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Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Dec 3, 2018 · 106 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, these decadent caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies will be the highlight of your Christmas cookie tray.

The most delicious chocolate caramel thumbprint cookies this image


I love the holiday season and all the baking that it entails. My mom used to make a few batches of cookies with us every year, and then arrange them beautifully on a tray and give them to friends and family.

The best ever caramel chocolate cookies

Every year, I like to make a new cookie to add to my repertoire. In the past, I’ve shared recipes for:

  • Eggnog cookies
  • Sugar cut out cookies that actually hold their shape (these are super popular and receive such amazing feedback…because they actually hold their shape)
  • Dark and stormy oatmeal cream pie cookies
  • 5 ingredient toasted pecan snowballs
  • Cranberry bliss cookies
  • Smores cookie cups
  • Chocolate dipped hazelnut sandwich cookies

The most amazing caramel chocolate cookies

This year, I’m making caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies. Thumbprint cookies are great because you really feel like you’re involved in the process, you’re creating a little thumbprint well that you fill with caramel for each cookie.

The most delicious caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies

Years ago, I got a magazine called ‘100 best cookies’ and caramel thumbprints were the #1 recipe, I saved the recipe, modified it slightly and am sharing it with some tips today.

The best recipe for caramel chocolate cookies

How to make caramel for cookies:

I’ve found that to get soft and chewy caramel for cookies, you melt caramel squares with sweetened condensed milk. The mixture of sweetened condensed milk and caramel squares makes for the smoothest, softest caramel which is perfect for cookies (it doesn’t get hard and won’t break your teeth when trying to bite into a caramel cookie).

The most amazing and delicious caramel chocolate cookies

How to make caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies:

To make chocolate thumbprint cookies, there are a few steps. Although a little time consuming, these cookies are rich and super delicious, definitely worth it. You start by making a chocolate dough, then you form the dough into balls and coat them with chopped hazelnuts (you could leave off the nuts if you’d prefer). Press a thumbprint into each cookies and bake them. Then while the cookies are baking, you make a caramel sauce which will fill the thumbprint you made. The last step is drizzling chocolate over the cookies.

The most decadent and delicious caramel chocolate cookies

Two other tips for making chocolate caramel thumbprints:

The best cookies ever are these caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies

  1. If adding nuts, make sure to chop them up really finely, I suggest running them through the food processor
  2. You can substitute 1/2 cup caramel apple dip for the caramels and sweetened condensed milk, microwave for 20 seconds before using.

I hope you enjoy these incredibly delicious Christmas cookies! I’d love to hear from you in the comments: what is your favorite Christmas cookie?

The best cookies to make

Other recipes you might enjoy:

  • 5 Ingredient Tuxedo Chip Cake Mix Cookies
  • Chocolate Rolo Stuffed Crinkle Cookies Recipe
  • Big Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies (made with real cranberries)
Caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies, Christmas cookies, chocolate caramel thumbprint cookies, chocolate thumbprint cookies

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies, perfect for a decadent Christmas cookie recipe everyone will love!
4 from 2 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 2 hours hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 35 cookies

Equipment

  • Measuring cups
  • Glass bowls
  • Cookie scoop

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup finely chopped hazelnuts or you could use pecans or walnuts
  • 16 caramels unwrapped
  • 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk or you could use heavy whipping cream instead
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
  • 1 teaspoon shortening

Instructions

  • Separate egg; place yolk and white in separate bowls. cover and chill egg white until needed. In a medium bowl stir together flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl. Beat in egg yolk, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour mixture on low speed until combined. cover and chill for about 1-2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet; set aside.
  • Lightly beat the reserved egg white. Place hazelnuts in a small bowl. Shape dough into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop. Roll balls in egg white, then in hazelnuts to coat. Place balls 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Press you thumb into the center of each ball. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. If cookie centers puff during baking, re-press with the back of a spoon.
  • For filling, in a small heavy saucepan cook and stir caramels and sweetened condensed milk (or heavy whipping cream over low heat until mixture is smooth. Set aside.
  • Spoon filling into the indentation in each cookie. transfer to a wire rack; cool. (If necessary, reheat filling to keep it spoonable. )
  • In another small saucepan cook and stir chocolate pieces and shortening over low heat until melted; cool slightly. Drizzle cookies with melted chocolate. Let stand until set.

Notes

You may substitute 1/2 cup caramel apple dip for the caramels and sweetened condensed milk. In a small microwave-safe bowl microwave dip for 20 seconds, stir before using.
To store, place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container.
Recipe slightly adapted from Better Homes and Garden 2013; 100 best cookies issue.
Nutrition information disclaimer: the nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.  
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g

The best ever caramel chocolate cookies to make

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Blog Posts, Christmas, Cookies, Dessert, Holidays, Recipes, Winter holiday recipes caramel, caramel chocolate christmas cookies, caramel chocolate thumbprint cookie recipe, chocolate, chocolate caramel thumbprint cookies, hazelnuts, holiday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nelly says

    December 14, 2018 at 9:24 am

    I am planning to make cookie batches this weekend, and I can’t wait to try these. One of our family favorites is peanut butter blossoms. I have a recipe from my childhood best friend’s mom, and in recent years I have been experimenting adding cocoa powder and food coloring for a red velvet flavor. It adds a richness around the holidays.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 2:59 pm

      My husband loves peanut butter blossoms, your changes sound great!

      Reply
  2. Denise says

    December 14, 2018 at 8:39 am

    I’m not a very prolific baker. I try, but it’s such an exact science and I tend to be more of an inexact cook. That being said, I usually resort to slice and bake cookies during the holidays. And I need to slightly “burn” them to please my husband!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:00 pm

      Love a good slice and bake cookie 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lynn says

    December 14, 2018 at 8:27 am

    My daughter and I love to make peppermint pinwheels. Your cookies look and sound delicious!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:00 pm

      Thank you so much – and peppermint pinwheels sound so festive and delicious!

      Reply
  4. Mary W says

    December 14, 2018 at 7:45 am

    My favorites are Molasses cookies with lots of kick to them. I like extra spices and even a touch of cayenne. It’s that mystery ingredient that is subtle but wows everyone.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:00 pm

      Ok yum, love a good spice cookie!

      Reply
  5. Sharon says

    December 14, 2018 at 7:43 am

    I love the Mexican wedding cookies, with lots of pecans.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:00 pm

      Yum, those are always so good!

      Reply
  6. Lisa Burkhart says

    December 14, 2018 at 7:35 am

    My favorite is the old stand by – Peanut Blossoms with the chocolate kiss in the middle. I do try at least one new recipe each year from the WE Energies book. I will try this thumbprint next year..Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:01 pm

      My husband loves peanut blossoms with the chocolate kiss! I love that you use the WE energies books too, I always love trying new recipes too 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kim Henrichs says

    December 14, 2018 at 6:56 am

    oh girl, these look AMAZING!! My fave cookie recipe this time of year is a good ‘ol chocolate crinkle.

    Happy weekend!!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:01 pm

      Yum, chocolate crinkles for the win!

      Reply
  8. Melissa Kuhn says

    December 14, 2018 at 6:30 am

    These cookies look delicious
    My favorite cookies are snickerdoodles and my grams peanut butter blossoms recipe she always added a hint of vanilla to the batter.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      Thank you so much – love the sound of your favorite cookies too!

      Reply
  9. Linda Bick says

    December 9, 2018 at 8:39 am

    These cookies look amazing! I love sugar cookies and a yummy chewy ginger cookie!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:11 am

      I think you’d love these cookies 🙂

      Reply
  10. Amanda says

    December 8, 2018 at 9:03 am

    Oh my goodness! These look delicious! I think I just might have to add these cookies to my list of /cookies to make,

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:18 am

      I think they’d make a lovely addition to your christmas cookie list 🙂

      Reply
  11. Annette says

    December 8, 2018 at 1:05 am

    My favorite is Oatmeal Raisin. I use the recipe from the oatmeal container, but I use golden raisins instead of the dark ones.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:18 am

      Oh I like that switch with the raisins 🙂

      Reply
  12. Susan P. says

    December 7, 2018 at 8:39 pm

    I haven’t made your recipe for Vanilice – Raspberry Filled Vanilla Cookies yet but I think it will be my favorite cookie since I love raspberry and vanilla!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:19 am

      Aw thank you, I think you’d love those cookies, they’re always on my cookie baking list

      Reply
  13. Ashley H. says

    December 7, 2018 at 8:37 pm

    I always loved Keebler Soft Batch chocolate chip cookies as a kid, so I eventually went looking for a recipe to try to duplicate them. Found one via Pinterest a couple of years ago (credit to averiecooks.com) that uses cream cheese and is absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:19 am

      I’ll have to go look those cookies up, they sound amazing!

      Reply
  14. melanie says

    December 7, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    For Christmas i love frosted sugar cookies but for general cookiness give me a chocolate chip cookie with walnuts!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:20 am

      Yum, love both sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies too 🙂

      Reply
  15. Rebecca S. says

    December 7, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    For the holidays, it’s lebkuchen! Otherwise it’s my family chocolate chip cookie recipe or ginger cookies.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:20 am

      Oh yum, I come from a German family and we love Lebkuchen!

      Reply
  16. Amy C. says

    December 7, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    I love making Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are massive, impressive and delicious!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:20 am

      Omg those sound amazing!!

      Reply
  17. Mary W says

    December 7, 2018 at 4:11 pm

    I love traditional molasses cookies with the cracks and castor sugar for the crunch.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Yum, those sound amazing!

      Reply
  18. Denise says

    December 7, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    These cookies look divine! All my favorite flavors in one. I am partial to anything with chocolate, and that’s especially true for cookies.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words, and chocolate cookies for the win!

      Reply
  19. Mary says

    December 7, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    These cookies look amazing I can’t wait to try them. So sorry you had to cancel your cookie party that’s one of my favorite holiday traditions.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you for your sweet comment. It was so tough to cancel the party, I totally look forward to it every year, but I’m still so under the weather (and don’t have up a single decoration ;( …here’s to next year)

      Reply
  20. Susan Craig says

    December 7, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    Those cookies look amazing! I have a favorite gingerbread cutout recipe that I got at a cookie exchange party decades ago. It isn’t sticky so it is easier to work with, but it still makes soft cookies.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      Oh yum, that sounds amazing!

      Reply
  21. Nancy S. says

    December 7, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    My favorite any time of year is the peanut butter kiss cookies!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:43 pm

      My husband loves peanut butter kiss cookies, they’re his favorite!

      Reply
  22. Dawn says

    December 7, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    There is a sugar cookie recipe I made with my mom as a kid that I now make with my own kiddos that wins out as the best in my book not just because they’re so yummy but because of the memories made each time! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      Awwww, I love that!

      Reply
  23. Wendy Burrow says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:39 am

    For Christmas cookies and winter holiday celebrations, chocolate cherry cookies all the way!! My grandma and mom made these every year for Christmas, so it’s one of those childhood memory things. I could eat quite a lot of them. Now I make them, and my son even loves them, and he doesn’t love anything. ; ) The cool thing about them is you can substitute a walnut or pecan for the cherry, or keep them nut free if you have anyone with allergies.

    P.S. I am dying to try a batch of Salted Double Chocolate Chili cookies…

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:46 pm

      Oh yum, those cookies sound amazing!!

      Reply
  24. Jeffrey says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:37 am

    I’m a sucker for the classics. I like a good ole’ homemade chocolate chip cookie, nothing fancy, just quality ingredients!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:47 pm

      I’m right there with you – if someone asks what my favorite dessert is, I always say chocolate chip cookies 🙂

      Reply
  25. carol clark says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:34 am

    mine is a plain sugar cookie recipe

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:47 pm

      Yum, love a good plain sugar cookie

      Reply
  26. Rust says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:20 am

    I love tmexican wedding cookies coated in powdered sugar with lots of pecans in them. Happy holidays, Phi!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:47 pm

      Oh yum, love those cookies too 🙂 Happy holidays to you as well!

      Reply
  27. Steven Epstein says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:12 am

    chocolate almond-praline-cookies.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      Yum, those sound fancy and delicious

      Reply
  28. Jennifer Shafer says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:07 am

    These cookies look YUM! My favorite cookie is my great grandmother’ s recipe for a bittersweet chocolate ravioli shaped cookie that is filled with hazelnut and dusted with powdered sugar. It is unfortunately lost in time as there was 1 handwritten copy in Italian that no one in the family seems to have. It is my favorite cookie and Christmas memory.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you for sharing that memory, it sounds like those cookies were so good!!

      Reply
  29. Jana says

    December 7, 2018 at 11:04 am

    Another tough decision! I think I have to go with the good ole chocolate chip cookie!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 7, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      Me too – I love a good CCC cookie 🙂

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Trackbacks

  1. Holiday Cookie Roundup - Sweetphi says:
    December 10, 2018 at 10:44 am

    […] Chocolate caramel thumbprint cookie – my newest favorite cookie recipe that I hope you have a chance to try this year […]

    Reply

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Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies