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Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel

Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel

Buttery thumbprint cookies rolled in sweet coconut and finished with a creamy salted caramel center. Crisp edges, soft middles, and a kiss of flaky salt.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Servings: 28

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened room temperature
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp egg yolks from about 2 large eggs
  • 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1.75 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2.25 cup sweetened shredded coconut for coating
  • 4 tbsp egg whites, lightly beaten helps coconut stick
  • 11 oz soft caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream for melting caramels
  • 0.5 tsp flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
  • Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
  • Beat in egg yolks and vanilla until smooth.
  • Mix in flour and fine salt just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  • Whisk egg whites in a small bowl. Spread coconut in a shallow dish.
  • Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, dip in egg whites, then coat in coconut.
  • Arrange on sheets 2 inches apart. Press a deep center well with your thumb or a 1/2-teaspoon measure.
  • Bake 8 minutes. Remove and gently re-press the wells. Bake 5–7 minutes more until edges are light golden.
  • Melt caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until silky. Keep warm on the lowest heat.
  • Spoon warm caramel into the centers. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool on the sheets until set.

Notes

For a chocolate twist, drizzle the set cookies with melted dark chocolate. Store airtight at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week; warm briefly to soften the caramel before serving.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.