February Coconut Drops
Delightful coconut drops featuring a tender cookie with coconut flavor, cherry center, and a hint of lemon, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and melted butter together.
- Add well-beaten egg, milk, vanilla, and lemon extract; mix well.
- Combine the wet ingredients with dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) except coconut.
- Stir in the shredded coconut.
- Spoon out 1 teaspoon of cookie dough onto greased cookie sheets.
- Shape the dough, sprinkle a little coconut on top, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring it. If you want to reduce the sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. You can also swap out the maraschino cherries for berries or nuts for a different flavor profile. To enhance the coconut flavor, try toasting the coconut before mixing it in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Coconut Drops with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Grandma Jennie Haines Famous Cookies at gatherings or parties to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Coconut Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of February Coconut Drops contains roughly 99 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 7g 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 unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes for a less sweet cookie. However, keep in mind that the overall sweetness of the cookies will decrease, so you may want to adjust the sugar slightly to maintain the desired taste.
What can I use instead of lemon extract?
If you don't have lemon extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice for a fresh flavor. Alternatively, try using almond extract for a different but delicious twist on the taste.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these Coconut Drops gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, or add a bit yourself if it doesn't. The cookies should turn out just as delightful!
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).