Salted Caramel Almond Thumbprint Cookies
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Salted Caramel Almond Thumbprint Cookies ~ Easy, Cookies Are Perfect for Any Holiday Party or Cookie Exchange! Slightly Nutty, Sweet and Incredibly Rich with Salted Caramel Filling!
I love the Christmas season for a lot of reasons, but let’s be honest here, one of the best parts of Christmas are the Christmas cookies. It’s the time of year when it’s fairly (I say ‘fairly’ so none of you will judge me too harshly here 😉 ) acceptable to eat some sort of cookie every single day—from now until New Years. Incidentally, I happen to have a few cookie suggestions! Apart from these caramel almond thumbprint cookies (which you have to try!), might I causally hint at trying out something like these sugar cookies or chocolate caramel cookies? 😉
Clearly, my New Years resolutions will be something about eating healthier or exercising more. But, today is not that day. Today is a day for cookies. Salted caramel almond thumbprint cookies, to be exact.
Rich, buttery almond cookies are filled with sweet, creamy caramel filling. Need I say more?
When I was younger, thumbprint cookies were just those ‘jam-filled’ cookie things that actually tasted pretty amazing, but were slightly underwhelming at first. While it took me a while to appreciate desserts other than chocolate on chocolate, I now actually love those classic jam-filled thumbprint cookies. 🙂
Despite loving those classic thumbprint cookies, my favorite part of baking is getting creative with desserts. Since thumbprint cookies are incredibly versatile, it’s been my life’s mission to make as many amazing pairings as I possibly can. You can fill the centers of thumbprint cookies with absolutely anything you want, which makes these cookies so fun. Today I went for salted caramel, but maybe tomorrow it’ll be cheesecake. Or chocolate ganache. Or marshmallows (much like these Hot Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies).
Sugar is my life. True story.
These caramel thumbprint cookies are so simple to make, which makes them a fantastic recipe for the holiday season! Additionally, these cookies make a great gift for friends, family, and even yourself! In fact, I give these as a gift to myself every year (I’m very selfless, obviously). I’m confident you will like them as much as I do!
Give them a try! They won’t disappoint. 😉
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Salted Caramel Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Thumbprint Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped almonds
Salted Caramel Filling
- 20 caramels
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Thumbprint Cookies
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined.
- Add in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined (dough will be thick).
- Shape dough in about 1 to 2" balls, and roll each in chopped almonds.
- Place each cookie on the sheet, about 2" apart. Press your thumb in the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly.
- Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are slightly golden brown.
Caramel Filling
- Place caramels and cream in a bowl and microwave in 30-second increments at 50% power (stirring after each hit in the microwave), until the caramel is smooth.
- Fill the centers of each cookie with caramel and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
More from A Latte Food:
Hot Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Soft-Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Teri says
I made these cookies, and they are delicious. However, I had to freeze them as they are for the hors d’oeuvre table at my daughter’s wedding. When I removed them from the freezer, the caramel melted and now they are sticking together! Any suggestions?
Julie Evink says
Ooooo no are they at room temp when they are sticking? Keeping them in a cooler place or refrigerator is going to help.
Naenae says
Hi there!
I’m about to make these delicious cookies for an upcoming cookie exchange I’m hosting. I’m making them today, but the cookie exchange is Monday. Should I store them in the refrigerator or should these be stored at room temp? How long are they good at room temp? A week?
Thanks for the amazing recipe, can’t wait to get started!
Julie Evink says
I would freeze them!