Thumbprint Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Looking for a delightful treat to prepare during the cozy winter months or for a holiday gathering? Thumbprint Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are the perfect choice! With their rich chocolatey flavor, a hint of sweetness, and a dash of sea salt, these cookies are sure to become a favorite snack for both kids and adults. The best part? They can be prepped in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great option for busy days when you need a treat ready to go.
This recipe is perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen during those lazy winter afternoons. Not only will they love rolling the dough into perfect little balls, but they’ll also enjoy adding the homemade salted caramel sauce. These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! If you’re planning a holiday cookie exchange or simply want a festive treat to share, these thumbprint cookies will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 16 cookies
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vivatta Maida (All-purpose Flour) | 1 cup |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/3 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 110 grams |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 3/4 cup |
| Whole Egg | 1 whole egg |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Chocolate Chips | 3/4 cup |
| Salt (for sprinkling) | A pinch |
| Condensed Milk | 350 ml |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the cookies bake evenly and come out with a perfectly soft texture.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour), cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
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Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes of beating. Then, add the whole egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated.
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Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and all ingredients are fully combined. The dough will be soft but firm enough to shape.
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Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Shape the Dough: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand to form a cookie shape.
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Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. I recommend checking around the 9-minute mark to ensure they stay soft. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the center but firm on the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
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Create the Thumbprint: While the cookies are still warm, gently press the back of a spoon (or a small scoop) into the center of each cookie to form a thumbprint. This will create a perfect little well for the caramel sauce.
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Make the Caramel Sauce: To make the caramel sauce, pour the condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 5 minutes, stirring at intervals. The sauce should turn a brownish color, indicating that it’s done. Let it cool slightly before using.
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Add the Caramel: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon a small amount of the caramel sauce into the center of each thumbprint. Be generous with the caramel – it adds the perfect sweet touch!
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Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Immediately sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel topping to balance out the sweetness with a bit of savory flavor. This step gives the cookies a delightful contrast of flavors.
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Enjoy!: Your Thumbprint Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a glass of milk or pair them with a warm beverage like Homemade Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream for the ultimate treat.
Tips for Success
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The baking time can vary depending on your oven. You want the cookies to remain soft and chewy, so don’t overbake them!
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Make-Ahead Option: These cookies can be prepared ahead of time. After rolling the dough into balls, store them in the fridge for up to a week before baking. Or, freeze the dough balls for up to a month – just bake them when you’re ready!
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Customization: Feel free to mix up the fillings. Instead of salted caramel, you could use fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or even a peanut butter filling.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Thumbprint Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies with a hot drink like homemade hot chocolate, chai tea, or a steaming cup of coffee. These cookies are also great for gift-giving, holiday cookie exchanges, or as a festive treat at family gatherings.
Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors with these irresistible cookies!
