Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
These salted caramel thumbprint cookies feature crispy edges with a gooey, salty-sweet caramel center, making them a perfect homemade treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup salted caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Press a deep indentation into the center of each ball using your thumb or a small spoon.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon salted caramel sauce, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden and crisp but centers look slightly soft.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie.
- Transfer cookies to cooling racks and let cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough before baking to keep edges crisp and centers soft. Do not overfill the thumbprints to prevent caramel overflow. If caramel is too thick, warm gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Re-crisp softened cookies by warming in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: salted caramel cookies, thumbprint cookies, caramel thumbprint, crispy edge cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, caramel dessert