Crisp on the edges, buttery in the center, and packed with sweet coconut flavor, these Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies are an effortless delight for any cookie lover. The delicate balance of rich butter and coconut sweetness makes them perfect for afternoon tea, holiday baking, or a simple homemade indulgence. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience while the dough chills, you can create bakery-worthy shortbread with ease. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of coffee, these cookies will bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Beat in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in flour until well combined.
- Stir in shredded coconut.
- Using a sheet of waxed paper, shape the dough into a 12x3x1-inch rectangle.
- Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Unwrap the dough and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges are light golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal per cookie: 73 kcal | Servings: About 4 dozen
Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies: A Buttery Delight
Shortbread cookies have long been a favorite treat for bakers and dessert lovers alike. With their delicate texture, rich buttery flavor, and simple ingredient list, they are one of the most timeless and beloved cookies. These Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies take the classic shortbread up a notch with the addition of sweet shredded coconut, giving them a tropical twist that is both unique and irresistible.
If you are looking for a foolproof cookie recipe that is easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers exceptional flavor, this coconut shortbread is the perfect choice. They are ideal for holiday baking, afternoon tea, or simply as an indulgent snack when you’re craving something sweet but not overly rich. The slice-and-bake method makes them even more convenient, allowing you to prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
The History and Appeal of Shortbread
Shortbread has a long and fascinating history, dating back to medieval Scotland. Originally, shortbread was a luxurious treat reserved for special occasions, made with simple yet rich ingredients primarily butter, sugar, and flour. The name “shortbread” comes from the high butter content, which gives the cookies their signature crumbly texture. Over time, this classic cookie has been adapted in various ways, with different flavors and ingredients incorporated to enhance its appeal.
The addition of coconut to shortbread is a wonderful way to introduce a slightly chewy texture and a mild tropical sweetness. The coconut flakes not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to a more complex mouthfeel, making each bite a delightful experience. For those who love the simplicity of traditional shortbread but want a little extra something, this recipe is the perfect middle ground.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
There are countless reasons why Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies deserve a spot in your recipe collection. Here are just a few:
- Easy to Make – The slice-and-bake method makes this recipe incredibly convenient. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake fresh cookies whenever needed.
- Minimal Ingredients – With just five basic ingredients (butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, and coconut), this recipe is proof that simple baking can be incredibly delicious.
- Perfect Texture – These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture with a delicate crispness on the edges. The coconut adds a subtle chewiness, making them extra enjoyable.
- Versatile and Customizable – While they are delicious as is, you can also experiment by adding a drizzle of chocolate, dipping them in melted white chocolate, or even mixing in chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
- Great for Gifting – These cookies hold their shape beautifully and stay fresh for days, making them an excellent homemade gift for family and friends during the holidays or special occasions.
Tips for Baking the Best Coconut Shortbread Cookies
While this is a straightforward recipe, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure your shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use High-Quality Butter – Since butter is the star ingredient in shortbread, using a high-quality, full-fat butter will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. European-style butter, which has a higher butterfat content, is an excellent choice.
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly – Refrigerating the dough for at least three hours (or overnight) helps solidify the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step also enhances the flavor, as the ingredients meld together while chilling.
- Slice the Dough Evenly – To ensure even baking, try to cut the cookie dough into uniform 1/4-inch slices. Using a sharp knife or a serrated knife can help achieve clean cuts.
- Don’t Overbake – The key to perfect shortbread is baking just until the edges turn a light golden brown. Overbaking can lead to a dry, crumbly texture, so be sure to check the cookies at the 18-minute mark.
- Let Them Cool Properly – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking apart.
Serving Suggestions
These Coconut Shortbread Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Tea or Coffee – Their buttery richness pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an excellent afternoon treat.
- With Ice Cream – Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
- Drizzled with Chocolate – For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies and let them set before serving.
- As a Holiday Treat – These cookies make wonderful additions to holiday cookie trays and gift boxes. Simply package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
- With Fruit Preserves – Spread a bit of your favorite fruit jam or preserves on top of a cookie for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Storing and Freezing
One of the best things about these cookies is that they store exceptionally well, making them ideal for making ahead of time.
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- In the Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the fridge, which will slightly enhance their crispness.
- Freezing the Dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply slice and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
- Freezing the Baked Cookies: The baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion:
Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies are a must-try for any home baker looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat. With their rich buttery flavor, delicate crispness, and sweet coconut notes, they are the perfect combination of classic and tropical flavors.
The convenience of the slice-and-bake method makes this recipe an excellent choice for busy bakers who want fresh homemade cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a personal treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.