Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-491235H6M41S
Cuisine: British-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup brown sugar; 0.25 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.75 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup chopped medjool dates 1 cup toffee bits

Imagine all the rich, buttery comfort of sticky toffee pudding wrapped into a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies are inspired by the classic British dessert, bringing together notes of caramelized brown sugar, tender bits of date, and a hint of warm spice in every bite. They smell like a cozy winter evening and taste like a warm hug with a cup of tea.

These Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies are perfect for holiday trays, special gatherings, or a cold-weather baking session when you want to make something nostalgic but unexpected. The dates give a deep, molasses-like richness, and the toffee bits melt just enough to create gooey pockets throughout the soft centers.

Why You’ll Love These Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies

If you’re a fan of cookies with a little something extra, these are going to win you over quickly. They combine the texture of a soft oatmeal cookie with the rich taste of butterscotch and a buttery, almost caramel-like chew. The medjool dates are the magic ingredient that takes the flavor from sweet to stunning, while the toffee bits bring crunch and melt in equal measure. It’s a dessert hybrid that feels both rustic and indulgent.

What Kind of Dates Work Best for Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies?

Medjool dates are the go-to for this cookie recipe. Their naturally soft, sticky texture makes them perfect for folding into dough without needing to be soaked. Their caramel-like flavor blends beautifully with the brown sugar and toffee bits, making each bite taste like a miniature pudding. If you only have Deglet Noor dates on hand, give them a quick soak in hot water to soften before chopping and adding them in.

Ingredients for the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies

These cookies are built around warm, indulgent ingredients that mimic the classic pudding in cookie form. Each component plays a specific role in flavor and texture.

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Chopped medjool dates
Toffee bits

The unsalted butter and brown sugar are the soul of the cookie, giving it that deep caramelized base. Granulated sugar helps with the structure and a crisp edge. The egg brings moisture and binds it all together. Vanilla extract lifts the flavor, while all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt create the perfect cookie dough foundation. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth, and the chopped dates and toffee bits bring it all home.

How To Make the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming the butter with both sugars until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step is key to getting the soft and chewy texture right.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is combined smoothly. The batter will look glossy and thick.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then gradually add it to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Fold in the Dates and Toffee

Gently fold in the chopped medjool dates and toffee bits. You want an even distribution so that each cookie gets a little of both.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavors.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.

How to Store and Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm, when the toffee is still a little melty and the dates are tender. They pair perfectly with a cup of black tea or warm milk. Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. A quick microwave zap brings them right back to that freshly-baked softness.

This recipe makes about 20 cookies, depending on how generous your cookie scoop is. They’re rich enough to satisfy with just one, but good luck stopping there.

What to Serve With Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies?

A Cozy Cup of Tea

A strong black tea, like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, balances the sweetness beautifully.

Warm Spiced Milk

Think cinnamon and nutmeg warmed in milk for a nostalgic bedtime treat.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Place a warm cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over your cookie for an ultra-decadent twist.

Candied Pecans

Serve alongside or crumble on top of a cookie sundae.

Whipped Cream with a Pinch of Nutmeg

Adds lightness and holiday spice if you’re plating them for a gathering.

Bourbon or Brandy

For grown-up gatherings, a small pour of bourbon pairs wonderfully.

If you loved these Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies, you might also enjoy:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try chopped walnuts or chocolate chips? Or maybe a dash of bourbon in the dough?

I love seeing how others bring their own flair to these recipes. Questions are welcome too – let’s make baking easier together.

Explore more comforting dessert ideas and cozy cookie creations on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next bake-worthy favorite.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies turn a classic dessert into an easy-to-make, melt-in-your-mouth cookie perfect for the cooler months. With gooey centers, crispy edges, and layers of warm caramel flavor, they strike the perfect balance between comforting and indulgent. Once you try them, they just might become a staple on your holiday cookie list.