Toffee Squares

By Kath Dedon

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Toffee Squares have been one of my favorite holiday cookies since I was a teenager. There have been many Christmases at our house when Toffee Squares were the cookies we chose to leave for Santa. The plate was always empty on Christmas morning.

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The recipe is adapted from Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book. Originally published in 1963, it was most recently published as an “authentic reproduction” in 2002. I have fond memories of paging through it as a teenager, but I haven’t actually made that many cookies from it. I just can’t get beyond the Toffee Squares when I use this book!

What’s not to love about them? They are so quick and easy to make. The toffee cookie base paired with chocolate is fantastic, and everybody loves them. (Yesterday a six-year-old boy told me it was the best cookie he had ever had in his life!) 🙂

If you have never tried Toffee Squares, I encourage you to try them this holiday season. I can assure you that Santa will be thrilled to find a plate of Toffee Squares awaiting him when he comes down your chimney!

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Toffee Squares

(Adapted from a recipe in Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book)

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(print the recipe)

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1 cup butter, left at room temperature a while to soften

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups (240 g) flour

¼ teaspoon salt

4 ounces (about 1 cup) chocolate chips

½ cup finely chopped nuts (I usually use walnuts)

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1. Preheat the oven to 350˚.

2. Put the butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.

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3. Beat at medium speed until well blended.

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4. Add the flour and salt and mix well.

5. Spread the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet so it is a about a 13×10-inch rectangle.* Leave about an inch between the dough and the sides of the baking sheet. (Instead of greasing the pan, you can use parchment paper, as I did.)

*Update 12/22/15 I have found that it is easiest to spread the dough if you place a sheet of plastic wrap over it and then push it out.

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6. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until it is golden brown.

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7. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot cookie.

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8. Let them sit for just a few minutes until softened, and then spread the chocolate over the cookie.

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8. Sprinkle with the nuts.

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9. Cut into small squares while still warm.

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