Print

Tender Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

salted caramel thumbprint cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These tender, buttery cookies feature a gooey salted caramel center with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty in a simple, quick recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (160g) salted caramel sauce
  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel) for topping

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
  4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
  5. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll gently between your hands. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  8. Use a small spoon or melon baller to press a shallow indentation in the center of each cookie.
  9. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of salted caramel sauce.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
  11. Immediately after baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each caramel-filled center.
  12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is key to preventing spreading and helps keep the cookies tender. Use high-quality salted caramel sauce for best flavor. If caramel is too runny, refrigerate before filling. Do not press thumbprints too deep to avoid caramel spilling over. Baking time may vary by oven; check at 12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel cookies, thumbprint cookies, easy cookie recipe, caramel thumbprints, sea salt cookies, homemade cookies, quick cookies

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/tender-salted-caramel-thumbprint-cookies-easy-homemade-recipe-with-sea-salt/