The Perfect Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet and Salty Delight
You know what is awesome?
Rich chocolate combined with smooth caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
These Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies with Sea Salt and Nuts surely ring that sweet and salty spot.
If you’re one of those people who just love cookies with a little twist, this surely will be your new favorite.
A Family Favorite
I totally remember the first time I made these cookies for our family gathering. We celebrated my sister’s birthday, and I wanted to make something a bit more special. Of course, I was a little late with the planning and needed to throw together something quick but still looking awesome. Chocolate thumbprint cookies turned out to be the perfect fix!
I put in some caramel for indulgence and a sprinkle of flakes of sea salt to elevate the flavors. They became such a hit that now I do them often whenever I want to impress my guests or give myself a treat of pure decadence. These cookies remind me of those warm moments-family times, the laughter, and that sweet, sugary smell of baking diffusing in the air.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: While these cookies look and taste super fancy, this recipe happens to be moderately easy. Even if you’re an utter amateur in baking, you’ll absolutely get these thumbprints right.
- Versatile: You can switch up the nuts, try different fillings, or even add a chocolate drizzle. Customizing this recipe to suit your tastes is part of the fun.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies will impress both kids and adults alike.
- Great Texture: The combination of soft cookie, gooey caramel, and crunchy nuts is simply divine.
The Secret to Amazing Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are phenomenal-only for a couple of neat tricks that make all the difference:
- Indenting the Cookies: The “thumbprint” in the center is what gives these cookies their signature look and ensures a perfect caramel filling. If the indent puffs up during baking, gently re-press it while the cookies are still warm.
- Melting the Caramel: Don’t rush the caramel! Melt it slowly on low heat for a smooth and velvety finish. This prevents it from becoming grainy or too thick.
- Sea Salt Finishing Touch: That pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the caramel filling is crucial. It cuts through the sweetness and enhances the rich chocolate flavor, creating a balanced and complex taste in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies with Sea Salt and Nuts?
Course: Cake Ideas24
servings35
minutes15
minutes140
kcalIngredients
- For the Cookies:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or peanuts)
- For the Caramel Filling:
15 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
- For Topping:
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Steps
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Fold in the chopped nuts to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, press a deep indent into the center of each dough ball to form a “thumbprint.”
- Step 3: Bake
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to bake on the sheet after being removed from the oven.
- After removing from the oven, if the centers have puffed up, gently re-press the thumbprint indentation while the cookies are still warm. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Filling
- While the cookies cool, melt the caramel candies and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can microwave the caramels and cream in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Spoon the melted caramel into the center of each cooled cookie, filling the thumbprint.
- Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
- While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle each cookie with a small pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Allow the caramel to set for about 20-30 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Variations to Try
Variations you can try if you want to get a little adventurous, or just to mix it up:
- Different Nuts: Use any nut you prefer—pecans, almonds, peanuts, or even hazelnuts. Each will add its own unique crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have set, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
- Spiced Caramel: For a holiday twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel filling for a warming spice flavor.
- Double Chocolate: If you’re a chocoholic, fill the thumbprint with melted chocolate instead of caramel, or mix a little cocoa into the caramel for a richer chocolate-caramel hybrid.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the great things about these cookies is that they store well, so you can enjoy them over several days (if they last that long!). Here are a few tips to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.
- Freezing: You can freeze these cookies both before and after baking. If freezing the dough, shape the cookies and press the indent, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Make-Ahead Caramel: The caramel filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before filling the cookies.
Serving Information
These Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies yield about 24 servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying over several days. Each serving contains approximately 140 calories, making them a delightful yet indulgent treat. The prep time for the recipe is 35 minutes, and the cooking time is about 15 minutes. In total, you’ll have these beautiful cookies ready in under an hour.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Softened Butter: For the creamiest, fluffiest cookie dough, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it mix smoothly with the sugar.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Careful with the Caramel: If your caramel is too thick to easily spoon into the thumbprints, stir in an extra splash of cream to thin it out.
- Salt Placement: Sprinkle the sea salt while the caramel is still warm and slightly sticky so it adheres properly and doesn’t fall off.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but if you’re serving them at a party or a special occasion, here are a few ways to elevate the experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: For an extra indulgent dessert, use two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle. The caramel will complement the cold, creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly.
- Gift Giving: Pack them up in a decorative tin or gift box for a thoughtful and homemade present during the holidays or as a thank-you gift.
Wrap It Up with Sweet and Salty Perfection
These Sea Salt and Nut Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are seriously the best for any lover of combined textures and flavors all rolled into one cookie. Rich chocolate with a goopy caramel center, topped with crunchy nuts, puts these over the top for any occasion from family gathering to holiday party, or a special treat for oneself. Be certain-they’ll be the new favorite. I do hope you love making and snacking on them as much as I do. Happy baking!
