As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Imagine freshly baked gingerbread cookies with an ooey-gooey caramel center, crowned by crunchy pecans. These little thumbprints deliver comforting holiday flavors in every bite—plus, they come together in a flash. No need to wait for an elaborate dessert to impress your friends or satisfy a sweet craving. Get ready for a cozy baking experience that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and caramel goodness.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for a moment.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and then the molasses, blending well. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until you have a soft, spiced dough. If the dough seems a bit sticky, cover and chill it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes for easier handling.
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indent into the center of each ball. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly set around the edges. Carefully remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes.
While the cookies are still warm, spoon a small dollop of caramel sauce into each indentation. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, lightly pressing them into the caramel so they stay put. Transfer the cookies to a rack to finish cooling and to let that caramel center set. Then, dive right into sweet, spiced bliss.
These thumbprints offer a sweet twist on a traditional gingerbread cookie, perfect for busy bakers, holiday cookie swaps, or any craving for a quick indulgence. The caramel and pecans add that delightful crunch and richness, while the aromatic gingerbread spices bring warmth to every bite. If you prefer a lighter touch, you can opt for a reduced-sugar caramel sauce or use walnuts instead for a twist on the classic flavor. However you customize them, these easy thumbprints are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to dessert time.
