Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich cocoa flavor with creamy caramel filling. These delightful cookies have a soft, buttery base with a thumbprint indentation filled with gooey caramel and topped with a touch of flaky sea salt for an irresistible finish. Perfect for Christmas, gift-giving, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are as impressive as they are delicious.

What Are Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies?

Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are a type of soft cookie shaped into small rounds with an indentation in the center, filled with a luscious caramel sauce. The cookie dough is rich and chocolaty, and the caramel center adds a creamy, sweet contrast. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavors, making these cookies a sophisticated yet approachable dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich flavor: A perfect blend of chocolate and caramel.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Customizable: Add nuts, drizzle with chocolate, or sprinkle with salt.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for holidays, parties, and gifting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 20 soft caramels
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shaping the Cookies

6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indent in the center of each ball.

Baking

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Filling with Caramel

10. In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the soft caramels and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth.
11. Spoon the caramel mixture into the indents of each cookie.

Finishing Touches

12. Sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt, if desired, and let the caramel set completely before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.
• Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday parties or gift them in decorative boxes.
• Pair with other holiday cookies like shortbread or sugar cookies for a variety platter.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Keep them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm to prevent the caramel from melting.

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked dough: Roll the dough into balls, create the indents, and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked cookies: Freeze the cooled cookies without the caramel filling in a single layer. Thaw and fill with caramel when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty twist: Roll the dough balls in chopped nuts before baking for added crunch.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cookies for a decorative touch.
• Salted caramel: Use salted caramel filling for an extra flavor boost.
• Vegan version: Replace butter with vegan butter, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose dairy-free caramels.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
Yes, homemade caramel works beautifully. Just ensure it has a thick consistency to stay in place.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.

Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe, but if your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before shaping.

These Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that will be the star of your holiday baking. With their rich chocolate base, gooey caramel filling, and a hint of sea salt, they’re impossible to resist. Try this recipe and make your festivities even sweeter—don’t forget to share your experience!

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