Coconut Shortbread Refrigerator Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Coconut shortbread refrigerator cookies offer a buttery, crumbly texture with sweet coconut flavor, perfect for coconut lovers and ideal for make-ahead treats or festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 16 ounces shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add flour, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut; mix well until combined.
  3. Press the dough evenly into a pan and chill overnight.
  4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Slice the chilled dough into desired pieces.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until light brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the cookies. If you want to reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean cuts and even baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Coconut Shortbread Refrigerator Cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner. They pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert platter, serve alongside Sugarless Chiffon Pie or Olive, Cheese English Muffins for a varied spread that will impress your guests.

Storage & Reheating

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coconut Shortbread Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 2159 calories, with 11g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 194g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 27g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

2159 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.6g 21% DV
Total Fat 194.2g 100% DV
Carbs 72.9g 26% DV
Fiber 26.7g 95% DV
Sugar 22.6g 45% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 63.7mg 3% DV
Potassium 1226mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 340.2mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 49.1mg 55% DV
Calcium 67.8mg 5% DV
Iron 6.7mg 37% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of coconut?

Yes, you can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut depending on your preference. Sweetened coconut will make the cookies sweeter, while unsweetened will provide a more subtle coconut flavor. Just ensure that the moisture content is similar to what the recipe calls for.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough is crumbly, it may be due to too much flour or insufficient moisture. Try adding a tablespoon of softened butter or a bit of milk to help bind the ingredients together. Mix until the dough holds together but avoid overworking it.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, like macadamias or pecans, for added texture and flavor. Chocolate chips can also be a delicious addition. Just fold them in gently after mixing the main ingredients to avoid breaking them.

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).

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