped with a soft malted chocolate ganache filling.

    side view of malted chocolate ganache tart on a cake stand

    Where are my chocolate malt fans??? This rich and decadent, no bake tart is for you. A soft thick layer of malted milk chocolate is paired with an edible malted oatmeal cookie dough crust and garnished with some homemade whipped cream. It's heavenly!

    slice of malted chocolate ganache tart on a plate with a fork

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    how to make malted chocolate ganache

    This malted chocolate ganache only requires three ingredients.

    ingredients for malted chocolate ganache
    • Milk chocolate ~ this is the predominant flavor, so use the highest quality you can afford. Callebaut chocolate is my favorite chocolate for baking, but I know it isn't easy for everyone to find. Lindt, Ghirardelli or Trader Joe's Pound Plus are all good options as well.
    • Heavy cream ~ heavy cream or heavy whipping cream can both be used for this recipe. Do not use milk or half-and-half as the ganache will not set up properly.
    • Malted milk powder ~ a fine powder with a light yellow color and a slightly nutty and sweet flavor.

    First, chop the milk chocolate into small pieces and place into a heat proof bowl and set aside.  Add the heavy cream to a small sauce pan and whisk in the malted milk powder. 

    malted milk powder and heavy cream in a saucepan

    Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it is bubbling at the edges and is hot, whisking to completely combine the malt powder with the cream.  Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit about two minutes before stirring it into a smooth ganache.

    • malted cream poured over chopped chocolate in a bowl
    • malted ganache being stirred in a glass bowl

    how to make the edible malted oatmeal cookie dough crust

    I wanted to do something different for the crust in this tart. After polling several of my recipe testers, edible cookie dough won. Not just any cookie dough, but malted oatmeal cookie dough. And let me tell you, it's a perfect pair! {if edible cookie dough isn't your thing, I give you some other crust ideas later in this post}.

    This edible cookie dough could not be easier to make! The recipe is from my brown sugar cake recipe, but also adds some malted milk powder.

    ingredients for malted edible oatmeal cookie dough crust

    Add the butter, salt, both sugars and malted milk powder to the bowl of a food processor and process for about a minute, until the butter and sugars are mostly combined.  Add the milk and vanilla and pulse about 30 seconds. 

    edible oatmeal cookie dough in food processor bowl

    Scrape the bowl and add the quick oats and process about 20 seconds.  Scrape the bowl again and process another 10-20 seconds. 

    Press the edible oatmeal cookie dough into a well buttered 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, making an even layer over the bottom and up the sides.  {Alternately, you can use a 9-inch springform pan}. The dough is VERY sticky, do your best to make an even layer.  Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill while you make the ganache.  The edible cookie dough will be easier to work with after it chills and you can even it out in the tart pan before adding the ganache.

    • edible malted oatmeal cookie dough in a tart pan
      The edible malted oatmeal cookie dough in the tart pan right after it is made.
    • chilled edible malted oatmeal cookie dough crust pressed into tart pan
      The cookie dough crust after it has chilled and been evened out in the tart pan.

    how to put the malted chocolate ganache tart together

    • First make the edible oatmeal cookie dough and press it into a tart pan. It needs some time to chill before adding the chocolate ganache.
    • Second make the malted chocolate ganache. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before pouring it into the prepared tart crust.
    • Third refrigerate the tart until firm, about 2 hours.
    • Fourth make homemade whipped cream and decorate the top as desired. You can just dollop the whipped cream on top or create rosettes with a star piping tip. I used a Wilton 1M for these photos. See this post for making homemade whipped cream.
    • ganache pouring into crust
    • ganache in edible cookie dough crust
    decorated tart on a counter

    Where do you buy malted milk powder?

    I typically find malted milk powder in the grocery store near the hot chocolate and chocolate milk. Occasionally it will be in the baking aisle. Target, Walmart and Amazon all sell it online as well.

    Alternative tart crust options

    • Almond Shortbread crust {not a no bake crust}
    • Biscoff Shortbread crust {not a no bake crust}
    • Oreo cookie crust {I would recommend Sally's Baking Addiction}
    • Pretzel graham cracker crust
    cut slice of tart on a pie server

    can you freeze a malted chocolate ganache tart?

    Yes, this chocolate ganache tart can be frozen for up to 1 month. If planning to freeze, don't add the whipped cream until after you have defrosted the tart overnight in the refrigerator.

    tips for making this chocolate ganache tart

    • Use the best quality chocolate you can afford.
    • The edible cookie dough crust can be a little bit of a challenge to release from the tart pan. Be sure to butter the tart pan well and allow the tart to be well chilled before removing the sides {pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes or so, if necessary}.
    • If you don't want to mess with the tart pan, use a 9" springform pan instead.
    • Use a hot, clean knife to get the best slices. Heat the knife under hot water and dry it before cutting.
    overhead look at decorated malted chocolate ganache tart

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make this Malted Chocolate Ganache Tart. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    more tart recipes to enjoy!

    • Biscoff Caramel Tart
    • Almond Berry Mascarpone Tart
    • Coconut Pecan Tart
    • Frangipane Tart

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    Yield: 12 slices

    Malted Chocolate Ganache Tart

    side view of malted chocolate ganache tart on a cake stand

    This malted chocolate ganache tart is one indulgent dessert! The tart recipe starts with an edible malted oatmeal cookie dough crust, which is then topped with a soft malted chocolate ganache filling.

    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Chill Time 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes

    Ingredients

    Edible Oatmeal Cookie Dough Crust

    • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut in pieces (113g)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
    • ⅔ cup dark brown sugar (135g)
    • ½ cup malted milk powder (70g)
    • ¼ cup milk (60mL)
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 2 cups quick oats (188g)

    Chocolate Malt Ganache

    • 8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped small (226g)
    • 1 cup heavy cream (240mL)
    • ½ cup malted milk powder (70g)

    homemade whipped cream

    • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, cold (180mL)
    • 1 tablespoon granulated or confectioners' sugar
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. For the edible malted oatmeal cookie dough crust:  Add the butter, salt, both sugars and malted milk powder to the bowl of a food processor and process for about a minute, until the butter and sugars are mostly combined.  Add the milk and vanilla and pulse about 30 seconds.  Scrape the bowl and add the quick oats and process about 20 seconds.  Scrape the bowl again and process another 10-20 seconds. 
    2. Press the oatmeal cookie dough into a well buttered 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, making an even layer over the bottom and up the sides.  {Alternately, you can use a 9’ springform pan}. The dough is VERY sticky, do your best to make and even layer.  Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill while you make the ganache.  The edible cookie dough will be easier to work with after it chills.  
    3. For the malted chocolate ganache:  Place the chopped milk chocolate into a heat proof bowl and set aside.  Add the heavy cream to a small sauce pan and whisk in the malted milk powder. 
    4. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it is bubbling at the edges and is hot, whisking to combine the malt powder with the cream.  Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit about two minutes before stirring it into a smooth ganache.
    5. Allow the ganache to cool for 10-15 minutes. Remove the edible cookie dough crust from the refrigerator and flatten the dough into the pan more, if necessary. Then pour the malted ganache into the prepared crust and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
    6. For the homemade whipped cream: Using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla on medium-high until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top. I used a Wilton 1M.

    Notes

    The cookie dough tart crust needs to be well chilled to release from the tart pan. If it's giving you difficulty, allow it to chill a bit longer. The colder it gets, the easier it is to work with. If needed, you can place the tart in the freezer for 30 minutes or so.

    Any left over tart can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to one month {it's best to freeze without the whipped cream}. Allow to defrost in the refrigerator before serving.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    12

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 469Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 154mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 3gSugar: 48gProtein: 5g

    The nutrition information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Pies and Tarts

    Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe

    inside slice of lemon raspberry bars

    No bake lemon raspberry bars are a twist on the classic Australian lemon slice. Tart lemon squares made with sweetened condensed milk and graham crackers are topped with a sweet raspberry lemon buttercream.

    inside view of a lemon raspberry bar

    Lemon raspberry bars are sure to become a family favorite. They are a no bake dessert, are easy to make and are positively delightful to eat! This bright and fruity dessert would be perfect for Easter, Mother's Day, birthdays or any celebration or gathering.

    [Read more...]

    Frangipane Tart Recipe

    frangipane tart on a wood plate

    This frangipane tart recipe is gluten free and simple to prepare. A classic apple tart made with an almond oat crust, apples and frangipane {a sweet almond filling}. Perfect for Sunday dinner or a holiday meal!

    baked apple frangipane tart on a wood plate

    This apple frangipane tart falls into the rustic and elegant dessert category that always seems to steal my heart. It looks impressive, but is so easy to create!

    [Read more...]

    Lemon Almond Cookie Bars with Dark Chocolate

    single lemon almond cookie bar on parchment paper with lemon slices

    Lemon almond cookie bars are so soft and chewy {and they are gluten free!} This easy cookie recipe creates a bright flavor profile with the lemon and almond flour, which pairs irresistibly with dark chocolate.

    single lemon almond cookie bar on parchment paper with lemon slices

    I know you think I've gone and lost my marbles! Lemon, almond and dark chocolate?? Can this be any good?? Well if you haven't paired lemon with dark chocolate before, you are in for a serious treat!

    [Read more...]

    Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes {with sprinkles}

    small batch chocolate cupcake on a plate

    This small batch chocolate cupcakes recipe is so easy and made from scratch. It rewards you with seven moist and chocolatey sprinkle filled cupcakes.

    small batch chocolate cupcake on a plate

    Satisfy your cake cravings and enjoy moist chocolate cupcakes from this small batch recipe. Top them with a swirl of chocolate and vanilla buttercream and you'll have some happy treats!

    [Read more...]

    Peanut Butter Caramel Pretzel Brownies

    two brownies stacked on the counter with a glass of milk in the background

    Peanut butter caramel pretzel brownies ~ three distinct layers come together into brownie bliss! They are 100% worth the three easy steps!!

    two brownies stacked on the counter with a glass of milk in the background

    This triple layer brownie recipe is a decadent dessert! A homemade caramel pretzel layer is sandwiched between a brownie and a peanut butter bar. And the combination is seriously incredible!!

    [Read more...]

    Lemon Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

    decorated lemon sugar cookies on parchment paper

    Lemon cut-out sugar cookies are soft and thick and perfect for decorating {although they are amazing undecorated as well}! Top them with an easy lemon buttercream for the ultimate lemon buttercream sugar cookie!

    lemon cut out sugar cookies on parchment paper with lemon slices

    If I could have only one dessert for the rest of my life, I think it would be sugar cookies. Thick, soft, and chewy buttercream sugar cookies. And with winter in full force this year, I'm definitely dreaming of spring.

    decorated cookie on a plate

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    The flavor of lemon always reminds me of warmer days and sunshine. So today I'm transporting us to the thought of short sleeves, the warmth of the sun on our skin and brighter days ahead. In cookie form, of course!

    how do you make lemon cookies from scratch?

    This lemon sugar cookie recipe is a variation of my tried and true always perfect sugar cookies. Lemon juice replaces the vanilla and the addition of lemon zest {this Microplane is my favorite zester} gives the cookies another burst of lemon flavor.

    The recipe follows a traditional cookie preparation; cream butter and sugar, add egg and flavoring, followed by the dry ingredients. The dough needs a short rest {30 minutes or up to five days} in the refrigerator and then it's ready to roll, cut and bake.

    let's make lemon sugar cookies!

    Start by gathering your ingredients. The butter and egg work best when at room temperature. In most cases, letting these ingredients sit out for 1-2 hours will be sufficient.

    ingredients for lemon cut-out sugar cookies

    First whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together. Doing this helps to ensure that the baking powder is equally dispersed throughout the finished dough. Set this aside while you cream together the butter, salt, sugars and lemon zest. Then add in the egg and lemon juice.

    sugars and zest added to creamed butter in a mixing bowl
    egg and lemon juice added to lemon sugar cookie dough

    Next, add the flour mixture in 3-4 additions with the mixer on low. The dough will be finished when it starts to gather on the mixing beaters or paddle. The dough will be soft, but shouldn't be too sticky.

    flour added to mixing bowl
    finished lemon sugar cookie dough in a mixing bowl

    Gather the lemon sugar cookie dough into a ball, wrap in plastic and press into about a 1-inch disk. Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling out.

    how to roll your sugar cookie dough

    The trick to getting thick, soft and chewy sugar cookies is not rolling the dough too thin. I prefer about a ¼ inch thick. I use a traditional rolling pin and just eye-ball the thickness {I love this one my mom bought me from Williams Sonoma}. Many of my cookie friends swear by this rolling pin for getting evenly rolled cookie dough.

    unbaked cookies on a baking sheet

    how do I know when my sugar cookies are done?

    Another trick to soft and chewy sugar cookies is not over baking them. The bake time is quick on lemon cut-out sugar cookies; only 7-8 minutes in a 375°F oven.

    They are done baking when the edges are set and the middle of the cookies have a slightly puffy center. {I use these Ateco fluted cutters and round biscuit cutters}.

    puffy top on baked cookie just out of the oven

    The cookies will rest on the hot baking pan for 2 minutes, which helps to finish cooking the dough. After 2 minutes, remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

    decorated lemon cut out sugar cookie
    I used a Wilton 104 and 4 for piping these cookies.

    what buttercream frosting is best for lemon cut-out cookies?

    I've paired this cookie recipe with my easy lemon buttercream frosting. The frosting is the perfect balance of sweet and tart and really gives these lemon sugar cookies an extra pop of lemon! If you prefer a more subtle combination, my favorite American buttercream is another great option.

    what is the best way to store buttercream sugar cookies?

    The cookies should stay fresh in an air tight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to a week. To keep the cookies the absolute freshest, I would freeze them in an air tight container. They defrost at room temperature in about 30 minutes.

    lemon cut out sugar cookies with milk

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Lemon Cut-Out Sugar Cookies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    more sugar cookie recipes ~

    • Orange Sugar Cookies
    • Always Perfect Sugar Cookies
    • Sprinkle Cookies
    • Cinnamon Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
    • Chocolate Sugar Cookies
    • Easy and Fast Soft Drop Sugar Cookies
    • Soft Gingerbread Sugar Cookies
    • Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
    • White Chocolate Sugar Cookies

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    Yield: 24 Cookies *depending on size of cookies

    Lemon Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

    decorated lemon sugar cookies on parchment paper

    Lemon sugar cookies are soft and thick and perfect for decorating {although they taste amazing left plain as well}! This easy recipe makes cookies that hold their shape and freeze beautifully!

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Bake Time 8 minutes
    Chill Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 48 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
    • 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
    • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (60g)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest, about 2 lemons*
    • 1 large egg (preferably room temperature)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15mL)

    Instructions

      1. In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder with a whisk.  Set aside.
      2. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and salt on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute.  Add in sugars and lemon zest and beat until smooth, about 1 ½ minutes. Beat in egg and lemon juice and mix until well combined, about 1 minute.  Scrape up and down the sides of the bowl.
      3. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture a little at a time, occasionally stopping to scrape your bowl.  The dough should form a ball around the paddle when the mixing is finished.  The dough should be soft, but not sticky.
      4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and press into a 1 inch thick disk.  Chill for a minimum of 30 minutes before rolling and for up to five days.
      5. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.  
      6. On lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about a ¼ inch thickness, use additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
      7. Arrange cookies on baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven, about 7-8 minutes, until slightly puffy. Allow the cookies to rest for 2 minutes on the pan and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.**
      8. Decorate as desired. Lemon Buttercream Frosting or Favorite American Buttercream are my favorites for this cookie recipe.

    Notes

    *My testing found this amount of lemon zest and lemon juice to be the right balance of sweet and tart. If you like an extra punch of lemon, you can increase the lemon zest and/or add ¼ -½ teaspoon of lemon extract.

    **I like to freeze the cookies once they have completely cooled, I think it adds to the softness of the cookies. I typically bake the cookies at least a day prior to decorating them (or bake in the evening and freeze overnight). You can also bake the cookies and freeze them for up to 2-3 months before decorating.

    Cookies will stay fresh in an air tight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. If freezing decorated cookies, chill the cookies in a single layer. The cookies can then be stacked and frozen in an airtight container. When you take the frozen cookies out of the freezer, be sure to unstack them before they thaw or the buttercream will stick the cookies together. They defrost quickly; about 30 minutes at room temperature.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    24

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 163Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 89mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 2g

    The nutrition information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies

    Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

    stack of cookies with the sun hitting them

    Espresso brown butter toffee cookies have lightly crisp edges and soft and chewy centers with a rich and decadent flavor from the espresso and brown butter. The toffee bits add the perfect amount of sweetness!

    stack of cookies with the sun hitting them

    This recipe gives an upgrade to my family's favorite chocolate chipper recipe by using brown butter and espresso powder. Coffee and cookie fans are going to go crazy for this cookie!

    close up photo of cookies on a baking sheet

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    You get the nutty and caramelized flavor from the brown butter, which is perfectly accented by the espresso. Then we add in some sweetness in the way of toffee bits {although homemade toffee would be phenomenal here as well!}. The finishing touch is a light sprinkle of flakey sea salt and what you get is cookie nirvana!

    what does brown butter do to cookies?

    Brown butter adds richness and extra flavor to cookies. By browning the butter, it creates a whole other depth to the cookie's taste. The butter is no longer just a background ingredient, but instead takes on a leading role.

    If you have never baked with brown butter, you are in for a treat! Your house will smell amazing and your taste buds are going to love the nutty taste!

    espresso brown butter toffee cookie dough scoops on a baking sheet

    do I need special ingredients for espresso brown butter toffee cookies?

    Yes, this cookie recipe gets the espresso flavor from instant espresso powder. Instant espresso powder is readily available in most supermarkets in the coffee aisle. It can also be ordered online.

    You also need toffee bits, which can be purchased in the baking aisle of most markets. I used Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits and purchased them from Target. You could also chop a Heath bar or a Hershey's Skor candy bar, if you have trouble finding the baking bits.

    ingredients for espresso brown butter toffee cookies

    let's bake cookies!

    The first thing you need to do is brown the butter and allow it to solidify. I find it takes about an hour to firm back up at room temperature. The process can be sped along in the refrigerator, but the brown butter should be room temperature before using it. I have more detailed directions on how to brown butter in this post.

    Once the brown butter is solid and room temperature, add it to your mixer bowl with the granulated and brown sugars. Cream these three ingredients together for 4-5 minutes. No skimping on this step, okay??

    While the butter and sugars are creaming, add the dry ingredients to a bowl and whisk them all together. Next, you will add the eggs and vanilla {after testing this recipe several times, I like adding the eggs one at a time}. Followed by the dry ingredients {in three additions}. Stop mixing when the flour in the cookie dough is still showing just a few streaks. Then use a spatula to fold in the toffee bits.

    creamed butter and sugars in a mixing bowl with eggs and vanilla
    creamed butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl
    cookie dough with toffee bits being folded in

    how to prepare the cookies for baking

    Scoop the completed dough into 24 equal portions. I use a size 30 scoop, which is just a little over two tablespoons. Chill the portioned dough for one hour.

    cookie dough scoops on a parchment lined baking sheet
    A few cookie dough scoops may have been lost to cookie dough bandits!

    Preheat the oven after the dough portions are chilled and bake the cookies. When you remove the cookies from the oven, drop them hard on the counter one time to help give the crinkly edges. Then sprinkle the tops with a flakey sea salt and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 2 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

    espresso brown butter toffee cookies on a baking sheet with salt and coffee beans

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    espresso brown butter toffee cookies leaning against a coffee cup

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    more coffee and brown butter desserts to try ~

    • Browned Butter Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
    • Espresso Cheesecake
    • Brown Butter Peppermint Blossoms
    • No Bake Mini Peanut Butter Espresso Cheesecakes
    • Salted Caramel Espresso Bars

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    Yield: 24 cookies

    Espresso Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

    stack of cookies with the sun hitting them

    Lightly crisp edges and soft and chewy centers with a rich and decadent flavor from the espresso and brown butter. The toffee bits add the perfect amount of sweetness!

    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Bake Time 10 minutes
    Additional Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312g)
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    • 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g), browned and returned to room temperature {solidified}
    • 1 cup dark brown sugar* (200g)
    • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • ½ cup toffee bits** (85g)
    • Flakey sea salt, optional for sprinkling on finished cookies

    Instructions

        1. To brown the butter: place the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat and let it cook until small brown flakes form. You will want to stir or swirl the pan frequently to keep it from burning. The butter will foam and bubble up along the process, just keep stirring/swirling and move the foam aside from time to time to check the color. The butter will turn an amber/brown color and will smell nutty and toasted when it’s ready {about 7-10 minutes}. Pour melted butter and all the browned bits into a heat proof bowl to cool and solidify back to room temperature {about 1 hour}.
        2. In a medium size bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cornstarch, espresso powder and kosher salt. Set aside.
        3. Cream brown butter and both sugars on medium high with a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment {6 on a Kitchen Aid), or a hand mixer, until light and fluffy. Go for 4-5 minutes.
        4. Scrape down your bowl and add one egg and vanilla. Mix until well combined, 30-60 seconds. Scrape up and down the bowl and add the remaining egg and mix another 30-60 seconds or until well combined.
        5. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three additions, scraping up and down the bowl before the last amount of flour is added. Blend until just a few streaks of flour remain.
        6. Fold in the toffee bits with a spatula.
        7. Use a size 30 scoop {just a little over 2 tablespoons} and portion the dough into 24 equal scoops. Chill the dough for one hour.
        8. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place cookie dough on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. The cookies should not spread a lot and I can fit 12 on a half sheet pan.
        9. Bake 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly browned and crisped. They may look slightly underdone in the centers. Once the pan is removed from the oven, drop the pan hard on the counter one time. This helps to give the edges a little crinkle and deflates the cookie a little. If the cookies are more puffy than you would like, use the flat bottom of a cup to lightly press the cookies down. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt while still hot, if desired.
        10. Allow to cool on the pan for 2 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Notes

    *I use dark brown sugar, but light brown will also work.

    **I used Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits. If you have trouble finding them, you can also chop up a Heath or Skor candy bar. I haven't tested the recipe with homemade toffee, but I imagine it would be amazing!

    Cookies will remain fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. They also freeze well for up to three months.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    24

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 179Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 15gProtein: 2g

    The nutrition information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies

    Easy White Chocolate Brownies

    white chocolate brownies, some with ganache, some without

    Easy homemade white chocolate brownies are rich, sweet and decadent! This stovetop recipe is made in one pot and bakes up in the oven; creating the best fudgy white chocolate brownies. Take it over the top with a white chocolate ganache, if you desire!

    white chocolate brownies, some with ganache, some without

    I've got an important question for you ~ team white chocolate or not? Me? Definitely #whitechocolateforlife. This easy brownie recipe just might change your mind if you tend to stay away from white chocolate. A quick and simple recipe that gives you moist, dense, and sweet brownies!

    stack of three easy white chocolate brownies

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Maybe it's already become clear, but white chocolate is my favorite of the chocolates! I know, I know, many chocolate aficionados will argue that white chocolate is not really chocolate, but I'm always going to be in the camp that it is. Hopefully we can still be friends!😉

    what ingredients are needed for this easy brownie recipe?

    ingredients needed for this easy recipe

    Seven ingredients, one stovetop pan and about 20 minutes of baking time in the oven is all that stands between you and these scrumptious brownies!

    You likely have all the ingredients in your kitchen as well. I encourage you to use the best white chocolate you can afford for this recipe as it is the prominent flavor and we want it to shine. You want to use a high quality chocolate intended for melting and baking and not white chocolate chips. You'll need 4 ounces for the brownies and an additional 7 ounces if you choose to make the white chocolate ganache {although you could use chips here, if needed}. I like Callebaut, Lindt, Ghirardelli or Bakers.

    side view of a cut brownie

    how do you make easy white chocolate brownies from scratch?

    This recipe is quick and easy and uses one saucepan on the stovetop to start. First, preheat the oven and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly butter or spray with nonstick spray.

    Then melt the butter in a heavy bottom saucepan over low heat. When the butter is mostly melted, add the white chocolate. Stir until both the butter and chocolate are melted together, working quickly as to not burn the white chocolate.

    Next, remove the pan from the heat and add the granulated sugar and kosher salt, whisking or stirring until fully incorporated. Now add the eggs and vanilla and fully mix those in as well.

    melting butter and white chocolate in a saucepan
    melted butter and white chocolate in a sauce pan with granulated sugar and a whisk
    melted butter, white chocolate, sugar, eggs and vanilla in a saucepan

    Finally, stir in the flour until just combined and pour into the prepared baking pan. Then bake for 20-25 minutes, lightly covering the top of the pan with aluminum foil after 10-15 minutes. You may notice in the photo below, I covered this batch at 15 minutes into baking and the tops got quite brown.

    flour added to wet white chocolate brownie batter
    white chocolate brownie batter in a baking pan
    baked white chocolate brownies in pan

    The white chocolate brownies need to cool in the pan before cutting. You can speed this process up by placing the pan in the refrigerator.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    how do you make white chocolate ganache?

    This brownie recipe is perfectly delish left all on it's own, buuuutttt, if you want to take it over the top, add some white chocolate ganache.

    White chocolate ganache is super easy to prepare. You can use white chocolate chips, if you need to. But remember you want the best tasting chocolate for these so go with Ghirardelli or Guittard if using chips.

    Start by chopping the white chocolate into small pieces and place in a heat proof bowl {this set is seriously my favorite!}. Then heat the heavy whipping cream over low heat until it is bubbling at the edges and hot. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit 2-3 minutes before stirring until smooth.

    chopped white chocolate in a bowl
    white chocolate and heavy cream in a bowl
    white chocolate ganache in a bowl with a spatula

    Finally, pour the white chocolate ganache over the top of the brownies and allow to set until firm. This takes about 2 hours at room temperature and can be sped up in the refrigerator.

    tips for getting clean cuts on your brownies

    brownies showing just the very edge being trimmed off
    • Use parchment paper {or aluminum foil will also work} to line the baking pan. This allows you to lift the bars out of the pan to cut them.
    • Chilled brownies will slice with cleaner cuts.
    • If I am serving the brownies {or any bar cookie for that matter} to others, I like to clean up the edges before cutting them into squares. I use a sharp knife and trim just the very edge off of each side first {see above photo}. This also gives you a chance to test the treats to make sure they are safe to eat!😉😉. My sugar bugs always seem to appear in the kitchen for a preview taste!
    • Then use a sharp knife to cut the bars into desired sizes. Wipe the knife clean in between each cut to keep the brownies neat and tidy.
    cut brownies on a parchment lined cutting board

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Easy White Chocolate Brownies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    more white chocolate recipes to try

    • White Chocolate Sugar Cookies
    • Cinnamon White Chocolate Pound Cake
    • White Chocolate Chai Brownies
    • Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies
    • Lemon White Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    Yield: 16 brownies

    Easy White Chocolate Brownies

    white chocolate brownies, some with ganache, some without

    Easy homemade white chocolate brownies are rich, sweet and decadent! This stovetop recipe is made in one pot and bakes up in the oven.

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Bake Time 25 minutes
    Cooling Time 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
    • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped (114g)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (94g)

    White chocolate ganache {optional}

    • 7 ounces white chocolate, chopped (200g)
    • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream (80mL)

    Instructions

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly butter or grease with non-stick spray.
      2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. When butter is mostly melted, add the white chocolate and stir until both the butter and white chocolate are fully melted and incorporated. Stir continuously as to not burn the white chocolate and remove from the heat as soon as melted.
      3. Add the granulated sugar and kosher salt and stir or whisk until fully incorporated, then add the eggs and vanilla and stir until combined. Add the flour and stir until just fully mixed.
      4. Pour the white chocolate brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10-15 minutes, then lightly cover with aluminum foil and continue baking another 5-10 minutes {20-25 total} until the edges have darkened and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Try not to over bake the brownies, especially if you prefer them on the fudgy side.
      5. Allow to cool in the pan. You can speed this process up by placing them in the refrigerator.
      6. To make the white chocolate ganache {optional}: Chop the white chocolate into small, fine pieces and place in a heat proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s bubbling at the edges and is hot.
      7. Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate and let it sit about two minutes before stirring it into a smooth ganache.
      8. Pour the ganache over the cooled white chocolate brownies and allow it to set completely, about 2 hours. You can place the brownies in the refrigerator to speed up the setting the process. I also find chilled brownies cut into nicer slices.
      9. Cut into desired size and enjoy!

    Notes

    White chocolate brownies can be stored covered at room temperature for a couple days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    16

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 257Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 66mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 24gProtein: 3g

    The nutrition information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate. Nutrition estimate includes the optional white chocolate ganache.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Bars and Brownies

    Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

    close up of red velvet sugar cookies on parchment paper

    You will love how easy it is to make these red velvet sugar cookies! This one-bowl, NO CHILL, melted butter recipe creates soft, flavorful cookies with crinkly tops.

    close up of red velvet sugar cookies on parchment paper

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    My continual quest to make fast, easy and no chill cookies continues with this recipe. Is it just me who feels like red velvet is a festive flavor for Valentine's Day or Christmas? In reality, they are delicious any time of the year! Red velvet brownies are perfect for those holidays or the 4th of July too.

    Since ya'll are busy bakers, like me, here are some other no chill cookie recipes. Cherry almond cookies, orange creamsicle cookies and white chocolate raspberry cookies.

    pile of cookies on a baking pan

    This easy cookie recipe comes together in about 10 minutes and takes 10 minutes to bake. That means only about 20 minutes stands between you and these scrumptious cookies! It's a spin on my popular sprinkle cookies recipe, but doesn't require a food processor. Oh, and did I mention that you only need ONE BOWL to mix them up?? Yay for less dishes to wash!

    what are red velvet sugar cookies?

    This red velvet sugar cookie recipe is a soft and chewy sugar cookie with a touch of cocoa powder, a decent amount of vanilla and some red coloring. It's not as rich as a chocolate cookie, but has a light chocolate taste. My taste testers found them to be irresistible!

    what ingredients are needed for red velvet cookies?

    ingredients for red velvet sugar cookies
    • Unsalted butter ~ we are using it melted to make this recipe even faster to make. The melted butter also gives the cookies a chewier texture.
    • Granulated sugar ~ for sweetness and flavor.
    • Confectioners' sugar ~ also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar. Adds extra softness to the finished cookies.
    • Red food coloring ~ I use gel coloring and specifically like the Wilton Color Right red for this recipe. The gel coloring is more concentrated so you use less of it. {food coloring can be omitted, if you choose}
    • Pure vanilla extract ~ for flavor.
    • Large egg yolks ~ save the whites to make meringues, a Swiss meringue buttercream {my vanilla version is my fave!!} or an egg white scramble.
    • All-purpose flour ~ for structure.
    • Cocoa powder ~ I use Hershey's Cocoa 100% Cacao Natural Unsweetened
    • Baking soda ~ for a little leavening.
    • Kosher salt ~ I only use kosher salt, if using table salt you may want to reduce the salt by half.

    let's make cookies!

    Start by preheating the oven and preparing your baking sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

    Then melt the butter and add the granulated sugar and confectioners' sugar and mix well. Next add the red food coloring, egg yolks and vanilla extract.

    melted butter, granulated and confectioners' sugar in a bowl
    butter, sugars, vanilla, egg yolk and red food coloring in a mixing bowl

    Once the wet ingredients are well combined, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and kosher salt. Give the dry ingredients a little toss together on top of the wet ingredients. Then stir until just combined.

    dry ingredients on top of wet ingredients in a glass mixing bowl

    how to roll the red velvet cookies

    Scoop roughly 2 tablespoons of dough {I use a size 30 cookie scoop} and roll it between your hands until it forms a ball. Then roll the cookie dough ball into a bowl of granulated sugar until it's fully coated. Then re-roll the ball between your hands and roll in the granulated sugar a second time. This helps to give the cookies a somewhat *sparkly* appearance.

    cookie dough balls rolled in granulated sugar

    how do you get the crinkly tops on the cookies?

    This cookie recipe takes 9-10 minutes to bake. Please remember your oven is different from mine and may vary slightly in baking time! I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is baking at the temperature I think it is.

    To get the crinkly top, let the cookies bake for 8 minutes. Then pull the pan out of the oven {use caution as it's hot!} and use the flat bottom of a cup to lightly press down the tops of the cookies. Then place back in the oven to bake 1-2 minutes more.

    baked cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

    The cookies can cool completely on the baking sheet pan or you can let them rest 5 minutes and then move to a wire cooling rack. I didn't find any difference in the finished cookies between those two cooling methods.

    inside look at the texture of red velvet sugar cookies

    tips for success

    This one-bowl, melted butter and no chill cookie recipe is so easy that you may find yourself baking this recipe a lot!😉

    • Gel food coloring is going to give you the best results with the least amount of food coloring {I use Wilton Color Right red for this recipe}. Liquid food coloring also works, but you will need at least double the amount. Many people also have success with using beet root powder as a natural alternative, but I have not used it myself. You can also omit the food coloring if you don't want red cookies.
    • Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookies.
    • The dough can be quite soft. If you are having trouble working with it, let it rest 2-3 minutes and it should be easier to work with.
    • This recipe can be easily halved if you are looking for a small batch of cookies.
    stack of red velvet sugar cookies on a baking sheet pan

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Red Velvet Sugar Cookies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    more easy, no chill cookie recipes to try!

    • Sprinkle Cookies
    • Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies
    • Easy German Chocolate Cookies
    • Almond Flour Skillet Cookie

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    Yield: 18 cookies

    Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

    close up of red velvet sugar cookies on parchment paper

    This one-bowl, NO CHILL, melted butter recipe creates soft, flavorful cookies with crinkly tops.

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Bake Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (226g)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
    • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (60g)
    • 2 large egg yolks
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 12 drops red gel food coloring* (I use Wilton’s Color Right red)
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (281g)
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20g)
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67g), for rolling the cookies before baking

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

    In a medium bowl, stir granulated and confectioner’s sugar into the melted butter. Stir until well combined. Then stir in the egg yolks, vanilla and red gel food coloring, making sure everything is very well combined.

    Next, add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and kosher salt. Give it a little mix together and then stir the dry ingredients in until just combined.

    Take roughly 2 tablespoons of dough (I use a 30 scoop) and roll it into a ball, then roll in granulated sugar, roll in your hands again and roll a second time in the granulated sugar. Place on the prepared baking pans, spacing 2 inches apart. {the dough can be quite soft. If you are having trouble working with it, let it rest 2-3 minutes and it should be easier to work with}.

    Bake for 9-10 minutes total; at the 8 minute mark, pull the cookies from the oven and lightly press them down with the flat bottom of a cup, then place back in the oven for 1-2 more minutes. {you can see me do this in the recipe video}

    Cookies can cool completely on the baking sheet or can be moved to a wire cooling rack after 5 minutes.

    Notes

    *If not using Wilton Color Right red, you will need ½-1 teaspoon of gel food coloring. If using liquid food coloring, you will need more. Food coloring can also be eliminated if you don't want red cookies.

    Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    18

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 233Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 83mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 3g

    The nutrition information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies

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    Hi, I'm Tasia, a self-taught baker and enthusiastic home cook with over 25 years experience in the kitchen! I'm here to inspire you to have fun while creating food from scratch. I make approachable and nostalgic recipes for busy bakers that you will want to make again and again. The recipes you find here will mostly be sweet and sometimes savory.

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