Prepare to spread joy with a batch of exquisite Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies! These charming treats are not just incredibly adorable and deliciously addictive; they are also surprisingly simple to create. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of warm spices, gooey caramel, and the delightful crunch of a chopped pecan coating, making them an ideal gift for someone special or a centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

The transition from a sweltering Texas summer, made even more challenging with a newborn, to a beautifully unfolding winter has been a true blessing. Our home is now transformed into a festive haven, with the Christmas tree twinkling brightly and decorations adorning every corner. This season holds a new kind of magic, especially with our newest family member, Lily. Though her “help” in the kitchen often involves enthusiastically clanging measuring cups together and occasionally tipping the flour canister onto the floor, these moments are the purest essence of creating new holiday traditions.

While the usual hustle and bustle of decorating, baking, and the general “fa-la-la-ness” of the season are in full swing, I’ve found myself easing into the Christmas spirit a little more slowly this year. I think it’s because I anticipated this season so intensely since Lily’s birth, and now that it’s finally here, it feels almost surreal. Christmas. In the blink of an eye. It’s truly hard to believe how quickly time flies when you have a baby, and every day is a precious moment to cherish.

Despite the fleeting nature of time, we are wholeheartedly embracing her baby days and forging our very first warm winter memories as a family. This includes delightful days spent in our pajamas, surrounded by the comforting aroma of spices and sugar, baking not just lots, but truly lots of cookies. It’s in these simple, sweet moments that the true spirit of the holidays truly resides, making our home feel complete and filled with love.

Elevating the Classic: Introducing Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies

I’ve always been a devoted fan of traditional jam thumbprint cookies. They possess an undeniable classic charm, evoking memories of Christmases past with their subtly sweet flavor and rich, buttery goodness. However, this year, I felt inspired to give the beloved classic a delightful boost. Imagine: a tender, cinnamon-spiced cookie base, generously filled with a dollop of irresistibly gooey caramel, and finished with a beautiful, crunchy pecan coating. This combination transforms a familiar favorite into an unforgettable holiday treat.

What makes these Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies truly special is their incredible flavor profile and surprising ease of preparation. The cookie base, conveniently made with a boxed spice cake mix, bakes up wonderfully soft, thick, and fluffy, creating the perfect “nest” for the sticky-sweet caramel filling. For those who prefer to bake from scratch or experiment, these cookies would also be absolutely marvelous with a homemade spiced cookie dough, perhaps even my frosted pumpkin gingerbread cookie recipe for an extra layer of depth. The spice, caramel, and pecan combination is truly a match made in heaven, offering a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight everyone. Beyond their deliciousness, their elegant appearance makes them a gorgeous and heartfelt homemade holiday gift, sure to impress any recipient.

Don’t hesitate this holiday season! Bake a batch of these exquisite caramel thumbprint cookies. Whether you’re sharing them with cherished friends, gifting them to family, or simply enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee by the fireplace, these cookies embody the spirit of the season. They’re a testament to the simple joys of homemade baking and the warmth of giving. Gather your ingredients, and prepare to create some truly magical holiday memories.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies

Creating these delightful Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies is a straightforward process, but a few tips can help ensure your batch is absolutely perfect:

• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for at least an hour makes it much easier to handle, roll into balls, and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This ensures your thumbprints hold their shape beautifully.
• Perfect Indentations: When making the indentations, use your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon. Make sure the depression is deep enough to hold a good amount of caramel without overflowing, but not so deep that it goes all the way through the cookie. If the indentations rise during baking, simply use the back of a measuring spoon to gently press them down again while the cookies are still warm.
• Pecan Prep: Finely chopped pecans adhere best and provide a consistent coating. If your pecans are too large, give them a quick pulse in a food processor or chop them by hand until they are a fine, even consistency.
• Caramel Consistency: When melting the caramels with heavy cream, keep the heat on medium-low and stir constantly. This prevents the caramel from burning and ensures a smooth, luscious filling. If the caramel thickens too much as you fill the cookies, gently warm it again over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Storage: Store these caramel-filled beauties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Creative Variations to Try

While the Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies are perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

• Nutty Alternatives: Instead of pecans, try finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies are cooled and the caramel has set, drizzle a bit of melted dark or white chocolate over them for an extra touch of indulgence and a beautiful presentation.
• Different Fillings: If caramel isn’t your favorite, you could fill these spiced cookies with high-quality fruit jam, lemon curd, or even a dollop of melted chocolate ganache.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice to your spice cake mix dough.

No matter how you choose to make and enjoy them, these Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies are destined to become a cherished part of your holiday baking repertoire. They offer a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, promising smiles and sweet satisfaction with every bite.

Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies

Yield:
36 cookies

Ingredients

For Cookies:

• 4 oz. light cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick, 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 16-18 oz. box Spice Cake mix

For Pecan Coating:

• 1 egg white
• 1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans

For Caramel Filling:

• 16 soft caramels, I used Kraft
• 3 Tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

For Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Gradually add cake mix, mixing until well combined.
3. Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour then roll dough into 1-inch balls.

For Pecan Coating:

1. Lightly beat egg white in a small bowl. One at a time, dip dough balls in egg white then roll in finely chopped pecans. Place balls on prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Using your thumb, press in the center of each dough ball, making an indentation.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes. If the indentation has disappeared during baking, use a small measuring spoon to recreate the indentation.

For Caramel Filling:

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, place unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Spoon caramel mixture into each cookie’s center indentation, taking care not to over-fill the cookies. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

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We hope this detailed guide inspires you to create these wonderfully festive Caramel Spice Thumbprint Cookies. They are more than just a dessert; they are a warm gesture, a comforting treat, and a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Happy baking!