Indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt with these delectable Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies! Perfectly gluten-free, paleo, and vegan, these cookies are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. With a rich, chewy texture and a luscious date caramel filling, they bring a gourmet touch to your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they come together in just 25 minutes! Ready to elevate your cookie game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dates (for caramel)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (for caramel)
- Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a consistent dough forms that holds together when pressed.
- Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to help it firm up and become easier to handle.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll into small 1-inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie, being careful not to crack the edges.
- For the caramel filling, blend pitted dates and coconut milk in a food processor until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- While cookies are still warm, gently re-press the centers to maintain the thumbprint shape if needed.
- Fill each cookie's center with the date caramel using a small spoon, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over each cookie for added flavor contrast.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, which will help the caramel set and cookies firm up.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for 15 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Perfect Indentation: When creating the thumbprint in the cookies, use a gentle touch to avoid cracking the edges. If the dough cracks, simply press it back together before baking.
- Smooth Caramel Filling: For a creamy caramel, ensure your dates are pitted and soft. If they’re a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so start checking for that light golden brown color at around 12 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Sea Salt Sprinkles: A pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to 5 days at room temperature or longer in the fridge.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding a dash of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
