Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars
When it comes to indulgent yet simple desserts, Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars stand out as a delightful treat that combines the rich, tropical flavor of coconut with the comforting sweetness of sugar cookies. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet. With a chewy texture and a hint of coconut in every bite, these cookie bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
The charm of Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars lies in their ease of preparation and the delightful taste that transports you to a tropical paradise. Here’s what you’ll love:
- Quick and easy to make, requiring minimal effort.
- Rich coconut flavor complemented by a perfect sweetness.
- Soft and chewy texture that stays fresh for days.
- Versatile for various toppings and add-ins.
- Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying all by yourself.
What Goes In
To whip up these Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 2/3 cup coconut oil, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk or almond milk, or soy, or regular/nonfat milk
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut, plus more for garnish
Equipment Breakdown
Before you dive into baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To beat the coconut oil and sugar until fluffy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for baking success.
- Baking pan: An 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch pan works best for even baking.
- Spatula: For spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
- Cooling rack: To let the bars cool completely before frosting.
From Start to Finish: Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2/3 cup coconut oil and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in 1 egg, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon coconut extract. Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Bars
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons coconut oil, a pinch of salt, 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract, and 2 tablespoons coconut milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut and more for garnish if desired.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy these delightful Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars with family and friends!
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
Want to elevate your Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars? Try these seasonal flavor boosts:
- Mint: Add a few drops of mint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Fruit: Incorporate diced pineapple or mango for a tropical flair.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm flavor.
Notes on Ingredients
When preparing your Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars, consider the following:
- Coconut Oil: Ensure it’s in a softened state for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: This gives the bars their sweetness; feel free to experiment with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Flour: Using all-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Shredded Coconut: Opt for sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To keep your Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars fresh:
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why are my cookie bars too dry?
If your bars come out dry, it may be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time and do the toothpick test to ensure they are perfectly baked.
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just remember to adjust the measurements accordingly, as different flours absorb moisture differently.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
If you don’t have coconut milk on hand, almond milk, soy milk, or even regular milk can be used as a substitute without compromising the recipe.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake!
Wrap-Up
Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars are a delectable way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the delightful taste of coconut. With their chewy texture and easy preparation, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a personal indulgence, these bars promise to impress with their rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
As you create your own batch of Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars, remember to have fun and experiment with different flavors to make the recipe your own. Happy baking!
Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Grease an 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together coconut oil and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 7: Once baked, let it cool on a wire rack before frosting.
- Step 8: In a mixing bowl, combine coconut oil, a pinch of salt, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and coconut milk. Mix until smooth.
- Step 9: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sprinkle with shredded sweetened coconut.
- Step 10: Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with different toppings like chocolate chips or fruit!
