Sticky Toffee Pudding Thumbprints take the rich, caramelized flavors of the traditional British dessert and transform them into an irresistible bite-sized cookie. With a chewy, spiced date-filled base and a luxuriously buttery toffee filling, these cookies are the perfect fusion of classic comfort and modern convenience. Ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or a unique addition to your cookie platter, they bring all the indulgence of sticky toffee pudding in a handheld treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup butter, browned
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup white sugar (for rolling)
12 dates, soaked and blended into a paste
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

Prepare the dates: Soak dates in boiling water with baking soda for 10 minutes. Blend into a paste.
Brown the butter: Melt butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Let cool.
Make the dough: Mix the browned butter, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, espresso powder, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Add egg and date paste and stir well.
Add dry ingredients: Slowly mix in flour, cornstarch, and baking powder until just combined.
Shape the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls in white sugar and make an indentation in the center using your thumb or the handle of a spoon. Chill for 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Arrange cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until puffed with slight cracks. Repress the indentations immediately after baking.
Make the toffee sauce: Heat brown sugar, butter, water, molasses, and salt until boiling. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla, then cook for 5 more minutes. Let cool until thickened.
Fill the cookies: Pour or spoon toffee sauce into the cookie centers. Let set before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 80mg

The Inspiration Behind Sticky Toffee Pudding Thumbprints

Sticky toffee pudding is a beloved British dessert known for its moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates and served with a rich toffee sauce. The idea of transforming this iconic dish into a thumbprint cookie came from the desire to create a more convenient, bite-sized version that retains the essence of the original.

By incorporating the signature flavors of sticky toffee pudding—deep caramel notes, warm spices, and the gooey richness of toffee—these cookies bring the traditional experience to a new level. The result is a tender, buttery cookie with a soft center filled with luscious homemade toffee sauce.

What Makes These Cookies Special?

These thumbprint cookies stand out because they are not your average holiday cookie. They are filled with layers of complex flavors that make each bite an experience:

Browned Butter: The use of browned butter adds a nutty depth to the cookie dough, enhancing its richness.
Date Paste: Dates are a key ingredient in sticky toffee pudding, and they lend their natural sweetness and soft texture to the cookies.
Warm Spices: A blend of nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and espresso powder creates a comforting, aromatic profile.
Homemade Toffee Sauce: Unlike store-bought caramel, this sauce is made from scratch, resulting in a silky, buttery finish that perfectly complements the cookies.

The Texture and Flavor Profile

The texture of these thumbprints is where they truly shine. The cookies are soft and slightly chewy, thanks to the date-infused dough, while the toffee filling provides a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth contrast.

The flavor profile is equally complex. The sweetness of dates pairs beautifully with the rich, caramelized butter and brown sugar, while the warm spices add an almost gingerbread-like warmth. The touch of espresso powder subtly enhances the depth of flavor, making these cookies stand out from traditional thumbprint varieties.

Serving Suggestions

Sticky Toffee Pudding Thumbprints can be enjoyed in many ways, making them a versatile treat:

Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are a perfect addition to a holiday dessert platter, offering a rich alternative to traditional sugar cookies and gingerbread.
Afternoon Tea: Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement the warm, spiced flavors.
Dessert Pairing: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Gifting: Package these cookies in a festive tin or box for a homemade gift that will impress any dessert lover.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about these thumbprints is that they store well, making them great for make-ahead baking.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer toffee center, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week.
Freezing: The unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw, fill with fresh toffee sauce, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

Baking the perfect batch of Sticky Toffee Pudding Thumbprints requires attention to detail. Here are a few expert tips to ensure success:

Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough before baking helps prevent spreading, ensuring that the thumbprint shape holds its form.
Use a Wooden Spoon Handle: For a consistent indentation, use the handle of a wooden spoon instead of your thumb.
Watch the Toffee Sauce: Toffee can burn quickly, so stir continuously while cooking to avoid scorching.
Don’t Overfill the Thumbprints: The toffee sauce thickens as it cools, so add a small amount at first to prevent overflow.
Make the Dough Ahead: The dough can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an easy prep-ahead dessert.

Variations to Try

While these cookies are perfect as is, there are a few fun variations you can try to mix things up:

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for an extra crunch.
Chocolate Infusion: Drizzle the finished cookies with melted dark chocolate for an even richer bite.
Salted Caramel Upgrade: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the toffee filling for a sweet-salty contrast.
Boozy Toffee: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the toffee sauce for a more adult-friendly dessert.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding Thumbprints are a brilliant adaptation of a beloved classic, offering all the indulgence of sticky toffee pudding in a handheld treat. Their rich, caramelized flavors, soft texture, and creamy toffee filling make them an unforgettable dessert that will impress at any occasion.

Whether you enjoy them as a cozy winter treat, a holiday dessert, or a special indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite. With their unique combination of ingredients, deep flavors, and irresistible texture, they truly capture the essence of sticky toffee pudding—one delicious bite at a time.

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