Holiday Caramel Thumbprint Treats are the perfect festive cookies to add to your holiday baking list. These rich, buttery cookies are rolled in finely chopped nuts and filled with a sweet caramel topping, making them both flavorful and beautiful. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. With a light, crispy texture and a delightful caramel center, these thumbprint cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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 (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Caramel ice cream topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing well until a dough forms.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg whites.
Dip each dough ball into the egg whites, then roll them in the finely chopped nuts to coat evenly.
Place the nut-coated dough balls on the cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Press a deep indentation into the center of each cookie using your thumb.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press the center of each cookie again to deepen the indentation.
Fill each indentation with caramel topping.
Let the cookies cool 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: You can omit the nuts and roll the dough balls in sugar or sprinkles for a nut-free variation.
Different Fillings: Instead of caramel topping, try using fruit preserves (such as raspberry or strawberry) for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Caramel Thumbprints: Add a small piece of chocolate in the center before filling with caramel for a chocolate-caramel combo.
Spiced Thumbprints: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the holiday season.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For best results, place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: These cookies are best served fresh, but you can reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if desired.

10 FAQs

Can I use salted butter? It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the recipe, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of ice cream topping? Yes, you can use any caramel sauce you prefer, but make sure it’s thick enough to stay in the indentation.
What kind of nuts should I use? You can use any finely chopped nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, depending on your taste.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use other toppings instead of caramel? Yes, you can use fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or even a flavored cream cheese filling as a topping for these thumbprint cookies.
Why do I need to press the center again after baking? Pressing the center after baking ensures that the indentation stays deep enough to hold the caramel filling.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe.
Can I use egg substitutes? Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement if needed for dietary reasons.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Ensure that the dough is chilled before baking to prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure to space the cookies well apart on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Holiday Caramel Thumbprint Treats are a must-try for anyone who loves buttery, nutty cookies with a sweet caramel center. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a party or making a batch to enjoy with family, these treats will add a touch of sweetness and holiday cheer to your celebrations!