Delicious Salted Caramel Thumbprints for Christmas
created by Christmas Cookies Hub, updated on Oct 28, 2025

These Salted Caramel Thumbprints are a festive delight that will surely impress your family and friends during the holiday season. Combining the rich, buttery flavor of a classic thumbprint cookie with the indulgent sweetness of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are perfect for Santa’s cookie plate or your holiday baking gatherings. The best part? They are simple enough to make with kids, ensuring a fun baking experience for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt until the dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the caramel.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough.
- Make sure to use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best taste.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts or drizzled chocolate for a twist on the classic recipe.
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe.
- How should I store these cookies? Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw and bake when ready!
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Thumbprints are not just delicious; they are also a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie exchange or family gathering. Their unique flavor combination will leave everyone craving more. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next festive baking adventure!