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Salted Caramel Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies - featured image
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Soft, buttery thumbprint cookies filled with cinnamon-spiced apple butter and finished with a salted caramel drizzle. These cozy treats are perfect for fall gatherings and bring nostalgic comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 12 soft caramel candies (about 3.5 oz) or 1/3 cup jarred caramel sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and light brown sugar together with a hand mixer for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 20 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop chilled dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  8. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press a deep indentation into the center of each ball.
  9. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon apple butter into each indentation.
  10. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden. If centers puff up, gently press the indentation back down after baking.
  11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramel candies with heavy cream in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. If using jarred caramel, warm gently.
  13. Drizzle caramel over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
  14. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while caramel is still sticky. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps cookies keep their shape and texture. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning. Go easy on the apple butter to prevent overflow. Drizzle caramel while cookies are cool but caramel is warm. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and plant-based butter/coconut cream. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, apple butter, salted caramel, fall dessert, easy cookies, autumn baking, comfort food, nut-free, cozy treats

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/salted-caramel-apple-butter-thumbprint-cookies-easy-cozy-fall-treat/