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Coconut butter cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of coconut with the rich, creamy texture of butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday event, or simply craving something sweet at home. Ready in under 30 minutes (yes, even baking time included!), they’re ideal for last-minute cravings or a quick dessert to share. Plus, no need to chill the dough—just mix, bake, and enjoy the aromatic bliss filling your kitchen. In this blog post, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make coconut butter cookies that will leave everyone asking for more!
How to Make Coconut Butter Cookies
These cookies are low in sugar yet high in flavor, making them a family favorite. Whether you’re baking a batch for an afternoon treat, gifting to friends, or bringing to a party, these Coconut Butter Cookies are sure to be a hit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this guide covers everything from ingredients and instructions to tips and variations. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready to go. For this recipe for coconut butter cookies, you’ll need the following:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup coconut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
These ingredients will give you a classic butter coconut cookie texture with the added richness of coconut flavor. For those looking for a twist, optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor profile.
Instructions
Now, let’s move on to the baking process for your coconut butter cookies recipe:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature for baking cookies to a perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, coconut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients, while the vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Coconut and Optional Add-ins
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut. If you’re using chopped nuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to incorporate them into the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want your cookies to stay soft in the middle.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it! Delicious homemade coconut butter cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Tips for the Perfect Coconut Butter Cookies
Every baker needs a few tips to take their cookies from good to great. Here are some tips for ensuring your peanut butter coconut cookies or basic coconut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and coconut butter are at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Unsweetened Coconut: Sweetened coconut can make the cookies overly sweet, so opt for unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Brown Butter for Extra Flavor: Try browning your butter for brown butter coconut cookies, which adds a nutty, caramel-like depth to the flavor.
- For a variety of simple, nostalgic treats, try these 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies for a quick fix or these Crunchy Almond Cookies if you love a bit of extra crunch in every bite
Variations
There’s no need to limit yourself to just one type of coconut cookie! Here are a few delicious variations to consider:
- Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies: Substitute ½ cup of the coconut butter with peanut butter to make peanut butter coconut cookies. The combination of peanut butter and coconut is heavenly!
- Brown Butter Coconut Cookies: For an even more indulgent flavor, brown your butter before incorporating it into the dough. The nuttiness of the brown butter pairs wonderfully with the coconut, creating a rich, flavorful cookie.
- Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Cookies: After the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate for a luxurious twist.
- Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies: Replace the optional add-ins with macadamia nuts to create a tropical treat that’s both crunchy and chewy.
- Looking for other flavors? Try these Peanut Butter Cornflake Candy if you want an easy, no-bake option with a similar nostalgic feel.
What to Serve with Coconut Butter Cookies
These buttery, coconut-infused cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and treats:
- Tea or Coffee: A hot cup of tea or coffee complements the richness of the cookies, making for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Ice Cream: Serve your coconut cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Fruit Salad: The lightness of fresh fruit balances out the richness of the cookies, making it an ideal pairing for a summer treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can use sweetened coconut, but be mindful that it will make your cookies sweeter. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, stick to unsweetened coconut.
How long do coconut butter cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last for up to 5 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the baking powder and shredded coconut, are also gluten-free.
How should I store Coconut Butter Cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your Coconut Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 7-10 days. For even longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container (separating layers with parchment paper) and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to refresh their crisp texture.
What’s the difference between coconut butter and coconut oil?
Coconut butter is made from whole coconut meat, while coconut oil is just the fat extracted from the coconut. Coconut butter adds more flavor and texture to the cookies.
Substitutes
If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, there are plenty of substitutes you can use without compromising the flavor of the cookies:
- Coconut Butter: You can replace coconut butter with regular butter or peanut butter if you’re making peanut butter coconut cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free flour or almond flour can be used to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Shredded Coconut: If you don’t have shredded coconut, you can use coconut flakes or even toasted coconut for a different texture.
Nutrition
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delectable coconut butter cookies:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Please note that the nutrition information will vary depending on any substitutions or add-ins you choose to use.
These coconut butter cookies are not only delicious but also highly customizable. Whether you want to stick to the classic recipe or try a new variation like peanut butter coconut cookies or brown butter coconut cookies, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with this delightful treat.
Happy baking!
Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready to go. For this recipe for coconut butter cookies, you’ll need the following:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup coconut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
These ingredients will give you a classic butter coconut cookie texture with the added richness of coconut flavor. For those looking for a twist, optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor profile.
Instructions
Now, let’s move on to the baking process for your coconut butter cookies recipe:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature for baking cookies to a perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, coconut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients, while the vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Coconut and Optional Add-ins
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut. If you're using chopped nuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to incorporate them into the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want your cookies to stay soft in the middle.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it! Delicious homemade coconut butter cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Coconut Butter Cookies
Every baker needs a few tips to take their cookies from good to great. Here are some tips for ensuring your peanut butter coconut cookies or basic coconut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and coconut butter are at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Unsweetened Coconut: Sweetened coconut can make the cookies overly sweet, so opt for unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Brown Butter for Extra Flavor: Try browning your butter for brown butter coconut cookies, which adds a nutty, caramel-like depth to the flavor.
- For a variety of simple, nostalgic treats, try these 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies for a quick fix or these Crunchy Almond Cookies if you love a bit of extra crunch in every bite
