Gluten-Free Caramel Thumbprint Sugar Cookies
These easy thumbprint cookies start with a convenient sugar cookie mix and feature a melted caramel center that creates an irresistible sweet treat. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or any time you want homemade cookies without the fuss. The combination of buttery sugar cookie dough with gooey caramel creates a delightful contrast in textures that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, 17.5 ozhomemade sugar cookie dough1:1homemade
Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe
- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 package Lancaster caramel soft crèmes, 8 ozchocolate chips1:1chocolate
Creates chocolate thumbprint version
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 375°F or 350°F for dark or nonstick cookie sheet
- 2
Stir cookie mix, softened butter and egg until soft dough forms
- 3
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet
- 4
Make indentation in center of each cookie using thumb or handle of wooden spoon
- 5
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown
- 6
Remove from oven and unwrap caramels
- 7
Place caramels in center of each cookie
- 8
Bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes until candy is melted slightly
- 9
Cool 1 minute before removing from cookie sheet to wire rack
- 10
Cool completely and store in airtight container
Tips
Make sure indentations are deep enough to hold the caramel without it spilling over the edges during baking.
Don't overbake the caramels in the second baking step - you want them just soft enough to stick but not completely melted.
Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent caramels from becoming too sticky and cookies sticking together.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered
Serve at room temperature for best texture
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the cooling time before removing from pan or cookies may break
Avoid making indentations too shallow or caramels won't stay in place
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe
FAQ
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead?
Yes, any sugar cookie dough will work. Use about 2 cups of dough total.
What if I don't have caramel candies?
You can substitute with chocolate chips, jam, or small pieces of soft candy.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature.