Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies: Sweet and Salty Bliss

 

Salted caramel thumbprint cookies are the perfect combination of crumbly, buttery cookies with a rich, gooey caramel filling topped with a hint of sea salt. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, special occasion, or just for fun, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

This classic recipe, inspired by the cozy nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen, is easy to make and will leave your home smelling heavenly. Pair these cookies with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

How to Make Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
3. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.

Step 4: Add the Caramel Filling

1. Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet.
2. Fill each indentation with caramel sauce while the cookies are still warm.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over the caramel for that signature salted caramel flavor.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Nutty Texture: Roll the dough in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the caramel or drizzle melted chocolate on top after the cookies cool.
• Spiced Cookie Base: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (without caramel filling) for up to a month.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These salted caramel thumbprint cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with their perfect balance of flavors. The buttery cookie base melts in your mouth, while the gooey caramel and hint of sea salt deliver a gourmet touch.

Whether you’re hosting guests, baking for the holidays, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

FAQs About Thumbprint Cookies

1. Can I use store-bought caramel?
   Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully. For an elevated flavor, make your own salted caramel at home.

2. What type of sea salt is best?
   Use coarse sea salt flakes for a gourmet look and flavor. Avoid fine table salt, as it may overpower the sweetness.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month.

4. What’s the best way to reheat caramel-filled cookies?
   Pop them in a microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore the gooey caramel texture.

Enjoy your Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies!

Make this recipe today and bring a little sweetness (and saltiness) to your life. Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments or on social media!