Cherry Coconut Cookies
Chewy cherry coconut cookies combine sweet maraschino cherries with toasted coconut for a delightful treat, perfect for cookie lovers and festive gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt onto waxed paper.
- Mix the sifted ingredients with shortening and sugar in a bowl.
- Add the egg and beat vigorously.
- Stir in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture and mix well.
- Stir in finely chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the dough into balls using about a tablespoon of dough for each.
- Roll each ball in chopped or shredded coconut.
- Place the coated dough balls on a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake on an even rack slightly below the center for 12 minutes or until light brown.
- Remove from the oven immediately.
- Do not overbake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can substitute with dried cherries or cranberries for a different twist. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to denser cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Coconut Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an added treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a side of Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for a sweet contrast. They make a great addition to dessert platters or cookie exchanges.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Coconut Cookies contains roughly 128 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to chop them finely and remove the pits. Fresh cherries will add a slightly different flavor and moisture to the cookies, so adjust the amount of evaporated milk if necessary to achieve the right dough consistency.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can use regular milk or a mixture of milk and heavy cream. Alternatively, for a non-dairy option, try coconut milk or almond milk, keeping in mind that these may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Cherry Coconut Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the structure and texture of the cookies, ensuring they remain soft and chewy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).