Recipe: Coconut Cookies with Lime and Orange Glaze

Recipe: Coconut Cookies with Lime and Orange Glaze

Coconut cookies with lime and orange glaze are a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and refreshing citrus flavors. The soft, chewy coconut cookie pairs wonderfully with a tangy orange glaze and a burst of lime zest. These cookies are simple to make and are a delightful treat for any occasion, whether you're serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea.

Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe!

Ingredients

For the Coconut Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon lime zest (for extra freshness)

For the Lime and Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (for added flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Cookie Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and shredded coconut. Set aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or about 5 minutes by hand.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients
   Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Once combined, stir in the lime zest to infuse the dough with a fresh citrusy aroma.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but easy to handle.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Form the Cookies
   Use a spoon or your hands to form the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so make sure to leave enough space.

3. Flatten the Cookies
   Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a disk shape. This will help the cookies bake evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbaking.

2. Cool the Cookies
   Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until smooth and lump-free.

2. Glaze the Cookies
   Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over each cookie using a spoon. Alternatively, you can dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze for a more uniform coating.

3. Let the Glaze Set
   Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving the cookies. This will give the glaze a chance to firm up slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once the glaze has set, the cookies are ready to serve. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack.

2. Storage
   Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They will stay fresh and flavorful, and the glaze will keep its shine.

Tips and Variations

1. Adjust the Sweetness
   If you prefer a less sweet glaze, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar. You can also use a sugar substitute for a healthier option.

2. Add More Citrus
   For an extra citrus kick, add more lime zest to the cookie dough or mix in a little orange zest into the glaze.

3. Use Flavored Coconut
   If you want to enhance the tropical flavor, you can use sweetened shredded coconut or add a bit of coconut extract to the dough.

4. Make It Vegan
   For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).

Health Benefits

1. Coconut
   Coconut is high in healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support brain function and energy metabolism. It also provides fiber, which aids digestion.

2. Citrus
   Both lime and orange are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and supports healthy skin.

3. Butter
   Butter contains healthy fats, which are necessary for various bodily functions, including the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A.

Conclusion

Coconut cookies with lime and orange glaze are a perfect blend of tropical flavors and zesty citrus, making for a delicious and refreshing treat. The buttery coconut cookies are enhanced with a tangy lime and orange glaze, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or enjoying them with a warm beverage, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Try this recipe today and savor the vibrant, citrusy goodness in every bite!