Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines buttery richness and toffee crunch, you’ve come to the right place! These Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites are truly something special. They melt in your mouth and are topped with a creamy, luscious frosting that makes them irresistible. Perfect for cozy fall afternoons or holiday gatherings, these cookies bring warmth and joy to every occasion.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. Whether you’re baking with kids or surprising friends with a tasty gift, these cookie bites are sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet taste and soft texture of these cookies.
• Perfect for gifting: Pack them in a cute box or wrap them up with a bow—everyone will appreciate your thoughtful treat!
• Make ahead convenience: Bake these cookies in advance, frost them later, and they’ll be ready to impress whenever you need them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup toffee bits (brickle bits)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Frosting

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas:

• Add chocolate chips: Toss in some mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on your preference.
• Use maple syrup: Replace part of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden edge. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to soft and tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg along with both types of vanilla extract into the mixture. Blend well until everything is combined. The vanilla adds such wonderful flavor—trust me; it’s worth including both extracts!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Add-Ins

Gently fold in the toffee bits and chopped pecans if you’re using them. These little bites of candy will create delightful pockets of sweetness throughout each cookie.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon, drop scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on wire racks for that perfect texture!

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your cookies cool down, let’s whip up that creamy frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free), and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, frost them using a spatula or piping bag for extra flair. Let the frosting set before storing or serving so you have nice clean edges.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites! They’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites

Baking is a delightful journey, and with these pro tips, your Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites will turn out even more scrumptious!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures that the ingredients blend together easily for a fluffy texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and tender!
• Chill the dough if necessary: If you live in a warm climate or notice your dough is too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help firm it up. This ensures that your cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Rotate baking sheets halfway through: Ovens can have hot spots; rotating your baking sheets halfway through baking will help ensure even cooking and perfect golden edges on all of your cookies.
• Experiment with mix-ins: While toffee bits are delicious, feel free to swap in chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist. Adding different elements keeps things fun and exciting!

How to Serve Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites

Serving these delightful cookies is all about presentation! Here are some creative ideas to make your Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive touch that’s perfect for holidays or celebrations.
• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of additional chopped pecans or walnuts on top adds texture and enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies.
• Drizzled chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the frosted cookies creates an elegant look and a rich flavor boost.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter: Serve alongside a vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or berries. The freshness complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: Pair these treats with a warm beverage like freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea. The warmth enhances the cozy experience of enjoying these buttery bites.
• Ice cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. The contrast between warm cookies and cold ice cream is simply heavenly!
• Milk: A classic choice—offer cold almond milk or oat milk for dipping. It’s nostalgic and pairs well with sweet treats like these cookies.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your homemade Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or share them with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• To freeze, place fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1 hour until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies!

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free) in Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites?

Yes! You can substitute regular vanilla extract (alcohol-free) if you don’t have dark vanilla extract. The flavor will still be deliciously rich.

How should I store leftover Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them as described above.

Can I make Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites without nuts?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or have nut allergies, simply omit them from the recipe. The cookies will still be wonderfully sweet and buttery.

What is the best way to frost my Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites?

Use a spatula for a smooth finish or a piping bag for decorative swirls. Make sure your cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Frosted Butter vanilla extract (alcohol-free) Brickle Bites! Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavors truly make them special—a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying them solo, I encourage you to savor each bite. Happy baking!