Coconut cookies

Coconut Cookies - A Delicacy Full of Flavor and Texture

Coconut cookies are a dessert that evokes pleasant memories, often associated with winter holidays or moments spent with loved ones. This simple and delicious recipe stands out with the combination of chocolate and coconut, resulting in a soft and fragrant cookie, perfect for any occasion. Let’s discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 150 g cold butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 egg and 1 yolk
- 150 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 2 cups flour (approximately 250-300 g, depending on desired consistency)

For the filling:
- 100 g coconut
- 1 egg white
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional, for adjusting consistency)

For the topping:
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 50 g white chocolate

Preparing Coconut Cookies

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the cold butter cut into cubes. Use a mixer or spatula to cream it until it becomes a smooth cream. Add the egg and yolk, then the sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture becomes fluffy.

2. Adding dry ingredients:
Continue by adding the cocoa, baking powder, and rum essence. Gently mix. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until you obtain a non-sticky dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little more flour.

3. Chilling the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving cookies with a perfect texture that are easy to shape.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the coconut, egg white, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. If the filling is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to achieve a creamier consistency.

5. Forming the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Take pieces of the chilled dough and, on a floured surface, gently roll each piece. In the center of each portion, add a tablespoon of the coconut filling. Pinch the edges of the dough to form a ball, ensuring that the filling remains securely inside.

6. Baking:
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to expand. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they become slightly golden.

7. Decorating:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, melt the dark and white chocolate separately. Use a fork or a paper cone to decorate the cookies with the melted chocolate, creating an attractive and delicious appearance.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially chocolate, as this will directly influence the final flavor of the cookies.
- Temperature of ingredients: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- Variations: For added flavor, experiment with adding ground nuts or dried fruits to the filling. You can also replace the coconut with almonds or hazelnuts.
- Serving: These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served as a dessert at festive meals.

Nutritional Benefits

Coconut cookies offer a delicious combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins. Coconut is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, while chocolate contains flavonoids beneficial for heart health. However, it is important to note that these cookies are a delicacy that should be consumed in moderation, having a relatively high caloric content due to sugar and fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version, but adjust the liquid amount in the recipe.

2. How can I store the cookies?
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

3. Can I make the cookies without eggs?
You can replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, which will act as a binder.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to unleash your creativity and enjoy these delicious coconut cookies! Invite friends and family to join in the preparation and turn cooking into a truly enjoyable experience. Bon appétit!