Step 1

Make the toffee: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and salt, stirring until evenly incorporated. If there are grainy lumps or if the fat starts to separate, add a couple splashes of water and stir vigorously to emulsify. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 290°F (143°C), about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3

Pour the toffee onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out slightly with a spatula. Freeze until ready to use, about 30 minutes.

Step 4

Make the cookie dough: Add the butter to a medium nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns dark brown and smells nutty. Watch carefully so the butter does not burn. Remove the pot from the heat.

Step 5

Add an ice cube to the butter and slowly let it melt. It may froth and bubble. Add the remaining 3 ice cubes and gently stir until melted.

Step 6

In a large bowl, combine the granulated and brown sugar, espresso powder, salt, and baking soda.

Step 7

Pour the brown butter into the sugar mixture and mix until combined. Don’t worry if it looks separated.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla. Pour into the sugar and butter mixture and whisk until glossy and smooth.

Step 9

Add the flour and fold with a rubber spatula to incorporate until the dough has no visible flour streaks.

Step 10

Remove the toffee from the freezer (it should be a frozen disc) and break it into chunks that will fit inside a gallon zip-top bag. Double bag the toffee and seal both bags. With a rolling pin, break the toffee into small pieces.

Step 11

Fold the crushed toffee and chopped chocolate into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 12

Using a large ice cream scoop or a ½ cup (65 g) measure, scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Wrap the baking sheet in plastic wrap, but leave a small opening at the corner of the tray. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 36 hours. This will allow the flavor to develop and the dough to dry out a little as it rests, which will result in less spread when it bakes.

Step 13

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line 2 baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 14

Arrange the cookies on the baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space between the cookies and away from the edges of the pan.

Step 15

Bake until the cookies are golden brown with crispy edges, but are still slightly soft in the center, 18-20 minutes.

Step 16

Immediately sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt. then let cool completely. The cookies will be very soft at first but will set after they are fully cooled.

Step 17

Enjoy!