Name: Ultimate Coconut Drops: Soft, Chewy Delights to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Shredded Coconut (Provides coconut flavor and texture); 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Adds sweetness and binds ingredients); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Essential for structure); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Leavening agent for texture); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness); 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Use pecans or walnuts for crunch); 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (Semi-sweet or dark for contrast)

As I stood in my kitchen, the comforting aroma of coconut filled the air, instantly transporting me to sun-soaked tropical shores. This Christmas, I’m excited to share my beloved recipe for Coconut Drops, unique little treasures that are not only delicious but also a breeze to whip up. With their soft, chewy texture and a hint of sweetness, these delightful cookies make the perfect festive treat for any gathering or cookie exchange. Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize them with nuts or chocolate for an extra twist. So, are you ready to take your holiday baking to a new level with these irresistible Coconut Drops? Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!

Why Love Coconut Drops?

Irresistible Texture: These Coconut Drops boast a soft, chewy consistency that melts in your mouth, providing a luxurious eating experience.

Simple Ingredients: With just a few common staples, you can create a batch of these delightful treats, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Festive Versatility: Customize your Coconut Drops with chopped nuts or chocolate chips to add your personal touch, ensuring they’re perfect for every holiday gathering.

Quick and Easy: Ready in no time, these cookies are perfect for spontaneous baking sessions when friends and family drop by during the festive season.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether gifting or sharing, these cookies are sure to impress and delight everyone, making them a staple in your holiday cookie lineup.

Ready to explore other holiday favorites? Don’t miss out on our chewy gingerbread cookies for a classic twist!

Coconut Drops Ingredients

For the Coconut Base
• Shredded Coconut – Provides that quintessential coconut flavor and texture that makes these drops irresistible.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds a rich sweetness and binds all the ingredients together, ensuring a chewy consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; helps hold the cookie together.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a light and airy texture.

For Flavor Enhancements
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and sweetness.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the coconut flavor.

Optional Mix-ins
• Chopped Nuts – Adds a delightful crunch; consider using pecans or walnuts for a festive twist.
• Chocolate Chips – Incorporate semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a delicious contrast to the coconut sweetness.

These Coconut Drops are sure to become a cherished recipe in your holiday baking repertoire!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Coconut Drops

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your Coconut Drops will slide off easily after baking, allowing for a seamless transfer from sheet to cooling rack.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, creating a rich, sweet base for your Coconut Drops. The fragrant aroma of vanilla will immediately fill your kitchen, adding a lovely warmth to the mixture that enhances the cookie flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as the baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping your Coconut Drops achieve a light, airy texture. Ensure these dry components are evenly mixed before combining with the wet ingredients to avoid clumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined, being careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly okay! This blend should result in a thick, sticky batter that holds the promise of cozy, chewy Coconut Drops once baked.

Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins
If you desire a twist, gently fold in any optional mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips. This step allows you to customize your Coconut Drops to suit your taste. The combination of textures from the crunchy nuts or gooey chocolate will take your cookies to the next level of deliciousness, promising an unforgettable bite.

Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound. This spacing will allow the Coconut Drops to spread during baking, creating the perfect shape. The dough should look fluffy and inviting, ready to transform into delightful cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as the centers should look slightly soft but set. The fruity aroma of baking coconut will fill your kitchen, signaling that your Coconut Drops are nearing completion.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the Coconut Drops cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. After cooling slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is vital, as it allows the cookies to firm up, ensuring that each bite is soft yet perfectly chewy.

What to Serve with Ultimate Coconut Drops?

Indulging in these soft, chewy delights is just the beginning; let’s create a festive spread that enhances their tropical charm.

Hot Chocolate Bar: A cozy cup of rich hot chocolate perfectly complements the sweetness of Coconut Drops, making for a blissful pairing.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth and spices in apple cider beautifully harmonize with the cookie’s coconut flavor, creating a comforting drink choice.
Roasted Nuts: A bowl of slightly salted or spiced nuts adds a satisfying crunch, balancing the chewy texture of these delightful cookies.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Bright, fresh fruit like pineapple and strawberries offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet coconut, elevating your dessert experience.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream can add a luxurious creaminess when enjoyed alongside your Coconut Drops, enhancing their flavor.
Ice Cream: Pair your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a decadent treat that brings an extra touch of creaminess to each bite.
Holiday Cookie Tray: Serve these Coconut Drops alongside other festive favorites like gingerbread men or sugar cookies to create a colorful dessert spread.
Coconut Milk Latte: For a twist, enjoy a warm coconut milk latte; its creamy sweetness complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.

Variations & Substitutions for Coconut Drops

Invite your inner creative chef to shine with these delightful twists on our Coconut Drops. Each variation offers a unique taste experience that will excite your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep these cookies soft and chewy without gluten.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative in place of sweetened condensed milk for a completely dairy-free treat.
Nutty Addition: Throw in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. The crunch complements the chewy texture perfectly, giving each bite a satisfying snap.
Chocolate Lovers: Swapping in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips makes for an indulgent twist. The chocolate melts beautifully, creating a delightful contrast to the coconut.
Tropical Flavor Boost: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, enhancing the nutty notes and giving a delightful tropical vibe, reminiscent of an island getaway.
Fruity Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried mango chunks or cranberries for a vibrant flavor burst that brings a sweet and chewy element to your cookies.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients to warm and spice up your Coconut Drops, giving them a holiday-inspired flavor.
Peppermint Delight: For a festive touch, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla. This adds a refreshing twist, perfect for any holiday gathering.

These variations not only enhance the flavor and texture but also add an element of surprise to your holiday baking. Don’t forget to check out our chewy gingerbread cookies for another festive favorite!

How to Store and Freeze Coconut Drops

Room Temperature: Store your Coconut Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough scoops in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy your Coconut Drops warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they stay soft and inviting!

Make Ahead Options

These Coconut Drops are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor their deliciousness without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients and storing the combined batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the cookies from losing their signature chewy texture. Alternatively, you can shape the cookie mounds and freeze them for up to 3 months; simply place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for a delightful warm treat right when you need it!

Expert Tips for Coconut Drops

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your sweetened condensed milk and other ingredients are at room temperature for better blending, resulting in perfectly smooth Coconut Drops.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to maintain that delicious chewiness. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies that lose their delightful texture.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips, but keep the proportions balanced for the best results. This enhances flavor without compromising the key texture of your Coconut Drops.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft for that perfect chewy consistency.
Storage Tips: Allow your cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This way, they retain their soft texture and freshness longer.
Chill the Dough: If you’re finding it hard to scoop, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help it firm up and make your Coconut Drops easier to shape and bake.

Coconut Drops Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best shredded coconut for my Coconut Drops?
Absolutely! Look for unsweetened shredded coconut for a more natural flavor, as sweetened varieties can affect the sugar content of your cookies. Check the packaging for freshness, making sure it doesn’t have any dark spots, which can indicate it’s gone stale.

What’s the best way to store Coconut Drops?
You can store your Coconut Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent drying out and losing that delightful chew!

Can I freeze Coconut Drops? If so, how?
Definitely! To freeze unbaked dough, scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the dough directly on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I do if my Coconut Drops are too dry?
If your Coconut Drops come out dry, it may be due to overmixing or baking them too long. To rescue them, consider adding a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a smear of coconut cream on top before serving! For next time, be sure to check the baking time closely and avoid overmixing.

Are Coconut Drops suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! You can make a gluten-free version of these Coconut Drops by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes a binding agent so that your cookies maintain their chewy texture!

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate?
Very! Feel free to add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, or even chocolate chips into the dough for extra flavor. Just ensure that you keep the proportions balanced to maintain that divine chewy texture — it’s all about that perfect harmony!