Ah, the Caramel Pecan Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – a mouthwatering masterpiece that never fails to steal the show on my holiday cookie platter. They are a holiday classic. Little round cookies that get their name from the way you make them. Roll them in a ball, and press your thumb into them to make a thumbprint indentation. After baking, fill the indentation with something sweet – like caramel.
Key Takeaways:
- Decadent Twist on a Classic: These aren’t your average thumbprint cookies – they’re loaded with chocolate, rolled in pecans, filled with gooey caramel, and drizzled with more chocolate.
- Texture & Flavor Explosion: Crunchy pecans, soft chocolate cookie, rich caramel center, and a chocolate drizzle—plus a sea salt finish if you’re into sweet-and-salty bliss.
- Espresso Boost: A touch of espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee—optional, but recommended!
- Thumbprint Technique: Use your thumb or a small dowel to create the iconic indentation before and after baking if needed.
- Quick Caramel Filling: Melt store-bought caramels with cream in the microwave for an easy, silky filling.
- Short Shelf Life: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh—eat within 2 to 3 days for the perfect texture and flavor.
Overview
Caramel Pecan Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover, especially during the holidays. These rich, chocolatey cookies are anything but boring — each bite is packed with deep cocoa flavor, thanks to a touch of espresso powder, and coated in a crunchy pecan crust. The real showstopper, though, is the luscious center: a gooey caramel filling topped with a silky chocolate drizzle and a pinch of sea salt flakes for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish. Unlike the “healthy” versions of thumbprints you may have grown up with, these are unapologetically decadent, delivering layers of flavor and texture that make them impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, gifting them in a holiday tin, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bound to become a new seasonal favorite.
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What Makes These Thumbprint Cookies Different?
I thought thumbprint cookies were boring because my mom used to make them “healthy.” She would press a walnut or almond into them instead of something yummy – like chocolate, jam, or caramel. These thumbprint cookies take decadent to a new level.
I load the dough with chocolate, roll the balls in pecans, fill the indentation with gooey caramel, and finish them with a drizzle of chocolate. Like me, a salted caramel lover also adds a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for extra yum. Oh Yes!!! Now, this is over-the-top decadent!
Make The Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Dough
- Cream together the sugar and the butter. Beat on medium until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla and beat in.
- Mix the flour, cocoa, espresso powder and salt. The espresso powder gives the chocolate an extra punch of flavor. Optional but very good. Slowly add to the butter mixture and beat on low to mix in.
Form And Bake The Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls by hand or with a small cookie scoop.
- Roll the balls in egg white and then the chopped pecans.
- Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Press with your thumb to flatten slightly, and make a thumb-shaped indentation in the cookie. I used a small dowel; it is the perfect size. However, your thumb works great, too.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, and if the indentation isn’t visible, use a dowel or spoon to reform the indentation.
Filling The Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Microwave for 30 seconds, 16 caramels with 1 tbsp. heavy cream.
- Stir and repeat microwaving and stirring until the caramel is melted and smooth.
- Fill the thumbprint cookies with the melted caramel.
- Melt the chocolate chips with the shortening in 30-second intervals, then drizzle the chocolate over the top of the cookie. The 30-second intervals keep the caramel and the chocolate from scorching.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes once the chocolate is firm, and the caramel is set. (optional)
- Best if eaten within 2 to 3 days.
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FAQ for Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Why are my thumbprint cookies spreading?
Thumbprint cookies are a popular and delicious treat that can be enjoyed year-round. However, it can be frustrating when these cookies spread too much during baking, resulting in a less-than-perfect appearance. There are several factors that can contribute to this issue. Firstly, the dough may be too soft or warm. If the dough is not properly chilled before baking, it will spread more in the oven. Additionally, using too much butter or margarine in the recipe can cause the cookies to spread excessively. Finally, overmixing the dough can also lead to spreading as it develops more gluten. To prevent this issue, it is important to follow the recipe instructions carefully and ensure that the dough is properly chilled before baking.
How do I keep my Thumbprint cookies from cracking?
To prevent thumbprint cookies from cracking, there are a few key steps you can take during the baking process. Firstly, make sure your dough is properly chilled before shaping it into cookies. This will help the dough hold its shape and reduce the likelihood of cracking. Additionally, be gentle when making the thumbprint indentation in the center of each cookie. Pressing too hard can cause the dough to crack around the edges. Lastly, avoid overbaking the cookies. Overbaking can lead to dryness and increased likelihood of cracking. Keep a close eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as they are set and lightly golden. By following these tips, you can ensure your thumbprint cookies come out perfectly intact and delicious.
