Holiday Caramel Thumbprint Treats

Holiday Caramel Thumbprint Treats are the perfect blend of rich, buttery cookies and smooth, gooey caramel, making them a must-have on any holiday cookie platter. With a crunchy nut coating and a delicate caramel filling, these cookies are both festive and indulgent. Their sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture and golden appearance will surely impress your guests during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups finely chopped nuts
• Caramel ice cream topping

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing well until the dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg whites.
7. Dip each dough ball into the egg whites, then roll it in the finely chopped nuts until completely coated.
8. Press a deep indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but not brown.
10. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press down the center of each cookie again to ensure a deep well.
11. Fill each indentation with a generous amount of caramel ice cream topping.
12. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free version, you can skip the nut coating and instead roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or sprinkles before baking.
• Different Fillings: While caramel is the classic filling, you can use fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot) or melted chocolate as a filling for a fun twist.
• Chocolate-Dipped: After baking and cooling, dip the bottoms of the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spiced Dough: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the caramel filling has fully cooled before stacking the cookies.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container for storage. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. If freezing with caramel topping, be sure to add the caramel after thawing.
• Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to gently warm them.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may affect the overall flavor. If you do, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or even pecans can be used instead of the traditional chopped nuts.
3. What if I don’t have caramel ice cream topping? You can substitute the caramel topping with homemade caramel sauce or dulce de leche for a richer, homemade flavor.
4. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Roll the cookies, coat them in egg whites and nuts, then bake when ready.
5. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
6. Do I need to press down on the cookies before baking? No, you don’t need to press the dough down before baking; simply form the balls and press the thumbprint indentations immediately after baking.
7. Can I substitute the egg whites with something else? You could substitute egg whites with an egg wash or try using a flaxseed or chia egg as a plant-based alternative for binding.
8. Why do I press down the cookies twice? Pressing down the cookies after baking ensures that the indentation holds its shape, allowing the caramel filling to sit perfectly inside.
9. How do I keep the caramel from dripping over the sides? Be sure to fill the thumbprint indentations gently and leave a small edge of cookie around the caramel to prevent overflow.
10. Can I decorate these cookies with sprinkles? Yes! After filling the centers with caramel, you can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar, chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles to add a holiday touch.

Conclusion

Holiday Caramel Thumbprint Treats are a delicious, visually appealing cookie that combines the perfect balance of rich, buttery dough and sweet caramel. With their crunchy nut coating and gooey caramel filling, they’re a festive treat that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering. These cookies are quick to make, yet look and taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party or for your family, they’ll be a favorite throughout the holiday season.

Print