Delicious Coconut-Date Refrigerator Cookies Recipe
Recipe Transformation: Coconut-Date Icebox Cookies
Get ready to switch up your sugar cookie game with these delightful Coconut-Date Icebox Cookies! If coconut-date isn't your cup of tea, we've got some scrumptious alternatives like Mexican Chocolate, Meyer Lemon and Black Pepper, or timeless Sugar Cookies.
Here's a game plan:- Finely chop the dates in a food processor. Quarter them first, then pulse until finely chopped, about 30-40 (1-second) pulses.
Want to skip a baking session but crave these treats later? No worries! The dough logs can be frozen for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.
Fun fact: This recipe was retested and updated by the CHOW Test Kitchen in 2012!
Cooking Yield and Difficulty- Approximately 48 cookies- Easy to make- Total time: 40 minutes plus 2 hours chilling time
Ingredients (11)- 2 cups all-purpose flour- 1 teaspoon baking powder- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar- 1/2 cup granulated sugar- 1 large egg, at room temperature- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract- 8 ounces pitted dried dates, finely chopped (about 1 1/3 cups)- 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions (Step-by-Step)1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.2. Beat the butter and sugars in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.3. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until just incorporated.4. Add the reserved flour mixture and mix until just incorporated.5. Mix in the dates and coconut.6. Divide the dough into two logs and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the racks to divide the oven into thirds.8. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, place on baking sheets 1/2 inch apart, and bake for 6 minutes.9. Rotate the baking sheets and bake until the edges are firm yet the tops are still soft, approximately 6-7 minutes more.10. Let the cookies cool on wire racks before enjoying!
Feeling adventurous? Why not experiment with these captivating variations:
Alternative Variations- Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.- Chocolate Coating: Dip the tops of the cookies in melted dark or milk chocolate.- Fruity Addition: Mix in dried currants or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.- Cocoa Powder Variation: Add cocoa powder for a chocolatey cookie.- Seed Butter Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
Extra Ideas- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick.- Crunchy Top: Sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture.
- The finely chopped dates in this Coconut-Date Icebox Cookies recipe can be replaced with chopped almonds or walnuts for a Nutty Twist.
- To add a layer of chocolate to these cookies, consider dipping the tops of the baked cookies in melted dark or milk chocolate.
- For those seeking an alternative source of protein, a scoop of vanilla protein powder can be incorporated into the dough of these delicious cookies.
