Coconut and lemon cookies

Coconut and lemon cookies: a sweet and fragrant treat

I invite you to discover a cookie recipe that will turn any ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. These coconut and lemon cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for a quick snack or to impress guests. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or give them as a gift, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: 27-30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients:

- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 300 g flour
- 100 g shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Glaze: powdered sugar + lemon juice (optional colored)

Brief history:

Coconut cookies have become popular due to their versatility. Coconut, with its exotic flavor, has been used throughout time in various cultures, becoming a star ingredient in desserts. These cookies are a perfect combination of crispy texture and soft filling, and the addition of lemon gives them a fresh and invigorating note.

Step by step: Making the cookies

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C. This step is essential to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and become golden and delicious.

2. Beating the butter: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a spatula, beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes creamy and fluffy. Adding the vanilla extract now will give the cookies a deep flavor.

3. Incorporating the eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are well integrated into the mixture to achieve a uniform dough.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, baking soda, and baking powder. These dry ingredients will provide the cookies with the necessary structure and perfect texture. Mix them well to avoid lumps.

5. Combining the ingredients: Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and egg mixture, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle, do not overmix, as this could develop the gluten in the flour, making the cookies tough.

6. Shaping the cookies: Using a teaspoon or an ice cream scoop, take some dough and form small balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them about 3 cm apart, as the cookies will spread during baking.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden at the edges. You will smell the delicious aroma of coconut and lemon throughout the kitchen.

8. Cooling: Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a rack. It is important to let them cool completely before decorating with the sugar glaze.

9. Preparing the glaze: While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice until you achieve a fluid consistency. If desired, you can add a few drops of food coloring to make the glaze more cheerful.

10. Decorating the cookies: Using a teaspoon or a piping bag, decorate the cooled cookies with the sugar glaze. Let them dry for a few minutes so that the glaze sets.

Helpful tips:

- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to mix easily with the sugar, achieving a fluffy mixture.
- You can replace the coconut with white chocolate or chopped nuts for a different cookie variation.
- If you love lemon, you can add lemon zest to the dough for an extra flavor.
- The cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week.

Delicious combinations:

These coconut and lemon cookies pair perfectly with a cup of green tea or a creamy latte. You can also try serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or a fruit sorbet for a refreshing dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of sugar? Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- What can I do if I don't have coconut? You can omit the coconut and add more flour or use chocolate chips.
- How can I make the cookies less sweet? You can reduce the sugar amount by 20% without significantly affecting the texture of the cookies.

Nutritional information (per cookie, approximately):

- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking! These coconut and lemon cookies will not only fill your home with a delightful aroma but will also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Happy baking!