Chewy Caramel Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet, Irresistible Treat
Chewy caramel thumbprint cookies combine the perfect balance of soft, buttery cookie dough with rich, gooey caramel in the center. These cookies are more than just a dessert—they are an experience. Each bite delivers a tender, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, punctuated by the decadent sweetness of caramel. Whether baked for the holidays, shared with friends, or enjoyed as an indulgent snack, these cookies never fail to impress.
The charm of thumbprint cookies lies in their simplicity. A small indentation in the center of each cookie is filled with luscious caramel, creating a treat that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly flavorful. The combination of vanilla, brown sugar, and butter gives these cookies a deep, comforting taste, while the caramel adds a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Chewy caramel thumbprint cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels, offering a fun, hands-on baking experience that yields delicious rewards.
Ingredients Needed
Here is a list of ingredients with approximate calorie counts per serving contribution:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups (280 g) | 1020 |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (227 g) | 1620 |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup (150 g) | 570 |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup (50 g) | 200 |
| Large eggs | 2 | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Caramel candies (soft) | 12–15 | 840 |
| Heavy cream or milk (for caramel) | 1–2 tbsp | 50 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Whisk together flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies by rolling dough into 1-inch balls and placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create the thumbprint by pressing a small indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven but leave them on the sheet.
- Add the caramel: While cookies are warm, place a soft caramel candy in each indentation. For a softer, gooier caramel, you can lightly heat it with 1–2 tsp cream before spooning it in.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving to allow the caramel to set.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Flavor variations: Add a pinch of sea salt, cocoa powder, or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- Nutty twist: Press chopped nuts into the caramel before it sets for a crunchy contrast.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies for added indulgence.
- Caramel alternatives: Use dulce de leche or chocolate caramel for a unique flavor profile.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
Serving Suggestions
Chewy caramel thumbprint cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with:
- A warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Holiday dessert platters with a variety of cookies.
- Gift boxes or mason jars for a homemade gift idea.
- Ice cream bars, adding a chewy, caramel element to a frozen treat.
Chewy Caramel Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet, Irresistible Treat
24 cookies
servings15
minutes12
minutes180-200
kcalIngredients
2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
12–15 soft caramel candies
1–2 tsp heavy cream or milk (optional, for softer caramel)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Whisk flour and salt, then gradually add to wet mixture to form dough.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Press a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- While warm, place a caramel candy in each indentation (heat with cream if desired).
- Cool completely before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use soft caramel candies for easy melting; microwave with a teaspoon of cream for a gooier filling.
Make sure to cream the butter and sugars well for a light, chewy texture.
Press the thumbprint while cookies are warm for a deeper indentation, allowing the caramel to sit nicely.
FAQs
1. Can I make chewy caramel thumbprint cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough, shape the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps maintain their shape and can enhance the flavor. Add the caramel after baking.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel candies?
Absolutely. Soft caramel candies work best, as they melt nicely into the thumbprint. You can also slightly microwave them with a teaspoon of cream to make them gooier.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies. For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer, though the texture may be slightly different—less chewy and more crumbly.
5. How can I make the caramel gooier?
Warm the caramel slightly in the microwave with a teaspoon of heavy cream before filling the thumbprints. This creates a soft, pourable caramel that sets as it cools.
Conclusion
Chewy caramel thumbprint cookies are a classic, crowd-pleasing treat that combines soft, buttery dough with rich, gooey caramel. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can create cookies that look and taste gourmet. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or an everyday sweet indulgence, these cookies deliver comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite. By following this recipe and adding personal touches, you can make a batch of cookies that everyone will remember and crave.
