Name: Coconut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup of coconut butter, soft but not liquid; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Desiccated coconut for topping; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract for an extra coconutty flavor

Made with the tender embrace of coconut butter, each cookie promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience, blending the exotic, nutty flavor of coconut with the classic, comforting essence of homemade cookies. Perfect for those cozy evenings at home, special occasions, or when you simply need a sweet escape, these Coconut Butter Cookies are designed to enchant.

How to make Coconut Butter Cookies

Coconut butter cookies are delicious treats made primarily with coconut butter, which is a creamy spread made from pureed coconut meat. These cookies typically feature a few key ingredients: coconut butter, flour (often a mix of all-purpose and coconut flour), sugar (like brown or coconut sugar), and sometimes eggs. They can also include shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup of coconut butter, soft but not liquid
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Desiccated coconut for topping
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract for an extra coconutty flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut butter and unsalted butter with sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Crack the egg into the bowl, add the vanilla extract (and coconut extract if using), and beat until fully incorporated. Make sure the mixture is smooth without any lumps.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensuring these ingredients are well mixed is crucial for an even rise in your cookies.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out small portions of the dough, roll them into balls, and slightly flatten them into a cookie shape on the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread a little.

Step 7: Sprinkle the tops of the dough balls generously with desiccated coconut, gently pressing it into the dough to ensure it sticks.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges start turning golden. Don’t overcook to keep that tender, buttery texture.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Butter Cookies

Butter Temperature: Your butter should be soft but not melted. This is key for that perfect creamy texture when you cream it with sugar.
Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping. This makes handling much easier.
Flavor Enhancements: While vanilla extract is a must, the optional coconut extract can really punch up the coconut flavor, making these cookies distinctly rich in tropical taste.
Watching the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your cookies a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overbaking.

What to serve with

Pairing the right accompaniments with Coconut Butter Cookies can enhance the overall dining experience, making your dessert course or tea time significantly more delightful. Here are some elegant and heartwarming suggestions to serve alongside these rich, fragrant cookies.

1. Beverages

Tea:

Chai Latte: The spices in chai latte, like cardamom and cinnamon, complement the coconut flavor marvelously, offering a cozy and warming sensation.
Green Tea: Opt for a delicate green tea if you prefer something light. Its subtle bitterness can balance the sweetness of the cookies.

Coffee:

Espresso or Americano: The robust flavor of coffee, especially espresso, pairs wonderfully with the buttery texture of the cookies, providing a rich taste experience.

Milk:

Almond Milk: For a dairy-free option, almond milk’s nutty undertones harmoniously blend with the coconut and butter notes of the cookies.
Coconut Milk: To double down on the coconut theme, serve with chilled or warm coconut milk, enhancing the tropical vibe.

2. Ice Cream

Creating a simple yet indulgent dessert, place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors like salted caramel, pistachio, or even coconut to play up the theme.

3. Fruit Plates

A plate of fresh, tropical fruits can add a refreshing and healthy touch to your treat. Slices of mango, pineapple, and papaya, along with some berries, offer a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the rich cookies. Sprinkling a bit of lime zest over the fruits can also tie the flavors together beautifully.

4. Cheese and Nuts

For a more sophisticated and savory pairing, serve the cookies with a cheese plate. Soft cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Add some nuts like almonds or cashews for texture and a bit of salty contrast to balance the flavors.

5. Dessert Wines and Liqueurs

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing your Coconut Butter Cookies with a sweet dessert wine or a coconut-flavored liqueur. A glass of Moscato, with its light and fruity notes, or a bit of Malibu rum can complement the tropical flavor profile of the cookies, making for a chic dessert course.

6. Whipped Cream or Yogurt

For a lighter accompaniment, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt can add a creamy and tangy element, balancing the sweetness and richness of the cookies perfectly.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Coconut Butter Cookies, you might find yourself missing an ingredient or two. Or perhaps you have dietary restrictions or preferences to consider.

All-Purpose Flour

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For those who are gluten intolerant, a gluten-free flour mix can be substituted for all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.
Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: For a low-carb, grain-free option, you could use almond or coconut flour, but remember that these flours have different absorption rates and may require adjustments in the quantity, along with additional binding agents.

Butter

Margarine: A straightforward substitute for butter, margarine can be used in equal proportions.
Coconut Oil: To reinforce the coconut flavor, coconut oil (solidified, not liquid) can replace butter in a 1:1 ratio. However, this might slightly change the texture because coconut oil lacks the milk solids in butter.
Vegan Butter: These plant-based alternatives are formulated to behave like dairy butter, thus suitable for those avoiding animal products.

Sugar

Coconut Sugar: This can provide a deeper flavor with a hint of caramel, perfect for enhancing the coconut theme. It can replace white sugar in a 1:1 ratio, but remember it could darken the color of your cookies.
Honey or Maple Syrup: If you’d like to use a liquid sweetener, use less than the amount of sugar called for due to its higher sweetness level (Around 3/4 cup for every 1 cup of sugar), and reduce other liquid ingredients in the recipe.

Eggs

Flax or Chia Eggs: To make one flax or chia egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it becomes gelatinous.
Applesauce: A quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg. However, it is best used in recipes calling for only one or two eggs to avoid altering the texture significantly.

Vanilla Extract

Almond Extract: Almond has a stronger flavor, so use half as much when substituting.
Maple Extract or Syrup: They can deliver a warm, rich note if vanilla is unavailable, keeping the measurement the same.

Coconut

Desiccated Coconut or Coconut Flakes: You can usually substitute these at a 1:1 ratio, depending on the recipe. If using coconut flakes and the recipe calls for desiccated coconut, you may want to pulse the flakes in a food processor for a finer texture.
Nuts or Seeds: If coconut is not preferred or has an allergy concern, chopped nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds can offer a crunchy texture though with a different flavor profile.

Leavening Agents

Baking Powder: If your recipe calls for baking soda and you only have baking powder on hand, you can generally use three times the amount of baking powder instead of the baking soda.
Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: If you’re out of baking powder, you can combine 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Dairy Milk

Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk can substitute for dairy milk in equal measurements for a dairy-free variant of the cookies.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Coconut Butter Cookies is more than just a culinary endeavor; it’s an act of love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy night in, each batch will bring smiles and sweet satisfaction.

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