The Ultimate Homemade Tim Tams: A Delicious Australian Chocolate Cookie Recipe from The Sugar Hit!
Indulge in the irresistible delight of homemade Tim Tams! These exquisite chocolate cookies are generously filled with a velvety malted chocolate buttercream and then lavishly dipped in smooth milk chocolate. Prepare to elevate your dessert game with this iconic Australian treat, reimagined in your own kitchen.
Today is an exceptionally exciting day for two wonderful reasons! Firstly, I am thrilled to share the recipe for these incredible homemade Tim Tam cookies, which are nothing short of spectacular. They truly redefine what a classic Australian biscuit can be. Secondly, I get to celebrate the launch of my dear friend Sarah’s phenomenal new cookbook, The Sugar Hit!. I can’t wait to tell you all about both of these delights, starting with the cookbook that inspired this culinary adventure.
Discovering The Sugar Hit! Cookbook: A Whimsical Journey for Dessert Lovers
For those who have been loyal readers of my blog, especially if you’ve delved into my Sunday Thymes posts, you’ll know that I am an enormous admirer of Sarah’s blog and her innovative recipes! Her creations stand out in the baking world for being some of the most creative, truly decadent, and wonderfully playful sweets you’ll encounter. Every recipe feels like an invitation to experiment and have fun in the kitchen.
What initially captivated me years ago was Sarah’s extraordinary eye for design, graphics, and photography. Her blog was a visual feast, and her knack for presenting food in such an appealing and unique way instantly hooked me. Her aesthetic is vibrant, modern, and perfectly complements the joyous nature of her desserts.
Like any devoted fan, I eventually gathered the courage to send her an email – which feels like ages ago in blog years – expressing my profound admiration for her work. To my absolute delight, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to call her a friend ever since. Our shared passion for baking and creative expression formed a bond that I cherish deeply.
Naturally, when she announced last April that she was publishing her very own cookbook, my excitement knew no bounds! I had an immediate feeling that it would be, in every sense of the word, **epic**. Knowing Sarah’s distinctive style and meticulous approach, I anticipated a cookbook that would not only provide delicious recipes but also be a source of endless inspiration.
Now that I hold a physical copy of *The Sugar Hit!* in my kitchen, I’m even more captivated than I ever imagined. If you possess even a hint of a sweet tooth or simply adore desserts, you will absolutely adore this cookbook. It’s a treasure trove, brimming with wildly fun, imaginative, and whimsical sweets. From delightful breakfast and brunch treats to festive holiday indulgences, and even inventive midnight snacks, it covers every possible occasion for a sugary delight. Beyond the recipes, it’s packed with invaluable baking tips, creative ideas, and abundant inspiration that will ignite your passion for confectionery.
And if that weren’t compelling enough, every single recipe is accompanied by a truly gorgeous, full-color photograph. This commitment to visual excellence truly makes the cookbook a joy to flip through. It surpassed even my most imaginative expectations! How can anyone resist smiling when they encounter recipes like “Passionfruit S’More Cones,” “Like a Fat Kid Loves’ Milkshakes,” “Filthy Cheat’s Jam Doughnut,” or the indulgent “Eggnog Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Caramel Sauce”? Each page turn reveals another delightful creation, meticulously crafted and beautifully presented, making the decision of what to bake next almost impossible.
Sarah has poured her heart, soul, and undeniable talent into every aspect of this book, and it shines through on each and every page. So, when it came time to select just one recipe from this incredible collection to share with all of you, I truly struggled. The truth is, I wanted to make — and eat — every. single. one!
The Allure of Homemade Tim Tams: An Australian Classic Reimagined
Ultimately, my heart was completely stolen by the recipe for homemade Tim Tams. If you’re unfamiliar with Tim Tams – and it’s quite likely you are, unless you’ve spent time Down Under – they are an absolute household cookie staple in Australia. [Spoiler alert: Sarah lives in Brisbane, Australia, so she knows her Tim Tams!] These iconic Australian biscuits are more than just a snack; they’re a cultural phenomenon, deeply woven into the fabric of Australian treat culture.
Imagine, if you will, the Australian equivalent of an Oreo, but elevated to an entirely new level – perhaps 10,000,000 times better, as many Australians would contend. At their core, Tim Tams are ingeniously constructed: two perfectly crisp chocolate malt sandwich cookies embrace a rich, creamy malted chocolate filling, and the entire confection is then luxuriously enrobed in a smooth layer of milk chocolate. The combination of textures and deep chocolate-malt flavor is simply divine.
During my college years, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad and live in Brisbane, Australia, for six transformative months. It’s truly ironic that Sarah and I actually lived within blocks of each other at one point without ever knowing it! While living there, I quickly became initiated into the Tim Tam phenomenon, and equally as phenomenal, the beloved Tim Tam Slam! For the uninitiated, a Tim Tam Slam involves biting off opposite corners of the biscuit, using it as a straw to sip a hot beverage (like coffee or tea), and then quickly popping the softened, chocolatey biscuit into your mouth before it melts completely. It’s a messy but utterly blissful experience that perfectly encapsulates the playful spirit of these cookies. Ever since those days, I’ve been utterly enamored with these delightful little cookies and the joy they bring.
The moment I discovered a recipe for homemade Tim Tams nestled within the pages of Sarah’s cookbook, I was completely sold. My initial thought was to perhaps adapt the recipe to put my own spin on it, but upon reviewing her meticulous instructions and ingredient choices, I realized the original was simply too perfect not to share in its authentic form. Why tamper with perfection when the creator has already nailed it?
Now that I’ve had the pleasure of making this specific recipe, I can confidently declare that Sarah has truly hit it out of the park. This homemade version of a Tim Tam is not just good; it is significantly tastier, fresher, and more satisfying than any pre-packaged counterpart you might find on a supermarket shelf. The depth of flavor from fresh ingredients and the care put into each step make all the difference.
Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Homemade Tim Tams
While elegant, dipped chocolate cookies often appear complicated and overly fussy to prepare, please don’t be intimidated by this particular recipe. It is remarkably much simpler than it looks, and incredibly rewarding! The cookie dough comes together in mere minutes, requiring minimal effort. The ingredient list is straightforward, utilizing pantry staples you likely already have on hand. What’s more, these delightful cookies can be made from start to finish, including chilling and dipping, in under an hour and a half!
For those who might lack the patience for meticulously cutting the cookie dough into perfect rectangles – a task I found easier by employing a ruler for precision – you have a fantastic alternative. Simply use a round biscuit cutter to create circular cookies instead. They’ll be equally delicious and just as charming. Another crucial tip to ensure the best possible result? Invest in good-quality milk chocolate for dipping. This is paramount! Do not substitute with standard milk chocolate chips, as their composition is designed to hold shape and won’t melt or coat as smoothly or deliciously. A high-quality bar of milk chocolate (around 60% cocoa solids, if possible) will yield a far superior, glossy, and crack-free chocolate shell.
If you’re searching for a truly special treat to bring to holiday gatherings or festive cookie-swap parties over the coming months, these Homemade Tim Tams are absolutely the perfect choice! They stand out from the crowd and offer a taste of something unique and utterly delicious. I personally guarantee that you will win over the hearts and palates of all your family and friends with these exceptional cookies. Their unique flavor and delightful texture are simply irresistible.
In the meantime, while these chocolatey wonders chill, don’t forget to get your hands on a copy of The Sugar Hit! cookbook! It’s a true winner, a vibrant and inspiring collection that belongs on every dessert lover’s bookshelf, promising endless baking adventures.
Homemade Tim Tams Recipe
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Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 stick (4 oz; 115 g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (115 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (30 g) unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1¼ cups (150 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- pinch of kosher salt
Malted Chocolate Buttercream Filling:
- 1 stick (4 oz; 115 g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1¼ cups (125 g) powdered sugar sifted for a smooth consistency
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon malted drink powder such as Ovaltine or Milo for authentic flavor
Milk Chocolate Coating:
- 7 ounces (200 g) good quality milk chocolate (60% cocoa solids recommended) chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
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Prepare the Chocolate Malt Cookies: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and wonderfully fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing. Add the large egg and continue beating until it is fully incorporated and the entire mixture lightens further in color and texture. Next, sift in the Dutch-processed cocoa powder and beat until no lumps remain, creating a smooth, rich chocolate base. Finally, on low speed, gradually add the unbleached all-purpose flour and a pinch of kosher salt until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. The resulting dough will be notably soft. Turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper on a clean work surface, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough evenly into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about ¼-inch. Transfer the dough (still between parchment paper) onto a baking tray and place it in the freezer for a crucial 30 minutes to firm up. This step makes cutting much easier.
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While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Position an oven rack in the center of the oven for even baking and line two large sheet pans with fresh parchment paper.
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Carefully remove the chilled dough from the freezer. Using a sharp knife and a ruler (for precise rectangles) or a biscuit cutter (for rounds), slice the dough into 28 small rectangles, approximately 1¼ x 2½ inches each. Gently separate these cookie pieces and arrange them with adequate spacing on your lined baking trays. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. Once baked, immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
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Make the Malted Chocolate Buttercream Filling: In a clean bowl, cream the softened butter until it is light and fluffy. Sift in the powdered sugar, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and malted drink powder. Beat all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy. Take half of the cooled cookies and, on their bottom side, spread a generous heaped teaspoon of this delicious filling. Top each filled cookie with one of the remaining plain cookies, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Place these assembled cookies into the refrigerator to chill thoroughly while you prepare the glorious chocolate coating.
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Prepare the Milk Chocolate Coating: In a heat-proof bowl, combine the chopped good quality milk chocolate and the coconut oil. Melt them together in the microwave on High (100%) in short 30-second bursts, stirring vigorously after each burst. This prevents scorching. Continue until the chocolate is mostly melted. Remove it from the microwave and stir gently but continuously until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy, with no lumps remaining. The coconut oil helps achieve a silky, easy-to-dip consistency.
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Take a chilled Tim Tam cookie from the refrigerator. Carefully, yet swiftly, coat it entirely in the melted chocolate. This step is often easiest if you use your clean hands or a dipping fork. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the coated cookie onto a lined baking tray. Repeat with the remaining cookies. Once all cookies are coated, return the tray to the refrigerator to chill completely until the chocolate coating is firm and set. Enjoy your exquisite homemade Tim Tams!