Coconut Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Delight in these Coconut Meltaway Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery crumb infused with coconut extract and topped with a smooth coconut icing and toasted shredded coconut. Perfectly soft and melt-in-your-mouth, these cookies combine the richness of butter with the tropical essence of coconut for an irresistible treat.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Coconut Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk, or water
- 1 cup toasted shredded coconut
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside temporarily.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Flavoring: Incorporate the large egg and coconut extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in half-cup increments, mixing thoroughly after each addition until you have a smooth dough with no visible flour.
- Shape Cookies: Roll approximately 1 tablespoon of dough into small balls, then flatten each into a disk shape. Place these evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Note that the cookies will not appear browned or fully cooked on top but are done baking at this stage.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on it for 5 minutes. Then transfer each cookie to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and coconut milk until smooth. For a stronger coconut flavor, optionally add 1 teaspoon of coconut extract to this mixture.
- Ice and Garnish: Spoon the icing onto the top of each cooled cookie and swiftly sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut. Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes until hardened.
- Serve or Store: Serve these delicious coconut meltaway cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should appear pale when done.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- To toast shredded coconut, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown.
- The icing sets better and holds its shape if the cookies are completely cool before applying.
- For dairy-free variation, substitute butter with a plant-based butter and use coconut milk for icing.
Keywords: Coconut cookies, meltaway cookies, coconut extract cookies, coconut icing, toasted coconut dessert