In the realm of sweet indulgence, few creations captivate the senses quite like cookies. But not all cookies are created equal, and these Caramel Filled Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies effortlessly rise above the ordinary. Picture this: a velvety peanut butter cookie, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, cradling a pool of golden homemade caramel at its center. With each bite, you’re greeted by a symphony of flavors – the nutty richness of peanut butter, the indulgent sweetness of caramel, and the subtle kiss of sea salt that dances on your palate.
The journey of these cookies begins with a simple yet decadent dough, where creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar unite to create a canvas of flavor. With each scoop of dough, memories of childhood come flooding back, reminiscent of warm kitchens and the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. But it’s the moment when the caramel sauce meets the waiting thumbprint, creating a reservoir of gooey goodness, that anticipation truly peaks. As they bake, the kitchen fills with the tantalizing scent of caramelized sugar, promising a reward worth the wait.
And then, as they emerge from the oven, golden brown and irresistible, the magic happens. The cookies cool, their centers settling into a velvety caramel embrace, while a sprinkling of sea salt adds a tantalizing crunch. Each bite is a revelation – a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that transports you to a realm of pure bliss. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitary indulgence, these Caramel Filled Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of all that is sweet, savory, and undeniably delicious.
You’ll love our Caramel Brownies, Apple Pie Bars, 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, Peanut Butter Muffins
Recommended Equipment
Indulgence Elevated: Salted Caramel Filled Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
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In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until incorporated. Stir in the baking soda and salt until the dough comes together.
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Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just set and slightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once the cookies have cooled, spoon a small amount of the caramel filling into the center of each cookie, filling the thumbprint indentation. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel filling on each cookie.
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Allow the caramel to set for a few minutes before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Optional: For an extra indulgent twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 ServingCalories:150kcalTotal Fat:9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol:10mgSodium:100mgTotal Carbohydrate:15gDietary Fiber: 1gSugars: 10gProtein:3g
Note
Experiment with different types of peanut butter for varied flavor profiles. Creamy, crunchy, or natural peanut butter will all work well in this recipe.
I recommend using our Homemade Caramel Sauce but your favorite store-bought sauce makes a good substitue.
Feel free to adjust the amount of sea salt according to your taste preference.
Please note that the caramel sauce's nutritional content, whether homemade or store-bought, can significantly impact these values, particularly in terms of sugar and calories. Additionally, if you're using specific brands of peanut butter or other ingredients, it's a good idea to refer to the nutritional information on the packaging for more accurate values.