Are you craving a sweet treat that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! These caramel thumbprint cookies are the perfect answer. They're buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and feature a delightful caramel center that's guaranteed to impress. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe will guide you to homemade cookie perfection. Get ready to enjoy the best homemade cookies you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Fill with Caramel
Place a caramel candy in the center of each indentation. If your caramel is particularly hard, you can gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Caramel Thumbprint Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened – this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Caramel Variations: Experiment with different types of caramel candies, such as sea salt caramel or milk caramel.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Variations:
- Chocolate Caramel: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delicious twist.
- Nutty Caramel: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies after baking for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
These easy-to-make caramel thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion. They're a delightful addition to holiday gatherings, a sweet treat for a quiet night in, or a wonderful way to impress your friends and family. Enjoy the deliciousness!