Are you craving a taste of the tropics? Then look no further! These Coconut Drops, a beloved Trinidad treat, are incredibly easy to make and offer a delightful explosion of coconutty goodness in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through creating these delicious and irresistible little morsels. Perfect for a quick dessert, a special occasion, or simply a sweet pick-me-up, these homemade Coconut Drops are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Let's get started on this simple and rewarding recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Coconut Infusion: Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the Coconut Drops cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Coconut Drops:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as ovens can vary. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Storage: Store your cooled Coconut Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully!
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
- Chocolate Chunk Delight: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chunks for an extra decadent treat.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or lime for a refreshing citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy recipes and quick dinner ideas are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cooking, creating healthy meals that are both satisfying and simple to prepare. This recipe offers the best recipes for anyone looking to enhance their baking skills and enjoy a truly delightful treat. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of creating these simple yet scrumptious Coconut Drops – a true taste of Trinidad!