Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted cookie that's not just delicious, but also completely guilt-free. These Paleo Vegan Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are about to revolutionize your dessert game, proving that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. With a buttery almond flour base, rich date caramel center, and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are a testament to the magic that happens when clean eating meets culinary creativity.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup date 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 medium mixing bowl, combine almond flour, softened coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up, which will make it easier to handle and shape.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll into 12 equal-sized balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a well in the center of each cookie, pressing gently to form an indentation.
- Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown and cookies are set.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, fill the centers with date caramel, carefully spooning it into each thumbprint.
- Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over the caramel-filled centers for added flavor complexity.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure your coconut oil is softened but not melted for the perfect dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough is crucial - it helps prevent spreading and makes the cookies easier to shape.
- Use a small measuring spoon or the back of a rounded teaspoon to create uniform thumbprint wells.
- For the most even baking, use a cookie scoop to create uniform-sized cookie balls.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding the date caramel to prevent melting.
- If the date caramel is too thick, warm it slightly or add a tiny bit of water to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Store cookies in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and prevent the caramel from becoming too runny.
- For an extra flavor boost, try toasting the sea salt slightly before sprinkling on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
