Butterscotch Toffee Bars

Butterscotch Toffee Bars

Yay for beautiful bars. Yay for holidays to bake them for. And yay for toffee most of all!

Everyone’s busy making holiday toffee, but I didn’t feel like taking out my candy thermometer and dusting it off. Dusting is boring. Instead, I cheated with these amazing cookie bars. You will not want to stop eating them, but that’s not really a problem.

Covered in butterscotch goodness and crushed toffee, I can’t imagine a better holiday cookie offering. I mean, I’ve made a lot of different bars this season, but this one is above the ordinary bar.

Butterscotch Toffee Bars

Last week, I took two days away from my job to take a class. It’s pretty much ingrained in teachers to want to keep learning, so we take a lot of classes.

Gotta be honest here: I kept losing focus while I was in class, which brought me back to my days in school. College and graduate school were fine because the classes were shorter, but this class made me remember what it’s like to sit all day while people make you work. It’s hell.

Butterscotch Toffee Bars

It’s kind of ironic for a teacher to be saying this, but I really don’t think we were meant to sit still all day. I’m lucky to have a very active job that lets me stand and move at will, but I think about people with desk jobs and I wonder how they don’t lose their minds. How do you sit in one place for eight hours or more and not completely lose it?

Butterscotch Toffee Bars

Today I’m grateful to be back in my classroom with my students, bopping around and getting stuff done. But I do feel for the kids I work with, who move from class to class without much of a break. It must be tough, and now I realize that my increased academic success in college probably had to do with more than just maturity. It probably had to do with getting more breaks and a chance to clear my head.

If I can’t get actual breaks in my day, at least there are snack breaks. And I always want my snacks to be of the highest possible caliber, so these butterscotch toffee bars fit the bill!

Butterscotch Toffee Bars

The base is my favorite cookie base of all time, which is heavy on the brown sugar for added moisture. It’s soft and pretty hard to stop eating. I slathered melted butterscotch chips on top and then sprinkled on chocolate toffee bits. Heaven, you guys. Just heaven.

Butterscotch Toffee Bars

This is one of those bar cookies that I had to give away immediately for fear of turning into a cookie monster. But it’s the holiday season, so everyone’s willing to eat some extra cookies for me! And I love spreading the cheer.

If you’re looking for the perfect butterscotch toffee fix, here it is. Look no further!

 

Butterscotch Toffee Bars

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup chocolate toffee bits

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil, leaving enough to hang over the sides. Coat with cooking spray.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the margarine and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg yolk and extracts and mix again. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
  3. Pat the cookie dough onto the prepared pan evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  4. Turn the oven off and take out the bars. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips on top and return the pan to the oven for two minutes.
  5. Spread the melted butterscotch chips evenly over the surface of the bars and sprinkle the chocolate toffee bits on top. Cool completely.
  6. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.
http://justaboutbaked.com/butterscotch-toffee-bars/

 

Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 38 Comments

  1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    Toffee bars sound a lot better than toffee! This looks delicious, Mir! I love the addition of butterscotch. Such a delicious dessert!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Vanilla Pound Cake with Peppermint GlazeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Yes, they’re so much easier! And tastier, too!

  2. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    I have never made my own toffee before, but I might have to make these. I was just talking to my husband last night about how much I love butterscotch (the conversations we have when we have been together for 15 years haha)
    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Spaghetti Omelette by Laura ~ RYGMy Profile

    1. Mir

      My husband will need a lifetime to get to know me, so there you go! 🙂

  3. Michele @ Alwayzbakin

    Oh my gosh Mir, I want to reach in a grab one! These look so dense and delicious. Dusting is definitely boring and I can see why you made bars instead. ;-D
    Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Roly Poly Reindeer CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Dusting is the WORST. Which would explain why my china cabinet looks the way it does!

  4. Kate @ Framed Cooks

    Well, these look just plain holiday perfect! Toffee is one of my all time faves, and I feel the same way about the thermometer, so this is custom-made for me! Hurray!
    Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Banana Rum Raisin Ice CreamMy Profile

    1. Mir

      The thermometer…doom! Thanks, Kate!

  5. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    yeah, I always thought the same thing. . esp with receptionists .. who literally have to sit there and greet people and sit and answer the phones. . I couldn’t do it either but God bless them!! Thank goodness we get to move around! I LOVE these butterscotch toffee bars!!!!!!! These look so good!!!!
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Boozy Chocolate Lava CakesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I know. I feel so bad for everyone who sits still. It’s so unhealthy, too! Poor restless people!

  6. Mira

    I know what you mean, it is hard to stay still, since you are used to being active on your job! As I said before, your dessert bars are always beautiful! Love toffee, but I never make it at home either, I just use store bought!

    1. Mir

      Staying still is the worst. On weekends I like one solid nap, but other than that, go go go!

  7. Shashi at RunninSrilankan

    I have a desk job and if I didn’t get up so often – I would loose my marbles indeed! But these butterscotch bars would help put everything in perspective! These look wonderful!
    Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…3 Ingredient Protein CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      It’s great that you get up often. A lot of people don’t, and it’s not good for them!

  8. Mary @ LOVE the secret ingredient

    It’s just fantastic to be able to make your own schedule. If I wasn’t traveling around the city for meetings and events in addition to office work I don’t think I would survive either! I love this recipe, I don’t see butterscotch and toffee together very often but it’s a perfect match!
    Mary @ LOVE the secret ingredient recently posted…Arugula, Fennel and Persimmons SaladMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I’m very jealous of anyone who is in charge of their own time, Mary! But I try to savor those moments that I have to myself. They are few and far between!

  9. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    These definitely look like heaven, Mir! All your bar recipes are straight up fab, and this one certainly doesn’t look like it disappoints!! As far as the sitting at a desk 8 hours straight… yeah that nonsense isn’t for me either!! 🙂 Cheers, doll and happy teaching!!
    Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Fleming’s inspired Bacon & Jalapeno Potatoes au GratinMy Profile

    1. Mir

      It is totally nonsense to sit still forever. Not for me!

  10. annie@ciaochowbambina

    I want to thank you on behalf of me and every member of my family. These. Are. Amazing. You are making my job real easy…we love this stuff! 🙂
    annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Amaretti & Nutella Sandwich CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Awwww, thanks, Annie! Enjoy them!

  11. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

    Mir, these look seriously wonderful! I love toffee- pinning to try this buttery goodness 🙂
    Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Vegan Fudgy Brownies + a Giveaway!My Profile

    1. Mir

      So buttery, Medha! You can sub in vegan butter, too!

  12. Jasline (Foodie Baker)

    If only I had these toffee bars when I was still schooling, it will definitely tide me through all those tedious times studying for exams! But I guess it’s never too late to make some and eat them, they look sooo good!
    Jasline (Foodie Baker) recently posted…Baileys Tiramisu Cake {Christmas Version}My Profile

    1. Mir

      Sugar got me through school, no question!

  13. Aria

    I love these, what a fantastic idea. Toffee bars in butterscotch. Pure genius. Did I mention I love butterscotch and toffee?
    Aria recently posted…My New Wallet (That I’ve Wanted for 2 Years)My Profile

    1. Mir

      Me too, Aria. It’s the best combo!

  14. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks

    Yay for butterscotch, bars, holidays, and breaks between classes! I also have to take a lot of classes to keep my license. It’s brutal. I need a lot of breaks. I used to have a job that was a lot more active than the one I have now, so I have to get up a lot and walk around or I get too fidgety and spacey. These butterscotch toffee bars would certainly get me moving!
    Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Charred Brussels Sprouts CrostiniMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Those continuing ed classes are a nightmare. How much do you actually learn on those days? Because it’s tough to focus!

  15. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

    I always hated the extra hours part of teaching, I’m much too lazy for that, haha!! These bars are INSANE!! I could live on toffee.
    Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Macaroon Blossom CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I’m too lazy too, but more credit hours means more pay. It’s kind of a bummer if you don’t do it!

  16. Manali @ CookWithManali

    you make the best bars Mir, love the flavors in this one!
    Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Christmas Kiss CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Manali! I’m a bargirl!

  17. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg

    Mir – I recently went on a learning walk in my school. I shadowed an 11th grade student for the entire day; I forgot how exhausting it was to have to switch gears in barely any time. It’s nice to have a little perspective every so often. I hope that you’re going to be able to relax during the holiday break. These toffee bars would be a quick favorite in my family. My sister adores heath bar more than anything. I think I’m going to surprise her with a batch of these and some freshly made coffee. 😉
    Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Mint Chocolate Marshmallow BarsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Yep, we forget quickly how hard it is to be our students. We have to be really nice about giving them stretch breaks!

  18. David @ Spiced

    Dear Mir, these bars look perfect. Please send me a dozen. Thanks, Santa.

    Haha! Seriously, though, these bars look and sound perfect. I love toffee, so I would be all about these! And I used to be a teacher, and this post makes me miss that. Too bad there isn’t a high demand for Latin teachers…oh well, guess I’ll just stay home and bake some more of these toffee bars!
    David @ Spiced recently posted…GingerbreadMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Ha! I would give them to Santa, but they’re all gone. So sad! 🙂
      It’s funny that you say that, because our school has a teacher devoted entirely to Latin. He teaches it all day, including AP-level! But I guess it’s dependent on the school and the system. Teaching does have a way of getting into your blood and staying there!

  19. Amanda

    One of the bars my mom has to make every year for Christmas is her old recipe for butterscotch bars. She’s kind of a purist when it comes to old recipes, but I am totally going to surprise her with these. I think she’ll really dig the toffee/butterscotch combination!
    Amanda recently posted…Christmas Sugar CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      These aren’t purist bars, but I hope she’ll love them anyway!

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