Dulce de Leche Thumb Print Cookies

I'm thinking I probably first saw this recipe linked up at at a link party, but I don't remember exactly. I do remember that I figured hubby would love these cookies, so I stopped by Melissa's Cuisine to check out the recipe  and I pinned it. I also happened to have a can of dulce in my cupboard, so I knew they were going to be a pin that I was actually going to try out.  The only alteration I made is that I increased the recipe and it was a good thing too. These cookies were delicious, so it was nice to have the extra cookies to eat.

Dulce De Leche Thumb Print Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3-1/3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups (12 oz can) dulce de leche (or Melissa can show you how to make your own using 1 can of sweetened condensed milk.)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 Tablespoon butter

In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until smooth. Slowly mix in the flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl. Roll the dough into 1-1/2" balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Using your thumb, press the center of the ball to create an indentation. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes, until the edges of the cookie are golden brown. The cookies will have risen slightly, so repress the indentations if needed. Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. Spoon some dulce de leche into each thumbprint.  Melt the chocolate chips and butter in the microwave and stir until smooth. Scoop into a pastry bag and drizzle on top of the cookies. Store in an airtight container.