Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cookies
01 -
1/2 cup butter, softened
02 -
1 cup sugar
03 -
1 egg
04 -
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 -
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 -
1/2 cup cocoa powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
09 -
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
10 -
1/4 teaspoon espresso powder
11 -
1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
→ Filling and Toppings
12 -
15 caramels (Kraft or similar)
13 -
2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
14 -
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
15 -
Sprinkles (optional)
16 -
Andes Mint Bits (optional)
17 -
Toffee Bits (optional)
18 -
Chopped nuts (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat again until combined.
03 -
In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
04 -
Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until combined. Add milk and mix again until the dough comes together. The dough will be thick.
05 -
Roll the dough into balls (1 to 2 tablespoons each, depending on desired cookie size). Place on the prepared baking sheet and press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation. The edges will crack slightly.
06 -
Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
07 -
Place the caramels and heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on HIGH in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.
08 -
Spoon the melted caramel mixture into the thumbprint indentations of each baked cookie.
09 -
Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
10 -
Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate onto each cookie. For drizzle decorations, transfer some melted chocolate into a piping bag or a small sandwich bag with the tip cut off and drizzle over the cookies.
11 -
Optionally, add your chosen toppings (e.g., sprinkles, Andes Mint Bits, toffee bits, nuts) to the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
12 -
Serve the cookies with milk or your favorite beverage.
# Notes:
01 -
The dough will be thick but should come together when mixed.
02 -
Allow the chocolate to set completely before storing the cookies.