Print

Coconut Shortbread Cookies Recipe

4.4 from 92 reviews

These Coconut Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and packed with sweet shredded coconut for a delightful texture. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these classic cookies come together with simple ingredients and require chilling the dough to ensure a perfect, non-spreading bake every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 13/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together for five to seven minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step aerates the batter, which helps create a lighter texture in your shortbread. Beat in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Finally, fold in the shredded coconut evenly to distribute throughout the dough.
  2. Shape and chill: On a sheet of waxed paper, shape the dough into a rectangular block measuring 12 by 3 by 1 inches. Wrap it tightly with the waxed paper and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least three hours or overnight. Chilling is essential because it solidifies the butter and hydrates the flour, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helping to achieve the ideal texture.
  3. Slice and bake: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and slice it crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • Correctly creaming the butter and sugar is key for lighter cookies because it incorporates air into the dough.
  • Do not skip chilling the dough; this step prevents flat and greasy cookies.
  • Placing cookies too close together during baking can cause them to stick and spread unevenly.
  • Using ungreased baking sheets helps the cookies to develop the right texture and appearance.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Keywords: Coconut shortbread, shortbread cookies, coconut cookies, buttery cookies, easy cookie recipe, classic shortbread