Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Feel free to substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if you prefer, or leave the nuts out altogether for a nut-free version. The beauty of this recipe is in its adaptability, much like the way my abuela taught me to cook — by feel and personal preference.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step reminds me of the mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her transform simple ingredients into magic.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it holds.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Press down gently on each ball with the back of a spoon to flatten slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The smell will remind you of the cozy, bustling kitchens of my childhood.
- Allow the bites to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over each bite and sprinkle with sea salt and chopped pecans, if using. This is the part where you can let your creativity shine, just as I learned to do with my abuela.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International