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Delicious toasted coconut shortbread cookies on a decorative plate.

Toasted Coconut Shortbread Cookies

These toasted coconut shortbread cookies are buttery, crisp at the edges, and tender in the center, enhanced with toasted coconut and a hint of cinnamon.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 37 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 255 g cold salted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces Use unsalted if you prefer; add ¼ tsp fine salt to dry ingredients.
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 55 g light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 255 g all-purpose flour
  • 45 g unsweetened shredded coconut Plus extra for rolling.
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 large egg, well beaten For brushing.
  • Sanding sugar for coating

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the cold butter pieces with granulated and brown sugar and the vanilla for 2–3 minutes until lighter and fluffy.
  3. Gradually add the flour and ½ cup shredded coconut, mixing on low until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
  4. Turn the dough onto a work surface, divide it into two equal portions, and sprinkle ⅜ tsp cinnamon over each half, pressing lightly to combine.
  5. Shape each half into a log about 1½–2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1½ hours.
Baking
  1. Once chilled, brush each log with the beaten egg, roll in extra shredded coconut to coat, and slice into ¼-inch rounds.
  2. Dip the cut edges or top of each slice in sanding sugar for added sparkle.
  3. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just golden, watch closely.
  4. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thin slices bake evenly and watch for browning.