Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints

These Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints combine the best of two worlds – perfectly chewy coconut macaroons with pools of luxurious, gooey caramel nestled in their centers. If you’re a fan of irresistible texture contrasts and sweet indulgence, these cookies will be your new obsession! The universal appeal of coconut and caramel comes together in these little bites of heaven that are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, special gatherings, or whenever you need to satisfy a serious sweet craving.

Why These Thumbprints Are Pure Bliss

• Amazing Chewy & Gooey Texture Contrast – Experience the perfect harmony of textures in each bite
• Rich Caramel & Sweet Coconut Flavor – A classic flavor pairing loved worldwide
• Naturally Gluten-Free – No flour needed in this recipe!
• Visually Appealing – Golden-edged macaroons with glossy caramel centers
• Perfect Indulgent Treat – Special enough for celebrations but easy enough for everyday baking

What makes these macaroon thumbprints truly special is the brilliant simplicity of the coconut base. The sweet, toasty coconut creates the perfect canvas for the rich, complex caramel filling. The slight crispness of the macaroon edges gives way to a chewy interior that perfectly complements the smooth, buttery caramel center – creating a textural experience that’s nothing short of magical.

Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints Recipe Overview

Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints Ingredients

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Key Ingredients

• Coconut Macaroon Base Ingredients:

• 2⅔ cups (200g) sweetened shredded coconut

• ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 4 large egg whites, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Caramel Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, room temperature

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Alternatively, for an easier option:

• 20 store-bought soft caramel candies (like Werther’s Original Soft Caramels)

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

How To Make Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints

Crafting the Chewy Macaroon Base

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper – this is essential to prevent sticking!
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sugar, and salt, mixing well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
• Add the room temperature egg whites and vanilla extract to the coconut mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined – the mixture should be wet and sticky but hold together when pressed.
• Using a cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon, scoop rounded tablespoons of the coconut mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Wet your thumb or the back of a rounded ½ teaspoon measuring spoon with water (to prevent sticking) and press gently into the center of each macaroon to create a well for the caramel filling. If the edges crack slightly, gently press them back together.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are golden brown while the centers remain light. The macaroons should be set but not overly browned.
• Once baked, if the indentations have puffed up, use the back of a measuring spoon to gently press them down again while still warm.
• Allow the macaroons to cool completely on the baking sheets before filling.

Creating the Golden Caramel Filling

Homemade Caramel Method:

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Instructions

• In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, spread the sugar in an even layer. Heat over medium heat, watching carefully.
• As the sugar begins to melt around the edges, gently stir with a heat-resistant silicone spatula or wooden spoon to help it melt evenly. Continue stirring gently until all sugar is melted and turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. (Be patient – rushing this step can result in burnt caramel!)
• Once the sugar is completely melted and amber-colored, carefully add the butter pieces (CAUTION: the mixture will bubble vigorously!). Stir continuously until the butter is fully incorporated.
• Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up again, so be careful.
• Return the pan to low heat and stir for about 1 minute until smooth and slightly thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
• Allow the caramel to cool for about 15-20 minutes before filling the macaroons. It should be thick but still pourable.

Store-Bought Caramel Method:

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Instructions

• Unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth.
• Allow to cool slightly – the caramel should be warm and pourable but not hot.

The Delicious Assembly

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Instructions

• Once your macaroon bases are completely cooled and your caramel is at the right temperature (warm but not hot), carefully spoon the caramel into each thumbprint indentation.
• Fill each cookie until the caramel reaches just below the edge of the indentation – don’t overfill as the caramel may spill over the sides.
• Allow the filled cookies to sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour to let the caramel set properly.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints

Macaroon Mastery:

• For the chewiest texture, don’t overbake your macaroons. You want them set and golden at the edges, but still light in color overall.
• If your coconut mixture seems too wet and spreads too much during baking, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of additional coconut.
• The indent needs to be deep enough to hold a good amount of caramel, but not so deep that you break through the bottom of the cookie.

Caramel Control:

• For homemade caramel, use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent hot spots that can burn the sugar.
• Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting the caramel – once the process begins, it moves quickly!
• The key to perfect soft-set caramel is removing it from heat at just the right moment. If it’s too light, it will be runny; too dark, and it may harden too much or taste bitter.
• A touch of salt in your caramel is essential for balancing the sweetness – don’t skip it!

Assembly Ace:

• Make sure your macaroons are completely cooled before filling – warm cookies can cause the caramel to run off the sides.
• If your caramel begins to thicken too much while filling, gently rewarm it for a few seconds.
• For the cleanest looking thumbprints, use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the indentations.

Focus on Texture: Chewy Meets Gooey

What makes these thumbprints truly unforgettable is the incredible textural interplay. The coconut macaroon base provides that distinctive chewy resistance that gradually gives way as you bite into it, while the center offers a luscious, gooey caramel that slowly melts in your mouth. It’s this perfect harmony of contrasting yet complementary textures that elevates these simple cookies into something truly extraordinary. Each bite is a celebration of what happens when chewy meets gooey in the most delightful way possible.

Variations & Finishing Touches

Take these already amazing cookies to the next level with these delicious enhancements:

• Drizzle thin streams of melted dark or milk chocolate over the tops after the caramel has set for an elegant finish and flavor boost.
• Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on the caramel just before it sets for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast.
• Add a few toasted chopped pecans or almonds to the caramel filling for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• For coconut lovers, try mixing ¼ cup of toasted coconut flakes into the caramel for even more coconut intensity.

How To Store Your Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints

Store your Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For best results, place pieces of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. In humid conditions, these cookies may soften more quickly, so you might want to enjoy them sooner rather than later (not that they usually last long anyway!).

These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the completely cooled and set cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving.

FAQs About Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints

Are these cookies gluten-free? Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour. However, always check your coconut packaging to ensure it hasn’t been processed in a facility that also processes wheat products if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Why did my macaroons spread too much during baking? This usually happens if the coconut mixture is too wet. Make sure you’re using shredded coconut (not flaked) and try adding a bit more coconut to absorb excess moisture. Also check that your oven is properly preheated.

My caramel turned out too hard after cooling. What went wrong? For homemade caramel, this means it was cooked too long or at too high a temperature. Next time, remove it from the heat sooner or add a bit more cream. For store-bought caramels, add a touch more cream when melting.

My caramel is too runny and doesn’t set properly. How can I fix this? For homemade caramel, it likely needed to cook longer. You can try gently reheating it and cooking for a little longer. For store-bought caramels, use less cream when melting or try a different brand of firmer caramels.

Can I make the caramel filling ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the caramel filling up to 5 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it reaches a pourable consistency before filling the macaroons.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened? Yes, but you’ll need to increase the sugar in the macaroon base to compensate. Add an additional 3-4 tablespoons of sugar to the recipe.

Sweet & Satisfying Conclusion

These Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints represent the perfect marriage of textures and flavors – the chewy coconut macaroon base embracing a pool of smooth, buttery caramel creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The best part is that despite their impressive appearance and incredible taste, they’re surprisingly straightforward to make!

Whether you’re adding these to your holiday cookie repertoire, bringing them to a special gathering, or simply treating yourself to something exceptional, these thumbprints are guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for your recipe. The universal appeal of coconut and caramel spans cultures, making these little gems a truly global delight.