This is a new Christmas cookie I came up with. We, being my family and I, haven't had a coconut cookie in our holiday repertoire yet and I wanted to add one. So I racked my brain for flavors that went with coconut and I thought limes. I had seen a recipe for candied lemons and I decided, why not do the same with the limes. The tartness of the limes compliments the sweetness of the coconuts making it a perfect combination. I think this will definitely become a traditional Christmas cookie at our house!
You begin by candying the limes. Slice the limes 1/8 thick. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling throw in your limes and simmer for 30 minutes. When done, place on wax paper, sprinkle with more sugar and refrigerator till needed.
Then you'll start the cookie batter. Sift together the salt and flour in a medium size bowl. In a mixer mix together butter and sugar on medium speed till light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until well combined. Then add your coconut extract. Once thats mixed well, slowly add your flour while the mixer is on medium speed. Try not to over mix the batter.
Take your dough and wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. After 2 hours take it out and divide it into two. Then roll each dough ball into 1 1/2" round logs in parchment paper. I do this by taking the dough and starting at one end of the parchment paper. I then wrap the paper around the dough and using my hands I flatten and roll at the same time. Putting pressure on the dough so it spreads outwards. I do this a few times till I get the diameter that I want. Then put your dough logs back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes so it's nice and firm, making it easier to cut.
Once 30 minutes is up, unwrap your dough and cut 1/2" slices. Place your slices 1 inch apart on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 13 to 15 minutes.
Let cookies cool completely. While they are cooling you can start by making the icing. Mix together sugar, water, and coconut extract in a small bowl. Consistency should be smooth but semi-thick.
Next mix shredded coconut flakes into the icing. Place a small spoonful of the mixture on the top of each cookie.
For the finishing touch add a half a slice of lime to the top of the cookie and give it a little push so it adheres to icing as it dries. And voila your done!
Coconut Shortbread with Candied Limes
Makes: 30 servings | Prep Time: 3 hours | Cook Time: 13 minutes
Ingredients
2 Limes
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
2 tsp coconut extract
1 1/2 cup confectionery sugar
2 tbs water
1 tbs coconut extract
1 cup coconut flakes
*Adapted from insockmonkeyslippers "Limoncello Cookies with Candied Lemons"*
1. Slice limes 1/8" thick. Put water and sugar in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling add limes. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove and place on wax paper. Sprinkle with more sugar and place in the refrigerator till ready to use.
2. Sift together flour and salt in a medium sized bowl. In a mixer blend butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes till light and fluffy. Mix in egg, combine well. Add in coconut extract. Then with mixer on slow, gradually pour in flour mixture. Try not to over mix batter, only mix till flour is incorporated.
3. Put dough in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 2 hours. After 2 hours, remove from plastic wrap, divide in half and roll logs 1 1/2 thick with each half. Wrap in wax paper and put back in refrigerator for another half hour to firm up dough, making it easier to slice.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. After half an hour remove from wax paper and cut 1/2 slices of dough. Place 1" apart of wax paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Let cookies cool completely.
5. Next make icing by whisking together, confectionary sugar, water, and coconut extract. Consistency of icing should be smooth but semi-thick. Add in coconut flakes. Spoon a small amount of mixture on top of each cookie. For the finishing touch add a half a slice of lime to the top of the cookie and give it a little push so it adheres to icing as it dries.
