If you’re looking for a delightful treat to impress your family or friends, look no further than Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies! These cookies are a perfect combination of crunchy nuts, rich chocolate, and gooey caramel. They’re easy to make and will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Why Make This Recipe
These cookies are not just tasty; they are fun to make! The process of rolling the dough and creating little thumbprints is perfect for kids and adults alike. They also make a great gift for holidays and special occasions. Who wouldn’t love a homemade treat? Plus, they’re a fun twist on a classic cookie that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white (for coating)
- 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped nuts (hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 15 soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (85 g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk the egg white, and in another bowl, place the chopped nuts. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, dip each ball in the egg white, and then roll it in the chopped nuts to coat. Place the coated cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Make the Thumbprints & Bake: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a deep indentation in the center of each cookie. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set. If the centers puff up while baking, gently press them down while they are still warm. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the soft caramels and heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until it’s smooth. Spoon that warm caramel into the center of each cookie and let it set for around 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it’s warm but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about a minute. Stir until it’s smooth and glossy. Drizzle or pipe a small amount over the caramel-filled cookies.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cookies to set completely before serving. Enjoy your crunchy, chocolatey, and caramel-filled delights!
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Serve these cookies warm on a nice plate or in a cute jar for a fun twist. They make great treats for parties, family gatherings, or just for a cozy evening at home with a cup of tea or coffee!
How to Store Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Tips to Make Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Use a variety of nuts for different flavors and textures.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate for the ganache.
Variation
You can easily swap out the nuts with your favorite toppings or add in some chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but it may change the texture a bit.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies will be set but slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling.