In the heart of the Caribbean, where the sun kisses the ocean and the air is filled with the sweet scent of tropical blooms, I discovered the magic of coconut. Inspired by the local markets bustling with vibrant fruits and the warm smiles of the islanders, I created these Coconut Snowball Cookies. They are a delightful twist on the traditional snowball cookie, infused with coconut and a hint of lime, transporting you to a sun-soaked paradise with every bite.
### Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on your preference)
– Zest of 1 lime
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for added crunch
### Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lime zest to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, and salt. If you’re using nuts, fold them into the dry ingredients.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar, coating them generously.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, you can roll them in powdered sugar once more before serving.
Serve these Coconut Snowball Cookies at your next gathering, and watch as everyone is transported to the tropics with their delightful flavors. Enjoy the crumbly texture and the burst of coconut combined with the refreshing hint of lime — a perfect balance that celebrates the essence of the Caribbean in every bite!