Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor and sweet, gooey caramel. These little indulgent treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet. Their soft, cookie base with a contrasting chewy caramel center is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and discover how to whip up these amazing cookies in no time!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
Why Make This Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
These Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. Kids love to help with making the thumprint and filling the cookies with caramel sauce. The combination of chocolate and caramel is a classic that never disappoints. Plus, they’re versatile! You can enjoy them as a simple snack, a dessert for a party, or a special treat for the holidays. The warm, tempting aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake will have everyone eagerly waiting for the first bite.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once creamy, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft but well incorporated.
Step 4: Shaping and Baking
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb, creating a small well for the caramel. Fill each indentation with the caramel sauce. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
Step 5: Cooling and Topping
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. If desired, you can melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle or spread them on top of each cookie. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the warm caramel to melt slightly over the ice cream for a delicious dessert.
How to Store Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you need to store them for longer, consider freezing the unbaked dough balls. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and when you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugar.
- Use a spoon to help create the thumbprint indentation, making it easier to fill later.
- Don’t skip the cooling step. Allow cookies to set before transferring them to a wire rack, as they can be delicate right after baking.
- Feel free to use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce; both yield delicious results!
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the caramel-filled indents before baking for that sweet-and-salty combination.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of melting chocolate chips, you could use white chocolate for a contrasting drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before baking. -
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
You may substitute with chocolate ganache or a fruit jam for different flavors. -
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies are spreading too much, make sure your butter isn’t too warm, and consider chilling the dough before baking. -
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work well in this recipe. -
How do I fix dry dough?
If your dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are a delightfully indulgent treat that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With their rich chocolatey flavor and gooey caramel center, they are sure to impress everyone. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite sweet snack! Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully indulgent cookies featuring a rich chocolate base and a gooey caramel center, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls, place on the baking sheet, and create a thumbprint indent in each. Fill with caramel sauce.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet, optionally drizzle melted chocolate before serving.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. Unbaked dough can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
