Get ready to transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Cherry Almond Coconut Shortbread Cookies are not just another cookie recipe—they're a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Imagine biting into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread studded with sweet cherries, crunchy coconut, and a hint of almond extract that will make your kitchen smell like a gourmet bakery. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, these cookies are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped cherries using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create a slight disk shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decoration.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Chill the Dough: Don't skip the 15-minute refrigeration. This helps prevent spreading and creates a more uniform cookie shape.
- Even Chopping: Finely chop cherries to distribute them evenly throughout the dough and prevent large wet spots.
- Gentle Mixing: When adding flour and mix-ins, mix just until combined to keep the shortbread tender.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture for up to 5 days.
- Decoration Options: Experiment with powdered sugar dusting or white chocolate drizzle for an elegant touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
