Vanilla Coconut Shortbread Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these Vanilla Coconut Shortbread cookies! This recipe, perfected from years of baking, delivers buttery, flaky, and subtly sweet cookies with a delightful coconut twist. Perfect for holiday baking or an afternoon treat, these versatile cookies can also be used as a crust for lemon tarts. Makes approximately 24 cookies (2-3 inches in diameter). Get ready to experience the best shortbread you'll ever make!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 428.7 kcal
Protein 6g
Rating Be the first
Vanilla Coconut Shortbread 29

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Vanilla Coconut Shortbread

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How to Make Vanilla Coconut Shortbread

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. Add ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut and 2 cups all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until it forms a cohesive dough. The coconut will make it slightly drier than typical shortbread dough.
  6. Roll the dough into 24-30 balls (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
  7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets and gently press down on each with a flat-bottomed cup or glass to flatten slightly.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly soft.
  9. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving. They will firm up as they cool.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

10 g

Sugar

77g

Fat

87g

Carbs

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Vanilla Coconut Shortbread?

Vanilla Coconut Shortbread takes about 55 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Vanilla Coconut Shortbread?

Vanilla Coconut Shortbread has approximately 428.7 calories per serving, with about 6 g protein, 14 g carbohydrates and 40 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Vanilla Coconut Shortbread?

The key ingredients for Vanilla Coconut Shortbread are Butter, Sugar, Cornstarch, Vanilla Extract, Coconut Extract, Flour. See the full list with measurements above.

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