Preview: This recipe for Coconut Icebox Cookies makes a thin, crispy, and chewy shortbread-type cookie. Keep a roll of dough in the freezer at all times for emergencies.
Icebox cookies sound like something your grandma would make, don’t they? Think of them as the original slice-and-bakes, but fresher and tastier.
Thankfully, you can store the dough in your fridge or freezer instead of an icebox. Shaped logs of cookie dough are handy for “sweet” emergencies like unexpected company, a last-minute cookie tray, or a sneaky sugar attack.
Come a little closer ’cause I need to whisper this little secret. Even the raw dough satisfies, but you didn’t hear it from me. Keep reading to the end of this post for my story about cookie dough.
Homemade slice-and-bake coconut cookies are guaranteed to wake up any coconut cravings you’ve neglected lately. The fragrance of toasted coconut combined with rich and buttery shortbread will make your house smell better than any scented candle.
Why these coconut cookies should be in your freezer right now:
When you keep logs of prepared cookie dough in your freezer, you can have fresh warm cookies in the time it takes to preheat your oven and bake them.
With only 5 ingredients, you can throw the dough together in a hurry. However, the prepared dough MUST be refrigerated (or frozen) before baking, so plan ahead.
If you are a coconut lover, add this super simple cookie to your collection. They’re great on their own, but they also play nicely with a simple dessert like ice cream, pudding, or creme brulée. We like to crumble them to sprinkle on our homemade yogurt.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- BUTTER: Next to coconut, butter is the star ingredient. No substitutes exist.
- SUGAR: Granulated sugar is best here. Anything else will change the texture and taste which isn’t all bad. Just different
- VANILLA EXTRACT: Try almond extract if you prefer or don’t have vanilla on hand. Use half as much almond as you would vanilla.
- FLOUR: All-purpose flour is recommended. Bleached or unbleached–it doesn’t matter.
- COCONUT: This recipe was formulated for flaky sweetened coconut. Substitute unsweetened coconut if your sweet tooth is better controlled than mine.
FAQ for Coconut Icebox Cookies
These lovely but delicate cookies are not good travelers. That is to say, no US Mail or UPS. On the other hand, they are perfect for a party, shower, a Christmas cookie tray, or tea time snack.
The dough will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. Double wrap the dough to avoid freezer burn.
Store them in an air-tight container for up to a week. Store in the freezer for 2-3 weeks.
Two things:
1. The cookie dough must be well-chilled. Either freeze for two hours before baking or chill the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Cover your cookie sheet with a silicone baking sheet. It helps to prevent spreading.
Since there is no baking powder in these cookies and they are not confined to a pan, they will spread some. You won’t have to wait very long for the cookies to cool and get crispy.
1. When you turn the oven on to preheat it, set the dough out on the counter to warm up for a few minutes. Makes a big difference.
2. Warm your knife (serrated works best) by running it under hot water or dipping it in a container of hot water.
3. Put the log of dough in the microwave and use the DEFROST cycle to soften it–less than a minute. It doesn’t take long so stand by.
How to make Coconut Icebox Cookies:
Oh yes, my cookie dough story...
My mom was ahead of her time when she engaged in some aversion therapy with my pre-teen self.
I asked her if I could make an entire recipe of Butterscotch Refrigerator Cookies for the sole purpose of eating the dough.
She said, “yes.” I did. Never made that recipe again.
More recipes for coconut or shortbread lovers
Pink Shortbread Cookies
A simple but delicious shortbread cookie with a smooth butter icing. Kids and adults alike love these.
Ruth's Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Toffee Bits
Ruth's Shortbread Cookies with Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits are shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate and decorated with more toffee bits.
Slice-and-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
A chocolate slice-and-bake cookie dough with oatmeal and mini chocolate chips--a long-time family favorite.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please give it 5 stars inside the recipe card below. No comment required. Thank you.
Hope to see you again soon!
Paula
p.s. Questions? Email me: paula at saladinajar.com.
Coconut Icebox Cookies
Keep the dough for these crispy coconut shortbread cookies in your freezer for sweet emergencies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
- 3/4 cup (150 gr) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon)
- 1 3/4 cups (210 gr) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup flaked coconut plus some for covering the log
Instructions
- Mix butter until creamy. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla. Gradually add in flour, then coconut, and mix well.
- Form dough into 12 x 3 x 1-inch log. Wrap in plastic wrap or wax paper. I like to form a log into a shape that will result in rectangular cookies when sliced.
- Optional: Sprinkle the wax paper or plastic wrap with about 1/4 cup of loose coconut. Lay the shaped log on top of the coconut and roll it to press the coconut into the sides.
- Freeze at least 2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 300˚F.
- Slice dough into 1/3 to 1/2-inch slices and arrange 1 inch apart on a silicone mat or parchment paper-covered cookie sheet.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes. Edges should begin to turn golden.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But don't worry. This doesn't change the price you pay.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
30Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 85Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 43mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 1g
Want more exclusive tips and secrets to help you in the kitchen? Sign up to get my free email delivered to your inbox. (Don’t worry. It won’t be too often.)
Donna
Thursday 3rd of December 2020
Can I add pecans to them?
Paula
Thursday 3rd of December 2020
Seems like a great idea to me.
Maya
Thursday 10th of August 2017
Can i use dessicated coconut?
Paula
Thursday 10th of August 2017
Hi Maya,
Probably. But honestly, I haven't tried it myself so can't say for sure.
April F
Monday 26th of August 2013
I just made these tonight for my husband who LOVES coconut. They are fantastic!!! This is a keeper recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Dee
Tuesday 14th of February 2012
I have made your greek yogurt which, by the way, is now the center of my life, and these cookies. They are to die for. Everyone at work took the recipe. But the yogurt will get me to 80 - I'm now 70!!! Ha!
Amanda
Saturday 1st of May 2010
These look fabulous Romaine! I don't make shortbread enough, and it's sooo good :)