When a Late-Night Craving Calls for Crispy Cookie Brittle

There’s something about crispy cookie brittle that hits just right when you’re halfway through a quiet evening and suddenly realize you need a little sweet crunch. It’s not the usual soft cookie you expect, but a thin sheet of caramelized delight that shatters with every bite. I remember one night, I was scrolling through my phone, half-distracted, and decided to try making this brittle on a whim. The kitchen smelled like warm butter and chocolate—so inviting that I almost forgot to set the timer. When it came out, golden and crackly, I broke off a tiny piece first, then another, and before I knew it, the whole batch was gone. I didn’t even mind the crumbs all over the counter; it felt like winning a small, delicious battle.

There’s a kind of magic in the way this cookie brittle balances sweetness with crunch. It’s not overly complicated, but somehow it feels special—like that one recipe you keep tucked away for when you want to surprise yourself or a friend without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Love It

• The crisp texture is oddly addictive, and it’s a fun change from regular cookies.
• Chocolate chips and pecans add just enough richness and nutty flavor without overwhelming the brittle’s delicate crunch.
• It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy techniques or ingredients needed.
• Great for snacking straight from the jar or gifting in cute little packages, though it doesn’t last long once you start.

If you’re worried about it being too brittle to handle, just know it’s sturdy enough to snap without too much mess. And if you’re like me, you might find yourself eating it a little too fast, so maybe make a double batch.

Crispy Cookie Brittle

Print Recipe

A deliciously thin and crispy cookie brittle that combines the sweetness of classic cookies with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for snacking or gifting!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 pieces

Ingredients

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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
Spread the dough evenly and thinly onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1/8 inch thick, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set and crisp.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookie brittle to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into pieces.
Store the cookie brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Kitchen Notes: I usually use a sturdy baking sheet and parchment paper to keep clean-up easy, but you could try a silicone mat if you want to experiment. This cookie brittle is lovely on its own or crumbled over ice cream or yogurt. I haven’t tested it with different nuts, but swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds might work—just watch the baking time. For an extra twist, a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can really bring out the flavors, though I sometimes skip it if I’m aiming for pure sweet. Also, spreading the dough as evenly as possible helps it bake uniformly thin and crisp, but if it’s a little uneven, that’s just part of the charm.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, the cookie brittle stores well in an airtight container for about a week. If you want it longer, freezing works, just let it thaw before serving.

Is it hard to break into pieces? Not really. Once it cools completely, it snaps nicely. Just be gentle to avoid too many crumbs.

Can I leave out the nuts? Sure! It’ll still have great texture with just the chocolate chips.

What if I want it thicker? You could try spreading the dough a bit thicker, but it won’t be as crisp—more chewy, really.

Give this crispy cookie brittle a try next time you want a little crunchy sweetness. It’s a snack that feels both familiar and a tiny bit special—a perfect companion for those quiet moments when you just want something simple and satisfying.