Island Dreams(4 Dozen Cookies)
Island Dreams cookies feature toasted coconut and slivered almonds, combined with sweet, buttery, and tropical flavors, perfect for gatherings or as a delightful treat for coconut lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Toast coconut and almonds on a cookie sheet at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and coconut extracts to the creamed mixture.
- Beat in the egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture using a spoon rather than a mixer.
- Add toasted coconut and slivered almonds, and mix until evenly distributed.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the coconut and almonds are lightly toasted to enhance their flavor before adding them to the batter. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts can be used as a substitute. You can also use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the salt in the recipe. This cookie dough can be frozen and baked later for a fresh treat.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a delightful treat for afternoon tea or as a dessert after a light meal. They pair beautifully with Cream Of Tomato Soup(4 Servings) for a unique flavor combination. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing touch. They also make great additions to a cookie platter during festive gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Island Dreams(4 Dozen Cookies) contains roughly 101 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g 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 sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened coconut, but it may result in a sweeter cookie. Adjust the granulated sugar to taste if desired. Sweetened coconut adds extra flavor and can enhance the overall sweetness of the cookies.
What can I use as a gluten-free substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for consistency. Almond flour could also work well, but the texture will differ slightly. Be sure to check the baking instructions on the gluten-free flour for best results.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. They will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven, and a few minutes can make a difference.
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).