Chewy Coconut Gumdrop Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat
Few things evoke the spirit of the holidays like a batch of freshly baked cookies. And if you’re looking for a unique and delightful addition to your holiday cookie repertoire, look no further than these Chewy Coconut Gumdrop Cookies! They’re a delightful twist on the classic coconut cookie, studded with colorful gumdrops that add a burst of chewy sweetness and festive flair. The combination of the tropical coconut flavor with the sugary goodness of gumdrops creates a truly unforgettable cookie experience. These cookies are surprisingly easy to make, and their vibrant appearance makes them perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. This recipe makes approximately 36 cookies, perfect for sharing… or not! Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Coconut Gumdrop Cookies
* **Unique Flavor and Texture:** The chewy coconut base, combined with the burst of fruity sweetness from the gumdrops, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Festive and Colorful:** The vibrant gumdrops add a pop of color, making these cookies visually appealing and perfect for holiday celebrations.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal baking experience. Even beginner bakers can achieve excellent results.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** These cookies are ideal for gifting to friends, family, and neighbors. Their unique flavor and beautiful appearance make them a thoughtful and appreciated treat.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Try using different flavors of gumdrops, adding nuts or chocolate chips, or experimenting with different extracts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (375g). Provides the structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in drier cookies.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon. A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
* **Salt:** ½ teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g), softened. Softened butter is crucial for achieving the right texture. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar, but not melted.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 ½ cups (300g). Adds sweetness and helps to create a crisp edge on the cookies.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons. Enhances the flavor of the cookies and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
* **Shredded Coconut:** 2 cups (170g), sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference. Provides the signature coconut flavor and adds a chewy texture.
* **Gumdrops:** 1 ½ cups, chopped. Use your favorite flavors and colors of gumdrops. You can find them pre-chopped, or chop them yourself using a sharp knife.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurement of ingredients.
* **Baking Sheets:** Two baking sheets will allow you to bake the cookies in batches.
* **Parchment Paper:** Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
* **Sharp Knife or Kitchen Shears:** For chopping the gumdrops (if not pre-chopped).
* **Cookie Scoop or Spoon:** For portioning the dough evenly.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the baked cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on baking these delicious Coconut Gumdrop Cookies. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time:
**Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops**
If you’re using whole gumdrops, chop them into small pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Smaller pieces will distribute more evenly throughout the cookies and prevent them from being too bulky. Place the chopped gumdrops in a bowl and set aside.
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, ensuring that the cookies rise properly and have a consistent flavor. Set aside.
**Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to the cookies’ light and airy texture. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
**Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
**Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain.
**Step 6: Stir in the Coconut and Gumdrops**
Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped gumdrops until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Use a spatula to avoid overmixing. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
**Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)**
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. Chilling also makes the dough easier to handle.
**Step 8: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
**Step 9: Scoop and Shape the Dough**
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can gently flatten the dough with your fingers if desired.
**Step 10: Bake the Cookies**
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies and adjust the time as needed. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
**Step 11: Cool the Cookies**
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up and prevents them from breaking.
**Step 12: Enjoy!**
Once the cookies are completely cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Gumdrop Cookies
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using softened butter and room temperature eggs will ensure that the ingredients blend together smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the cookies can make them dry and hard. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
* **Vary the Gumdrops:** Experiment with different colors and flavors of gumdrops to create unique and festive cookies. Sour gumdrops add an unexpected tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
* **Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips:** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon extract, to add a unique flavor to the cookies.
Variations and Additions
* **Chocolate Chip Coconut Gumdrop Cookies:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the dough along with the coconut and gumdrops.
* **Nutty Coconut Gumdrop Cookies:** Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the dough for a crunchy texture.
* **Lemon Coconut Gumdrop Cookies:** Add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Spice Coconut Gumdrop Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Coconut Gumdrop Cookies:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is specifically designed for baking cookies.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra fresh, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
* **Dough:** The cookie dough can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking.
Serving Suggestions
* **Enjoy with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.** The warm, comforting flavors of these cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
* **Serve at holiday parties and gatherings.** These festive cookies are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for sharing at holiday parties and gatherings.
* **Package them as gifts.** These cookies make a thoughtful and appreciated gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Package them in a decorative tin or box with a ribbon.
* **Add them to a cookie platter.** These cookies are a great addition to any cookie platter. Their unique flavor and colorful appearance will make them stand out.
* **Enjoy as a sweet treat any time of day.** These cookies are a delicious and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per cookie)
* Calories: 120
* Fat: 6g
* Saturated Fat: 4g
* Cholesterol: 20mg
* Sodium: 50mg
* Carbohydrates: 16g
* Sugar: 10g
* Protein: 1g
_Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used._
Conclusion
These Chewy Coconut Gumdrop Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful embodiment of holiday cheer. Their unique flavor, vibrant appearance, and ease of preparation make them a perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some holiday magic with these irresistible Coconut Gumdrop Cookies! Happy baking!