Indulge in the rich flavors of toffee and dates with these delicious cookies topped with a creamy vanilla bean custard buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of toffee, dates, and creamy frosting creates a decadent and irresistible flavor profile.
- With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies are quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- These cookies are ideal for meal prep and can be stored for later enjoyment, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
Ingredient Notes:
- Vanilla Bean Custard Buttercream: This creamy frosting is made with a rich custard base, butter, and vanilla bean paste for a luxurious and smooth texture. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the whole milk with a plant-based alternative.
- Toffee Sauce: The toffee sauce adds a sweet and sticky touch to the cookies, enhancing their flavor. You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Brown Sugar Date Cookies: These cookies are made with Medjool dates, molasses, and brown sugar for a chewy and sweet base. If you prefer a softer cookie, you can increase the amount of butter in the recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions based on Vanilla Bean Custard Buttercream:
- In a saucepan, heat the whole milk until steaming. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, white sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla bean paste.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cold butter until melted. Let the custard cool before using it to make the frosting.
Helpful Tips:
- Chill the buttercream in the refrigerator before frosting the cookies for a firmer texture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
- Substitute the toffee sauce with caramel sauce for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cookie dough to ensure even mixing and a smooth texture.
- For a flavor boost, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosted cookies before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these toffee date cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat. They also make a great dessert option for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea parties.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular buttercream instead of the custard buttercream for this recipe?
- While regular buttercream can be used, the custard buttercream adds a unique richness to the cookies.
- Can I freeze the cookies after frosting them?
- It is best to freeze the unfrosted cookies and add the frosting before serving for optimal texture.
- How long will the toffee sauce last in the refrigerator?
- The toffee sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
- Can I omit the toffee sauce from the recipe?
- Yes, you can skip the toffee sauce if you prefer a simpler cookie variation.
Conclusion:
Experience the irresistible blend of toffee, dates, and creamy frosting with these delectable cookies. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or a dessert to impress guests, these toffee date cookies are sure to please. Give this recipe a try and share your feedback with us!
Print
Toffee Date Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12–16 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of toffee date cookies topped with a luscious vanilla bean custard buttercream frosting. These cookies are made with a sweet toffee sauce and brown sugar date cookie base for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Bean Custard Buttercream:
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- pinch of salt
Toffee Sauce:
-
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- pinch of salt
Brown Sugar Date Cookies:
-
- 1/2 cup Medjool dates
- 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses or black treacle
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Prepare Vanilla Bean Custard Buttercream: In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, then return to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Stir in vanilla and cold butter. Chill. Beat softened butter with salt until creamy. Add custard and beat until smooth.
- Make Toffee Sauce: Combine brown sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan. Cook until thickened. Stir in vanilla and salt. Cool.
- Bake Brown Sugar Date Cookies: Preheat oven. Blend dates and molasses. Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in date mixture and dry ingredients. Drop dough onto baking sheets. Bake until golden.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar in the toffee sauce.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg