Preheat the oven to 350° F (180°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar and egg until well combined.
1 cup (222g) salted butter, softened , 1 1/4 cup (137g) powdered sugar, 1 egg
Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3 tsp vanilla extract
Lastly, add the cake flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until a very soft dough forms.
2 1/2 cups (295g) cake flour , 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
Allow the dough to sit for 5 or so minutes to make it easier to handle.
Portion the dough out into 1 tbsp portions. Roll into a ball and arrange on the cookie sheet.
Using a 1/2 tsp measuring spoon, press down in the center of the ball of dough to make a crater. I find that this is easier if I dip the measuring spoon into flour in between pressing on each ball of dough.
Once all of the cookies have been pressed, bake at 350° F (180°C) for 8-10 min. The cookies will spread but should have a faint crater in the middle still.
Immediately after pulling the cookies out of the oven, take a 1 tbsp measuring spoon and press down in the center of the cookie, deepening the ‘thumbprint’. Note: I have tried leaving the cookies as a ball, baking and then making the thumbprint after they come out of the oven and it does not work. the cookies fall apart. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cool, melt together the caramels and milk in the microwave. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir until melted and smooth.
30 soft caramels , 1 tbsp milk
Carefully spoon caramel into the center of each cookie. Allow the caramel to set up- the cookies can be placed in the fridge to help speed up this process.
Once the caramel has set up, drizzle melted milk chocolate onto the tops of the cookies.
1/2 cup milk chocolate melting wafers
Once the chocolate has set up- enjoy!
Can store at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 days.