Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Have I got a treat for you … literally! This week I’m part of The Everyday Home‘s Christmas Cookie Exchange. Each day this week, 6 bloggers (30 in all) share a special holiday cookie recipe. The schedule is at the bottom of this post so you can easily collect 30 Christmas cookie recipes by week’s end. Today is my turn and I’m sharing these wonderful Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies! (Recipe below.)
The classic thumbprint cookies are filled with jam … which really isn’t appealing to me. I was going to make chocolate chip thumbprint cookies that have a Hershey’s chocolate kiss instead of jam, but I couldn’t find my recipe.
So I hauled out my favorite holiday cookbook and as soon as I saw the recipe for Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies, I was sold! It doesn’t get any better than a chocolate and caramel combo!
This is a super easy recipe. You mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Then you make 1-inch balls and roll in sugar or a mixture of sugar and chopped nuts.
Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart. Then press your thumb deep into the dough.
If the indentation doesn’t keep while baking, simply press down in the middle of the cookies while still warm.
Melt the caramels with a small bit of milk, and pour the mixture into the center of each cookie.
I made some with nuts, and some without. These thumbprint cookies are super yummy!
They’re like the cookie version of a Cadbury bar.
Want more chocolate? Today I’m sharing an Easy Chocolate Souffle recipe at Live Creatively Inspired!
Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies (via Homemade Holiday Cookies)
3 ounces Baker’s Unsweetened Chocolate
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional sugar (for coating cookies)
Finely chopped nuts – optional (for coating cookies)
14 ounces Kraft caramels
2 tablespoons milk
Microwave chocolate and butter on High in large bowl that’s microwave-safe for 2 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir 1 cup sugar into melted chocolate mixture until blended. Stir in the egg and vanilla . Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar (and nuts if using). Place balls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (or on ungreased cookie sheet). Flatten the balls slightly with with bottom of a drinking glass. Use your thumb to make a deep indent in each cookie. Bake approximately 8 minutes. Let cookies cool for about 1 minute, then remove from baking sheet and let cool on wire racks.
Microwave the caramels and milk on High for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Fill the centers of the cookies with the caramel mixture. If mixture starts to thicken, place back in microwave for 15 to 20 seconds and then continue filling cookie centers.
Makes 3 1/2 cookies.
And now … here’s the schedule for the Christmas Cookie Exchange!
Monday, Dec. 9th
Tuesday, Dec. 10th
Wednesday, Dec. 11th
Thursday, Dec. 12th
Friday, Dec. 13th
Yum! These look so good! I have that cookbook and hadn’t thought about looking through it in a long time. I’ll have to pull it out to find a few new recipes to use this year. Thanks for sharing these yummy cookies with us.
I have been looking at cookies before breakfast!!!!! Oh my goodness I would love one of these decedent cookies to dunk in my coffee! YUMMY!!!!! Chocolate and caramel is my son’s favorite combo. I am a cookie maker and these would be perfect for a Christmas cookie dessert!!!!! Thanks~
Stopping by from the Cookie Exchange! Chocolate & Caramel, yes please!! Those look so yummy, can’t wait to try out the recipe. Pinning for later 🙂
Jennifer…I love caramel and chocolate together…I’m so trying this recipe….just sounds amazing! And, as usual…the styling is spot on! Love Ya! ~Tammy
i’ve always wanted to make these. they look delish!
Wow! I have never seen these before. I will be making these this holiday. My post is the one with the jam that goes up Thursday. {I’ve never made them before but always thought they look pretty} I added a little liquor and that made them yummy. Thanks for joining the tour, it’s fun! ~Jeanette
ooooo…. these look so yummy Jennifer. Another fabulous recipe to add to my Christmas baking week next week. Thank you!
Oooh I cannot wait to make these Jennifer, caramel and I are buddies 🙂 Pinning!!
xo
These look so good! I’ll have to make these this year for sure! It’s been a pleasure to be on the cookie exchange with you! Have a Merry Christmas!
Leslie
Oh what a yummy flavor combo! and your photos are wonderful-
This tour has been such fun
Cheers!
Yummy, yummy! I love Christmas cookie season. Looking forward to trying these! ~Christy
Oh my gosh! I’m putting these on my MUST MAKE list! Thanks for sharing your recipe and it’s been fun exchanging cookie recipes with ya! Pinning and sharing!