Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Salted Caramel

Martha Stewart Living, February 2012

Makes 54  

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Table salt
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 12 ounces sweetened flaked coconut
• 44 small soft caramel candies (12 ounces), such as Kraft
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream
• Large, flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Prep Time: 1 hour / Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low, gradually add flour and 1/2 teaspoon table salt, and beat to combine. Press dough together in plastic wrap, then roll into 1 1/4-inch balls. Dip each ball in beaten egg, and roll in coconut. Place balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, and press an indentation into each with your thumb. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove sheets from oven, and re-press indentations. Bake cookies until golden, 9 to 10 minutes more. Let cool on wire racks. Repeat with remaining dough.

 

Place caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the caramels are melted and mixture is smooth, 4 to 6 minutes. Spoon into indentations in cookies, and sprinkle with sea salt. Rewarm caramel if it hardens before all cookies are filled.

Cook's Note: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.