If you adore desserts that bring a warm hug in every bite, then you are in for a treat with this Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe. It perfectly captures the rich, buttery goodness and luscious sweetness of traditional sticky toffee pudding, but with the delightful chewiness and portable charm of a cookie. Each bite melts with caramel-like toffee and soft date-infused dough, making these cookies an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that will quickly become your new favorite for cozy nights or special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a single round cookie on light brown parchment paper shows a textured surface with a golden-brown color that darkens slightly around the edges. The cookie has a slightly uneven and bubbly middle with a shiny, syrupy center that reflects light, suggesting a soft and slightly sticky texture there. The cookie's edges are crisper and more matte, creating a contrast with the shiny center. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple at first glance, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the unforgettable texture, deep flavor, and rich color that make the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe truly shine. From the sweetness of brown sugar to the natural caramel undertones of medjool dates, every component contributes to cookie perfection.

Unsalted butter (57 grams + 226 grams): Adds richness and a tender crumb to both the toffee and cookie dough.
Granulated sugar (25 grams + 200 grams): Balances sweetness and enhances browning for that perfect cookie color.
Dark brown sugar (55 grams + 110 grams): Imparts deep molasses notes essential to the toffee flavor.
Honey (21 grams): Brings natural sweetness and a sticky texture to the toffee.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and prevents the cookie from being overly sweet.
Heavy cream (30 grams): Adds creamy smoothness to the toffee mixture.
Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): A subtle but essential flavor enhancer tying everything together.
Medjool dates (150 grams): Provide natural caramel sweetness and moisture for a soft, chewy dough.
Boiling water (80 grams): Softens the dates for easy blending into the dough.
Egg whites (2): Lighten the dough, creating a fluffy texture without heaviness.
All-purpose flour (280 grams): The foundation giving the cookies structure.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm spice note that complements the toffee beautifully.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and develop a soft crumb.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Toffee

Begin by creating the luscious toffee that will infuse each cookie with sticky, caramel magic. Combine butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, honey, and kosher salt in a small pot over medium heat. Allow it to gently simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step thickens and concentrates the toffee flavor. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla extract once it’s removed from heat, then chill it in the fridge. This cooled toffee will soon become the gooey heart of your cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Date Paste

While your toffee cools, soften those luscious medjool dates by pouring boiling water over them in a mixing bowl. Let them soak briefly before pressing down to help them absorb as much liquid as possible. Blend the dates with water until you achieve a chunky paste that’s bursting with natural sweetness and moisture—this element keeps the cookies wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough

Now, blend softened butter into the date paste, followed by both sugars and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until everything is combined and fluffy. Adding the egg whites next will lighten the dough, so don’t worry if it looks a bit unique at this stage; it’s part of the magic. Finish by folding in the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda on low speed to gently bring the dough together without overmixing.

Step 4: Portion and Chill the Dough

Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, create 24 evenly sized dough balls. Chilling them is key to controlling how much your cookies spread when baked, helping them maintain that perfect soft and chewy texture that this Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe promises.

Step 5: Bake with Toffee Filling

Preheat your oven with two racks staggered to ensure even baking. Arrange the chilled dough balls spaced about 3 inches apart on parchment-lined half sheets. Bake them initially for 6 minutes until puffy but pale. Then, dollop a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of the chilled toffee into the center of each cookie before returning them to bake for another 6 minutes. As they finish baking, rest assured that any toffee that seems to melt away will resurface as the cookies cool, giving you pockets of sticky caramel delight.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe

A clear glass mixing bowl filled with thick, light brown dough that has small darker brown bits mixed in, likely spices or nuts. A white metal beater is shown partially embedded in the dough at the center of the bowl, with dough clinging to it and some smears around the bowl's sides. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra melted toffee or caramel sauce over the cookies to elevate their presentation. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a lovely contrast that enhances those rich flavors even more, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies shine wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to serve them at a gathering, pair them with a robust cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of dessert wine to complement the complex caramel and date flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond just a cookie plate. These delightful treats make fantastic additions to dessert trays, layered alongside fresh fruit and cheese. Alternately, serve them warm with a side of warm custard or butterscotch sauce for an indulgent twist that will wow guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for prepping in advance or enjoying as a comforting treat throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, they’ll maintain their delicious texture and flavor for up to 3 months, ready to be enjoyed whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Reheating

For a warm, freshly-baked feel, reheat cookies briefly in a low oven or microwave. Keep an eye on the toffee centers—they melt beautifully when warmed, bringing back that gooey magic that makes this Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use different types of dates for this recipe?

Medjool dates are ideal because of their softness and natural sweetness, but you can substitute with other date varieties. Just ensure they are soft or soak them longer in boiling water to achieve a similar texture for the dough.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the toffee?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but heavy cream yields a richer and creamier toffee. Using lighter dairy may result in a thinner sauce, but it will still taste delicious.

Why do I add the toffee partway through baking the cookies?

This technique ensures the dough partially cooks before adding the sticky toffee center, so the cookies can hold their shape and the toffee won’t completely melt out during baking. It creates that signature pocket of gooey sweetness inside each cookie.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Due to the butter, heavy cream, and eggs, this recipe isn’t naturally vegan. However, you could experiment with plant-based butter, coconut cream, and flax eggs, but expect some variation in texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover cookies with toffee centers?

Since the toffee can get sticky, keep cookies in a single layer, separated by parchment if stacking, inside an airtight container. Room temperature is best to maintain their chewy texture and gooey centers.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe that makes them an absolute crowd-pleaser, blending nostalgic flavors with modern cookie ease. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience firsthand the warm, comforting deliciousness that only sticky toffee and dates can deliver. Once you do, these cookies are bound to become one of your cherished favorites, perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies Recipe