Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without being overly complicated? Look no further! These oatmeal coconut cookies are the perfect answer. They're wonderfully chewy, bursting with coconut flavor, and surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Get ready to enjoy a homemade treat that's perfect for an afternoon snack, a cozy night in, or even a delightful addition to your next bake sale. These healthy and delicious cookies are sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you’re feeling energetic!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Coconut
Stir in the rolled oats and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be thick.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, chewy, and delicious oatmeal coconut cookies!
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Coconut Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will help create a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
- Cooling is Important: Allowing the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Coconut Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Oatmeal Coconut Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Gluten-Free Oatmeal Coconut Cookies: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy recipes are perfect for a quick dinner idea or a healthy meal. Homemade cooking doesn't have to be difficult; this recipe proves that delicious dishes can be simple and satisfying. Enjoy your baking!