Instructions:

• Step 1: Prepare the Oven - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, diced butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to cream them together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Step 3: Add the Egg and Coconut Extract - Add the large egg and real coconut extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
• Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients - In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and Morton Fine Sea Salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Step 5: Fold in the Coconut - Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Step 6: Shape the Cookies - Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Step 7: Create Thumbprints - Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. This is where the caramel will go!
• Step 8: Bake the Cookies - Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
• Step 9: Prepare the Caramel Filling - While the cookies are cooling, place the soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Step 10: Fill the Thumbprints - Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, use a small measuring cup or spoon to fill each thumbprint with the caramel mixture.
• Step 11: Add Sea Salt - Sprinkle a pinch of Morton Coarse Sea Salt on top of each caramel-filled thumbprint while the caramel is still warm.
• Step 12: Cool and Enjoy! - Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies!