You can't miss with chocolate and caramel together in one crumbly, chewy cookie.The cookie stamps I used in this recipe can be found here, at Williams-Sonoma. I’ve also included directions for making the cookies without the cookie stamps.
1cupcaramel bits (such as Kraft)or 24 caramel squares (unwrapped)
1tablespoonwater
Flake sea salt for garnish
Instructions
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar until well incorporated, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, fine grain salt and dark cocoa powder. Whisk to combine. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix on low speed until a thick dough forms (it should not be sticky). Note: If the dough isn’t coming together, raise speed and add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Again, the dough should not be sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Dust cookie stamps with cocoa powder before cutting, or use 2.5-inch round cookie cutters and press and indention into the center of the cookies with your thumb. (You may also roll the dough into balls and indent with a thumb for a more traditional thumbprint cookie.) Place the cookies on parchment-lined cookie sheets and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the pans 5 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies cool, Place the caramel bits and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Caramel will be hot, so let cool until warm but still pourable. Transfer the caramel to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in a corner. Fill cookies with the caramel and immediately sprinkle with flake sea salt. Let the cookies stand until the caramel firms. Once completely firm, the caramel will be opaque and lose its shine.
Store cookies in an airtight container.
Keyword cookie stamp, dark cocoa powder, flake sea salt, thumbprint cookies