Description
Festive caramel thumbprint treats bring holiday magic to your cookie platter with delightful swirls of sweet caramel nestled in buttery shortbread. Guests will delight in these charming morsels that combine rich flavors and irresistible textures for a memorable seasonal celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 2 cups finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- Caramel ice cream topping (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a pristine baking workspace.
- Whip butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, airy consistency.
- Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Gradually fold in flour and salt, stirring gently to create a cohesive dough that holds together perfectly.
- Craft uniform dough balls, each measuring approximately one inch in diameter.
- Whisk egg whites in a separate shallow dish to create a light, frothy coating.
- Delicately roll each dough ball first through egg whites, then generously coat with finely chopped nuts.
- Arrange the nut-crusted spheres on ungreased cookie sheets, leaving adequate spacing between each treat.
- Using your thumb, create a deliberate indentation in the center of each cookie, forming a small well.
- Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until the edges appear set but not browned.
- Immediately upon removal, gently reinforce the thumb impression to ensure a defined caramel reservoir.
- While cookies are still warm, carefully fill each center with rich, golden caramel topping.
- Allow treats to cool completely, permitting the caramel to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Make thumbprints ahead of time and freeze unbaked for convenient holiday prep.
- Experiment with different nut varieties like pecans, almonds, or pistachios for unique flavor profiles.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce or homemade caramel for richer, more complex taste experience.
- Adjust baking time slightly for softer or crispier cookie texture depending on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 204
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 42 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg