Name: Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup coconut oil; 1 cup sugar; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 3½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1½ cups sweetened flaked coconut; Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, for garnish; 1 cup sugar; ⅓ cup water; ½ cup heavy cream; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ teaspoon sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

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If you’re searching for an irresistibly delicious treat that brings buttery richness together with tropical flair and a decadent surprise in every bite, look no further than the Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe. These cookies pair a tender, coconut-studded shortbread base with a luscious salted caramel filling, creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chewy textures. Whether you’re packing them up for a lunchbox, sharing them at a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four round dough balls are placed on a piece of brown parchment paper on a dark baking tray, two of which have an indentation in the middle and are covered with white shredded coconut flakes. Two plain dough balls without toppings are also placed on the parchment paper near the bottom. To the top left of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with more white shredded coconut flakes on a white marbled texture surface. Some coconut flakes are scattered around the bowl and on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the combination of butter and coconut oil provides a rich, moist crumb; the coconut flakes add crunch and tropical aroma; and the salted caramel filling brings a gooey, buttery contrast. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these show-stopping cookies.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): Provides richness and tenderizes the cookie dough.
Coconut oil (½ cup): Adds a subtle coconut flavor and helps with texture.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies while contributing to the perfect browning.
Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Introduces warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
All-purpose flour (3½ cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Used to adhere the coconut flakes to the dough balls.
Sweetened flaked coconut (1½ cups): Delivers chewy texture and tropical notes.
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon): A finishing touch that heightens the salted caramel’s impact.
Sugar for caramel (1 cup): The base for the luscious salted caramel filling.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the caramel.
Unsalted butter for caramel (6 tablespoons): Gives the caramel its smooth, silky texture.
Sea salt for caramel (½ teaspoon): Creates that perfect sweet-salty harmony in the filling.

How to Make Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and positioning the rack in the center. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. It’s a simple step that sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Coconut Oil, and Sugar

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the butter, coconut oil, and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This takes about five minutes and is crucial for a light, tender cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, on low speed, gradually add the flour and sea salt, beating only until just combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle with the dough.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 1¼-inch balls using your hands. Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the sweetened coconut flakes until coated. This step gives the cookies a delightful crunch and tropical flair on the outside.

Step 5: Form Thumbprints

Place the coconut-coated dough balls about 1½ inches apart on your prepared sheet pan. Gently press the center of each ball with your thumb to create an indent — this is where the salted caramel will nestle later. If the indents flatten during baking, press them gently again while the cookies are still warm.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until the cookies feel firm and the coconut edges are lightly browned. Transfer them immediately to a wire rack to cool so they don’t overbake on the hot pan.

Step 7: Make the Salted Caramel Filling

Meanwhile, prepare the salted caramel in a small saucepan by combining sugar and water over medium-high heat. Boil without stirring until the sugar turns a golden amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to develop an even caramel. Stir in the heavy cream and butter, return to a boil, then cook until smooth and combined. Finish with sea salt and let it cool slightly before using.

Step 8: Fill the Cookies and Finish

Using a spoon, carefully fill each thumbprint with the warm salted caramel sauce. Allow the caramel to set fully, then sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors and add a slight crunch.

How to Serve Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe

A group of round cookies fills a white marbled lined baking tray. Each cookie has two clear layers: the outer layer is a rough textured ring of light golden shredded coconut, and the center is a smooth, glossy dark caramel-like filling. Some caramel centers are sprinkled lightly with small white flakes that look like salt. The cookies are slightly raised in the middle where the caramel sits. The edges of the tray show a worn, dark patina against the white lined paper. The overall colors are warm off-white with rich dark caramel centers photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is essential for that perfect sweet-salty contrast, but feel free to get creative by adding a few toasted coconut flakes on top or a light drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch. These simple garnishes take each bite to the next level.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a fragrant chai tea — perfect companions that complement the buttery caramel and tropical coconut flavors. For an elegant treat, consider serving alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board or a festive serving platter with paper doilies for a charming look. You can even create a cookie gift box with colorful ribbons and handwritten notes to share your love for the Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe at holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The delicate caramel centers stay soft, while the cookie remains tender, making them a perfect make-ahead sweet treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (without caramel) for up to three months. When ready, thaw them at room temperature, then fill with freshly made or thawed salted caramel for the freshest taste. This method keeps the cookies perfectly textured after freezing.

Reheating

If you’d like warm caramel gooeyness, briefly microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a low oven. Just be careful not to overheat, or the caramel might become too runny. The gentle warmth intensifies flavors and recreates that just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened?

Yes, though the cookies will have a less sweet, more natural coconut flavor. You might want to compensate by slightly increasing the sugar in the dough or the caramel to balance the flavors.

Is there a substitute for coconut oil in this recipe?

While coconut oil adds unique flavor and texture, you can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter if necessary. The cookies will be slightly less tropical but still delicious.

How do I know when the caramel has reached the right color?

The sugar mixture should turn a deep golden amber without burning. If it looks too pale, the caramel won’t have enough depth of flavor; if too dark, it will taste bitter. Swirl the pan instead of stirring to ensure even caramelization.

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Absolutely! Salted caramel can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm gently before filling the cookies to soften it for easy spreading.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but expect some changes in texture and spread.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe enough for anyone who enjoys a harmonious mix of buttery, chewy, sweet, and salty in their baked treats. This recipe not only delivers unforgettable flavor but also offers a fun and rewarding baking experience. So, grab your mixing bowl and give these charming cookies a try—you’ll find they quickly become one of your all-time favorites!

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