Let's dive into the world of delightful desserts with a recipe that will take your tastebuds on a tropical journey. This Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and coconutty flavors, all wrapped up in a deliciously chewy cookie that's as fun to make as it is to eat!
The key ingredients in this recipe are shredded coconut and coconut extract, which may not be staples in your pantry. You can find both of these items in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Make sure to get unsweetened shredded coconut, as the sweetened variety can make your cookies too sweet, and real coconut extract for the most authentic flavor. For the filling, we'll be using soft caramels, which can be found in the candy aisle.
Ingredients Needed for Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Shredded coconut: gives the cookie a tropical flavor and a distinctive chewy texture.
Egg: binds the ingredients together while also providing some rise.
Butter: adds a rich flavor and ensures a tender cookie.
Sugar: sweetens the cookie.
Sea salt: enhances the sweet flavor and adds a salty counterpoint.
Coconut extract: intensifies the coconut flavor.
All-purpose flour: is the base of the cookie providing structure.
Soft caramels: forms the filling of the cookie when melted.
Heavy cream: is mixed with the caramels to create a smooth, creamy filling.
One reader, Angel Rash says:
These salted caramel coconut thumbprint cookies are a game-changer! The combination of coconut, caramel, and sea salt creates a heavenly flavor. The cookies are easy to make and turned out perfectly golden and chewy. They're a hit with everyone who tries them. Highly recommend this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
How to shape the cookie dough: Roll the dough into even tablespoon-sized balls and then coat them with the egg and coconut mixture before placing them on the baking sheets.
How to make the indentation in the cookies: Use your thumb or forefinger to press down in the center of each cookie to create an indentation before chilling and baking.
How to melt the caramels: Combine the soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval until the mixture is melted and smooth.
These Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies are an absolute must-try! They’re soft and chewy coconut cookies filled with sweet salted caramel. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Plus, the combination of flavors between the salty caramel and sweet coconut cookie makes them irresistible! So if you’re looking for a new twist on traditional thumbprint cookies, this is definitely one recipe you should try out.
How To Make Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Call on the kids to help you out with these tasty thumbprint cookies! These fun treats are topped with crunchy coconut flakes and tasty salted caramel.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cookies:
- 6ozalmond flakes,or slices, roasted
- 3ozcoconut flakes,roasted
- 1egg
- 1½cupsall-purpose flour
- ½cupunsalted butter,room temperature
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- ½tspsalt
- ½tspvanilla extract
For Filling:
- 4ozsoft caramels,preferably Kraft, slightly melted
- 3tbspheavy cream
To Assemble:
- 3ozalmond flakes,unroasted
- 3ozcoconut flakes,unroasted
- ½cupdark chocolate,melted, kept warm
Instructions
Cookies:
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a food processor, combine both the roasted almonds and coconuts then pulse until fine.
-
Sift together the flour and salt in a mixing bowl, then add the pulsed mixture.
-
Stir until combined or it reaches the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. Set aside.
-
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for roughly 8 to 10 minutes until pale.
-
Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue creaming.
-
Fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture until evenly incorporated.
-
Scoop out roughly 1½ ounces of the cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place this onto the lined baking sheet, inches apart from each other.
-
Press the middle of the cookie dough balls with your thumb, creating a hollow center. Repeat until the cookie doughs are all shaped in this way.
-
Combine the 3 ounces of coconut flakes and almond flakes or slices each in a bowl.
-
Place your index finger into the hollow center of the cookies, then coat the outside with the coconut-almond mixture. Repeat until you have coated all the cookie doughs this way.
-
Bake for roughly 15 minutes or until the coating is golden brown. Set aside the baked cookies onto cooling racks and allow them to cool down completely.
Filling:
-
Combine the caramels and heavy cream in a sauce pot over low heat. Bring mixture to a simmer.
-
Continue simmering for roughly 10 minutes until the caramels have completely melted while occasionally stirring. Set aside in a warm area.
Assemble:
-
From this point, work quickly to prevent the cream from turning very thick. Pour roughly 1 teaspoon of the caramel cream into the hollow center of the cookie. Repeat until all cookies have been filled up.
-
Next, drizzle the melted chocolate in a zigzag pattern to coat all the cookies. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 177.61kcal
- Protein: 3.27g
- Cholesterol: 14.88mg
Helpful Technique Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
When making the caramel filling, it's important to heat the soft caramels and cream in short intervals and stir well in between. This is to prevent the caramel from burning or becoming too hard. If the caramel becomes too hard, it will be difficult to spoon into the cookies and won't have the desired creamy texture. Also, when sprinkling the sea salt on top of the caramel, do it while the caramel is still warm and not fully set. This allows the salt to slightly melt into the caramel, providing a better flavor profile and texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Thumbprint Cookies
Prep ahead: Make the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Use store-bought caramel: Save time by using pre-made caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of cookies and freezing the extra for later use.
Cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough for even-sized cookies, saving time and ensuring uniform baking.
Bake in batches: While one batch is in the oven, prepare the next batch of cookies to maximize efficiency.
Chill dough: Chill the dough in the freezer for a shorter amount of time to speed up the process.
Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measure all the ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Use a microwave: Melt the caramels in the microwave for a quicker and easier filling preparation.
Skip the coconut: If short on time, skip rolling the cookies in coconut and simply make thumbprints in the dough before baking.
Cookie assembly line: Enlist the help of family or friends to create an assembly line for filling the cookies, making the process faster and more enjoyable.
Substitute Ingredients For Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cookies, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar will add a caramel-like flavor and a touch of natural sweetness to the cookies, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can add a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the cookies, while also making them gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
soft caramels - Substitute with date caramel: Date caramel can provide a natural sweetness and a similar sticky, gooey texture to the cookies, while also adding a hint of caramel flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can offer a rich and creamy texture to the filling, while also infusing a subtle coconut flavor to complement the cookies.
Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Elevate the cookie presentation: Arrange the cookies on a sleek, modern plate with ample spacing between each cookie to showcase their individual beauty.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the plate with delicate, edible flowers that complement the flavors of the cookies.
Incorporate a drizzle design: Use a fine-tip piping bag to create an artistic drizzle pattern of caramel sauce on the plate, adding a visually appealing element to the presentation.
Utilize a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the cookies to take center stage while maintaining a clean and sophisticated presentation.
Highlight with gold leaf accents: For a luxurious touch, delicately place edible gold leaf accents around the plate to add a touch of opulence to the presentation.
Present on a marble serving board: Showcase the cookies on a sleek marble serving board, enhancing the overall presentation with a touch of sophistication and refinement.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a visually pleasing and balanced presentation that reflects precision and attention to detail.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to create a subtle, elegant backdrop for the cookies, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Thumbprint Cookies
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and cooking, used to bake, roast, and heat food.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Used to line baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Small mixing bowl: Used for mixing small amounts of ingredients or preparing sauces and dressings.
- Electric stand mixer: A versatile kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients for baking.
- Paddle attachment: An attachment for the stand mixer used for mixing cookie dough and batters.
- Microwave safe bowl: A heat-resistant bowl designed for use in the microwave to melt ingredients like caramel.
- Wire rack: Used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Allow the salted caramel coconut thumbprint cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent the caramel from sticking to the container and maintain the texture of the cookies.
If you plan to store the cookies for more than a few days, consider placing a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. This will also help to preserve their shape and appearance.
To keep the cookies fresh for an extended period, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the salted caramel coconut thumbprint cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If desired, you can refresh the cookies by placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
If you want to freeze the cookie dough before baking, shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you're ready to bake, follow the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the frozen dough.
Interesting Facts About Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Coconut is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. It adds a unique flavor and texture to recipes, making it a popular choice in many cuisines around the world.
Is Making Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This salted caramel coconut thumbprint cookies recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of coconut and caramels may be slightly pricier, but the ingredients are versatile and can be used in various recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The cookies are a delightful treat, combining the rich flavors of caramel and coconut, making them a worthwhile indulgence for any occasion.
Are Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The salted caramel coconut thumbprint cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the significant amount of butter and heavy cream used. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The cookies are also high in sugar, with both granulated sugar in the dough and caramel in the filling. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems.
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutrients found in whole grain flours.
- While coconut does contain some healthy fats, the recipe uses sweetened shredded coconut, which adds even more sugar to the cookies.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some or all of the butter with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or mashed avocado. This will reduce the amount of saturated fat in the recipe.
- Use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar. This will provide some additional nutrients and may reduce the overall sugar content.
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for a whole grain alternative, such as whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour. This will increase the fiber and nutrient content of the cookies.
- Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce the added sugar in the recipe.
- Reduce the amount of caramel filling or use a sugar-free caramel sauce to further decrease the sugar content.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of these thumbprint cookies that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in a treat now and then as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
The combination of coconut, salted caramel, and a buttery cookie base creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures in this recipe. The use of coconut extract and shredded coconut adds a tropical twist, while the salted caramel filling provides a rich and indulgent contrast. The cookies are well-balanced in sweetness and the addition of coarse sea salt on top adds a satisfying crunch. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and delicious treat that is sure to impress with its combination of sweet, salty, and coconut flavors.
Enhance Your Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Why trust this Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of coconut and caramel, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The use of real coconut extract and unsalted butter ensures an authentic and rich taste. The meticulous instructions guarantee that the cookies turn out perfectly golden and chewy. The addition of coarse sea salt on top of the caramel filling adds a delightful contrast of sweet and salty. The careful attention to detail and quality ingredients make this recipe a trustworthy choice for anyone seeking a delectable treat.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles Recipe
Sugar-Free Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Orange Carrot Smoothie Recipe
Kale Orange Salad Recipe
Classic Ginger Snaps Recipe
Healthy Butternut Squash Muffin Recipe
Ground Beef Burritos Recipe
Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad Recipe
Miso-Glazed Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe
