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coconut surprise cookie in hand

Grandma’s Coconut Surprise Cookies (Vintage Christmas Cookie)

5 from 1 vote
These Coconut Surprise Cookies are an old-fashioned, hand-shaped cookie made with a simple shortening-based dough, wrapped around a hidden nut or piece of fruit, rolled in coconut, and baked until lightly golden. They are a tender shortbread-style holiday cookie with a crisp coconut outside and a surprise center inside.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Coconut, for rolling
  • A nut or piece of fruit, for the center

Equipment

Digital Scale
Digital Scale
Cookie Scoop
Cookie Scoop
Heavy Duty Baking Half-Sheet
Silicone Baking Mats

Method
 

  1. Cream shortening, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and fully incorporated.
  2. Add flour and salt to the creamed mixture.
  3. Mix well until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Shape small pieces of dough firmly around a nut or a piece of fruit so it is completely enclosed.
  5. Roll the shaped dough balls thoroughly in shredded coconut until coated.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes until the coconut is lightly golden and the cookies feel set.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 10g

Notes

TEXTURE TIP: These cookies should be tender and lightly sweet, with coconut on the outside and a small surprise center.
FILLING TIP: Use small pieces of nuts or fruit so the dough can fully wrap around the center.
SHAPING TIP: If the dough feels too soft, chill it briefly before shaping.
SERVING TIP: These are great on a vintage Christmas cookie tray with other old-fashioned family cookies.

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