Coconut oil sugar cookies are a delightful treat made with a blend of butter and coconut oil. This unique shortbread recipe produces moist, delicious sugar cookies with just a hint of coconut flavor.
The combination of butter and coconut oil gives the cookies a rich taste and a soft texture.
Recipe
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Mixing: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar, butter, and coconut oil until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Forming Cookies: Use your hands to mix the dough thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven until the tops of the cookies are cracked, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
Cook’s Note: If you prefer, you can use parchment paper instead of greasing the baking sheet.
The Magic of Coconut Oil in Baking
Coconut oil isn’t just for tropical-themed dishes or health enthusiasts. When used in baking, it can transform the texture and flavor of your baked goods.
Unlike other oils, coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, which means it can mimic the properties of butter in many recipes. This gives cookies a delightful crumbly texture while still keeping them moist.
Fun Variations of Coconut Oil Sugar Cookies
- Tropical Delight: Add dried pineapple bits and shredded coconut to the dough. Once baked, drizzle with a light mango glaze. You’ll feel like you’re on a tropical island with every bite!
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder to the dough and add chocolate chips. The combination of coconut and chocolate will remind you of a certain famous candy bar.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to the dough. This will give your cookies a warm, spiced flavor, perfect for the colder months.
- Colorful Confetti: For those who love a pop of color in their treats, mix in some rainbow sprinkles into the dough. Perfect for birthdays or any festive occasion!
Fun Facts About Coconut
- Not a Nut: Despite its name, the coconut is not a nut. It’s a drupe! A drupe is a fruit with a hard stony covering enclosing the seed (like a peach or olive).
- Floating Fruits: Coconuts can float on water, and this is primarily how they spread to different areas. They can travel across the ocean and eventually land on a different shore, sprouting a new coconut palm tree.
- Multi-purpose Tree: The coconut palm is often called the “Tree of Life” because every part of it can be used. The fruit, husk, and leaves are used in various dishes, crafts, and even in construction.
Baking Tips
- Consistency Matters: Ensure your coconut oil is at the right consistency when baking. If a recipe calls for solid coconut oil, placing it in the fridge can help achieve this texture. For a liquid state, a brief stint in the microwave or some time at room temperature should do the trick.
- Experiment: Baking is as much an art as it is a science. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors, textures, and ingredients. Sometimes, the best recipes come from a bit of adventurous tweaking.
- Share the Love: Baking is a more delightful adventure when shared with loved ones. Whether you’re creating treats with family or friends or savoring the finished masterpiece together, the magic of baking truly shines when enjoyed as a team. Explore our recipe for Lemon Greek Yogurt Pie if you’re in the baking mood!
Thought-Provoking Questions/Insights
Why use both butter and coconut oil?
The combination of butter and coconut oil in the recipe not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
How does the baking time affect the cookie’s texture?
Baking for the recommended 10 to 12 minutes ensures the cookies remain soft. Overbaking might result in harder cookies.
What variations can be made to this recipe?
Consider adding coconut flakes or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. Experimenting with different ingredients can lead to delightful variations of this classic cookie.