Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

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Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

There’s something magical about Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies — the buttery vanilla cookie base paired with silky, golden caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re sweet, rich, and just a little fancy without being complicated.

Each bite is soft and melt-in-your-mouth with the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just to brighten a quiet afternoon at home, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear faster than you can make them.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the caramel filling:

• 20 soft caramels (such as Kraft), unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough:
   In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the cookies:
   Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb (or the back of a measuring spoon) to gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie.
4. Bake:
   Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just golden. If the centers puff up during baking, press them down gently again right after removing from the oven.
5. Make the caramel filling:
   In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
6. Fill and garnish:
   Spoon the warm caramel into each thumbprint, filling the centers completely. Lightly sprinkle with flaky sea salt before the caramel sets.
7. Cool and serve:
   Let cookies cool completely before serving or storing.

Jennie’s Thoughts

There’s something about salted caramel that just feels luxurious. Every time I make these cookies, my kitchen fills with that warm, buttery aroma that instantly puts me in a holiday mood. They remind me of sitting by the Christmas tree with a cup of coffee, the lights twinkling, and that first perfect bite — buttery, caramel-y, and kissed with just a little sea salt.

What I love most is how simple they are. You only need a few ingredients, but the end result looks and tastes like something from a high-end bakery. The caramel sets beautifully in the center, the salt sparkles on top, and each cookie feels like a tiny homemade treasure.

I always make an extra batch of these during the holidays — one to gift and one to keep. And truthfully, the ones I keep never last long.

Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: You can bake the cookies a day ahead and fill them with caramel right before serving for a glossy finish.
• Add a chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle across the tops for an extra indulgent touch.
• Use homemade caramel: Try my Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe for a completely from-scratch version.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Buttery, soft vanilla cookie base
• Gooey caramel center with a salty finish
• Perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavor
• Elegant and easy — ideal for gifting or entertaining

More Cookies You’ll Love

• Rolo Thumbprint Cookies
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

These Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are everything a cookie should be — buttery, rich, and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, they’ll bring smiles and “can I have another?” every single time.