Prepare to be enchanted by the delightful fusion of tropical coconut and rich, buttery salted caramel. These Coconut Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a symphony of soft, chewy cookie dough, a delightful crunch from toasted coconut, and the irresistible gooeyness of a sweet and salty caramel filling. It’s a taste experience that truly stands out!

Despite their gourmet appeal, this recipe for Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel is surprisingly straightforward and easy to follow. You don’t need to be an expert baker to achieve impressive results. In fact, it’s designed for simplicity, ensuring that even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these mouth-watering cookies with confidence. The outcome? A sensational batch of cookies that are perfect for any occasion – from a casual family treat to an elegant dessert for guests. Get ready to impress everyone with these exquisite homemade delights. So, gather your baking essentials and apron; let’s embark on this delicious baking adventure!

Why These Soft, Chewy & Delicious Coconut Caramel Cookies Stand Out

You might wonder if there’s always room for another cookie recipe in the vast world of baking blogs, especially when there are already so many beloved classics like chocolate chip cookies, delightful coconut cakes, and even unique finds like world peace cookies. But the answer is always a resounding yes, especially when a recipe delivers such an incredible burst of flavor and texture as these Soft Coconut Caramel Cookies.

For us in the Netherlands, cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a way of life. Our supermarkets boast an astonishing array of different cookies in a single aisle, a sight rarely seen in other countries. This deep-rooted cookie culture means we appreciate a truly exceptional cookie, and these homemade coconut cookies certainly fit the bill. They offer a unique profile that sets them apart from your everyday cookie, combining a rich coconut base with the luxurious depth of salted caramel.

An Irresistible Snack or a Special Dessert for Any Occasion!

These coconut thumbprint cookies with caramel and sea salt are truly versatile, making them perfect for virtually any occasion. The inspiration for this particular recipe struck me when I came across them in an issue of Martha Stewart Living. Their image was so captivating, I knew instantly that I had to bake them. I embarked on adapting the recipe, and the result exceeded all expectations: they are absolutely delicious! My adaptation made the process even simpler and significantly less messy, ensuring a more enjoyable baking experience for everyone.

Whether you’re craving a delightful sweet treat to accompany your morning coffee or an elegant bite for your afternoon tea, these cookies are guaranteed to hit the spot. The combination of the tender cookie, the luscious caramel filling, and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt elevates them to an entirely new level of deliciousness. The subtle saltiness perfectly complements the rich sweetness of the caramel and the tropical notes of coconut, creating a truly harmonious flavor profile. So, don’t hesitate to give them a try and indulge in the heavenly, balanced combination of coconut and salted caramel. They are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection, offering a taste of the tropics with every bite.

What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients for Salted Caramel Coconut Cookies

To prepare these exquisite Coconut Caramel Thumbprint Cookies, you’ll need a selection of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. You can find the precise quantities required in the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this blog post. But first, let’s explore the ingredients and their importance:

• Butter – Opt for unsalted butter. This allows you to control the overall saltiness of your cookies, especially since we’ll be adding sea salt later. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar is used to provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie’s tender texture. It also helps in achieving that lovely golden-brown crust.
• Vanilla Extract – A crucial ingredient for adding a warm, aromatic depth to your cookies. If possible, use natural vanilla extract; its flavor is often richer and more profound than artificial alternatives. For avid bakers, consider making your own homemade vanilla extract, which is both cost-effective and superior in taste, and keeps well for a long time.
• Flour – Regular all-purpose flour forms the structural base of our cookies. Sifting it ensures a light and airy dough.
• Salt – A small amount of fine salt in the dough balances the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors without making the cookie taste overtly salty.
• Egg – The egg acts as a binder, holding the cookie dough together, and contributes to the richness and overall flavor of these delicious coconut caramel thumbprint cookies. A medium-sized egg is typically ideal.
• Coconut – Unsweetened, shredded, and dried coconut is key here. It provides that signature tropical flavor and a lovely chewy texture, especially when it gets slightly toasted during baking.
• Fudge – We’re using caramel-flavored fudge for the irresistible filling. Fudge is a sweet, sticky American candy traditionally made from butter, sugar, and milk (or cream). Using a caramel-flavored variety simplifies the filling process, providing a rich, decadent center.
• Milk – A small amount of milk is added to the fudge to thin it slightly, making it easier to melt and pour into the thumbprints, creating that perfectly gooey caramel center.
• Sea Salt – This is sprinkled on top of the caramel filling after the cookies are baked. The coarse texture and pronounced saltiness of sea salt create that fantastic sweet and salty contrast that makes these cookies utterly addictive. We all know how magical the combination of caramel and sea salt can be!

How to Prepare Your Delicious Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel

Crafting these delectable Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel is a rewarding process, and the steps are designed for ease and enjoyment. For a printer-friendly version with all the precise measurements and a detailed description, please refer to the recipe card at the very end of this blog post. Let’s walk through the steps to create these perfect treats:

1. **Prepare Your Dough & Coconut Coating:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (approximately 177°C) for conventional ovens, or 320°F (160°C) for convection ovens. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, set aside your shredded coconut for later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter and sugar. Beat them together with a hand mixer for about three minutes until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, making your cookies tender. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing for an additional minute until thoroughly combined. Place a sieve over the bowl and sift in the flour and a pinch of salt. Turn your mixer to a low speed and mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfectly normal.
2. **Forming the Cookies:** Now for the fun part! Take small portions of the dough and roll them between the palms of your hands to form balls, each approximately ¾ inch (about 1.5 cm) in diameter. Once you have a nicely formed ball, roll it thoroughly through the shredded coconut you set aside earlier, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place these coconut-covered dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Using the palm of your hand, gently flatten each ball slightly. Then, with your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press a small, deep indentation in the center of each flattened cookie. This is where our luscious caramel filling will go! Repeat this process until all your dough has been used.
3. **Baking to Perfection:** Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for an initial 10 minutes. At this point, they will be slightly set but still soft. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and, using the back of a spoon, press into the indentations again. This ensures the thumbprints remain deep and ready to hold ample caramel. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until their edges are beautifully golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial before filling to prevent the caramel from melting excessively.
4. **Crafting the Caramel Filling:** While your cookies are cooling, prepare the caramel filling. In a small saucepan, combine the caramel fudge pieces and the milk. Heat this mixture gently over low heat, stirring continuously, until the fudge has completely melted and you have a smooth, pourable caramel sauce. Be patient and keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
5. **Filling and Finishing:** Once the cookies are entirely cool, carefully spoon or pour a small amount of the warm, melted caramel into the thumbprint hole of each cookie. Don’t overfill, as it might spill over. Immediately after filling, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt (or the superior Fleur de Sel, if you have it) over the top of the warm caramel. This creates that iconic sweet and salty contrast. Allow the filled coconut caramel thumbprint cookies to sit and harden at room temperature for a while. As the caramel cools, it will set slightly, making them easier to handle and enjoy.

Pro Tips, Smart Substitutions & Delicious Variations for Your Cookies

These Coconut Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are wonderfully versatile, and there are many ways to customize them or enhance your baking experience. Here are some of our favorite tips, substitutions, and variations:

• Fudge Alternatives: While caramel fudge creates a classic filling, feel free to experiment! You can substitute caramel fudge with caramel bits for a similar texture, or try vanilla fudge or chocolate fudge for a different flavor profile. Each will yield a unique and delicious cookie.
• Elevating the Sea Salt: Coarse sea salt works beautifully for that perfect crunch and salty kick. However, if you’re looking to elevate the gourmet factor, try using Fleur de Sel. This delicate, hand-harvested sea salt boasts a finer texture and a more nuanced, briny flavor that truly shines.
• Homemade Caramel Option: For those who prefer to make everything from scratch, you can absolutely use a homemade salted caramel sauce instead of melting fudge. I’ve used a fantastic recipe for homemade salted caramel in my caramel macarons with salted caramel filling. If you choose this route, remember that your homemade caramel will likely already contain salt, so skip sprinkling additional sea salt on top of the finished cookies.
• Alternative Fillings: The thumbprint design of these cookies makes them perfect for various fillings. Instead of caramel, consider filling them with your favorite fruit jam (raspberry or apricot would be lovely), a rich chocolate ganache, or even a dollop of Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
• Even More Indulgence with Chocolate Drizzle: To make these cookies even more decadent, once they are cooled and the caramel has set, drizzle some melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) over the top. This adds another layer of flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation.
• Doubling or Tripling the Recipe: Planning a party or just really love these cookies? You can easily double or even triple this recipe to yield more cookies. The recipe card below includes a special feature that automatically calculates the adjusted ingredient amounts for you. Just remember to use multiple baking trays and bake in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding your oven.

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is very flexible and can easily be doubled or tripled to produce a larger batch of cookies. The interactive recipe card at the bottom of this page has a convenient button that will automatically adjust all the ingredient quantities for you. Just make sure you have enough baking trays on hand, and bake the cookies in batches to ensure they cook evenly and brown perfectly.

To keep your Coconut Caramel Thumbprint Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Yes, you can! You can prepare the cookie dough a day or two in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, then proceed with rolling and baking as directed in the recipe.

For these cookies, unsweetened shredded and dried coconut is recommended. This type of coconut provides the best texture and allows the natural sweetness of the caramel to shine without making the cookies overly sugary. If you only have sweetened coconut, you might consider slightly reducing the sugar in the cookie dough, but unsweetened is ideal.

Coconut Caramel Cookies

Andréa