First off, let me say I hate any recipe that has Lime and Coconut in the title. Mainly because I get that dreaded song stuck in my head. And because I don’t really know the words to said song, so I just sing an annoying song over and over incorrectly.
“You get the lime in the coconut you make it fall up.”
You make it fall. Up. Seriously. That’s what I think the words are. And I’m still too lazy to Google the correct lyrics.
I made these cookies for my cousin’s baby shower a few weeks back to go along with the two different types of cupcakes. I had grandiose dreams of making little stork cookies and little baby onesie cookies decorated in purple and green.
And then reality hit. I began to have nightmares of my 2,500 cookie bonanza this past Christmas. I thought of the nervous breakdown I had when recently making a close friend’s wedding cake (which I never blogged about and don’t know if I can because I just can’t relive it. But I must say, I love the girl whom I made this cake for to death and I would do it again if she asked!)
I broke out into a cold sweat. I swore an ulcer was slowly forming wherever ulcers form. I couldn’t do it. Not again. I needed an easy cookie recipe.
I found these lime and coconut cookies on Two Peas in a Pod. Simple, easy butter cookies speckled with lime zest and toasted coconut. I could bang out 100 of these cookies in no time. I even had some purple and green sprinkles to sprinkle atop the cookies to really make them pop.
I nervously texted my cousin (the twin sister of the then-mom-to-be) that I could not do anything crazy in regards to the cookies because I just didn’t have the time to do it. She reassured me that it was fine and not to go crazy. I felt a little bit better, but still slightly disappointed in myself, nonetheless.
Well, once I tasted these cookies, I was disappointed no-more. The buttery, chewy cookies were as light and air as hints of lime danced atop my tongue. The coconut lent a wonderfully chewy, slightly crisp pop to the texture, however, did not add much to the flavor. But these cookies were great, nonetheless. An easy, delicious treat that is perfect for any summer celebration.
When I arrived at my cousin’s house, I arranged the cookies atop her gorgeously decorated dessert table, as my family oohed and aahhed. My cousin (not the pregnant one) exclaimed at how beautiful she thought the cookies were (she is one of the sweetest people ever and always has a way of making people feel good about themselves). Hungrily, my family reached for cookies as they awaited the arrival of the rest of the bridal shower guests. I had the urge to slap their hands as they swiped a cookie because I always saw people do that in movies and wanted to do that, but then I thought that would be mean. So I refrained. Because I’m nice like that.
Instead, I watched as they ate the cookies in delight. Many commented that they could not taste the lime (which I agree), but still loved the soft, buttery texture of the cookie. This recipe is definitely a keepr.
Random side story: My father, who happened to imbibe in one glass of Dewar’s too many, had a plateful of cookies and then, in his drunken state, tried to eat the duck-shaped confetti that decorated the dishes.
“What the hell kind of sprinkles are these?” He shouted as he spit out pieces of green and purple confetti.
“It’s confetti, Dad.” I said, laughing hysterically as I swapped out the watered down glass of scotch for a piping hot cup of coffee.
That’s my dad, for you.
Lime and Coconut Sugar Cookies adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 4 large limes
3 tbsp lime juice
½ cup toasted coconut
1/2 cup sugar for rolling cookies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix sugar and lime zest with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant. Add butter and, using a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until smooth and very fluffy (about 3 minutes)
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and lime juice. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add in the dry ingredients and toasted coconut. Mix until combined. Be sure not to over mix.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of cookie dough into balls. Put sugar in a small bowl and roll cookie dough balls in the sugar. Place on lined cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. The cookies will start to crack a little bit.
Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes. Move cookies to a cooling rack.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies