Coconut drops were one of my favorite treats. I still remember the smell of fresh coconut drops from the bakery, and nothing made me happier than finding a bag of them waiting for me at home.

But my love for coconut drops really started with my granny. She used to make the best coconut drops, and I would watch her mix the ingredients with care, excitedly waiting to try a warm one fresh from the oven.

So I decided that I should share her recipe with you today.

What are Coconut Drops?

Coconut drops are a popular Caribbean pastry with a soft texture and flavorful blend of coconut, raisins, and spices.

These delightful, slightly crumbly treats are easy to make and have a unique tropical taste thanks to the shredded coconut that’s mixed right into the dough

. Coconut drops are enjoyed as a quick snack or dessert and are perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.

Unlike other coconut treats, coconut drops are more cake-like and don’t have a crunchy crust. They’re shaped as rough, drop-style cookies, giving them a rustic look with a tender, flavorful center.

Ingredient Substitutions for Coconut Drops

Butter: Coconut oil or margarine can be used in place of butter for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar or even coconut sugar will work, though brown sugar gives a deeper caramel-like flavor.

Raisins: You can swap out raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chopped nuts if you prefer.

Milk: For a dairy-free option, replace the milk with almond, coconut, or soy milk.

Storage Tips for Coconut Drops

Coconut drops are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later:

Room Temperature: Keep coconut drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration: To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week.

Freezing: Coconut drops can also be frozen! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven before serving.

Recipe: Trini Coconut Drops.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter (cold)
½ cup brown sugar
1½ – 2 cups grated coconut
¼ – ½ cup raisins (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
¼ cup milk (add slowly as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla or mixed essence

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough: Place the flour and butter in a large mixing bowl. Using a food processor or your hands, mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, grated coconut, raisins, and baking powder until everything is evenly combined.

Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the vanilla or mixed essence. Pour this into the flour mixture and stir.

Form a Moist Dough: Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a moist dough. It should be sticky but hold together.

Shape and Place on Baking Sheet: Scoop a generous tablespoon of the dough and place it on the baking sheet. Use a spoon or fork to slightly shape each scoop. Leave about ½ inch of space between each drop to allow for slight spreading.

Sprinkle with Brown Sugar: For a touch of extra sweetness and a lovely caramelized finish, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over each drop.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Let the coconut drops cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm or transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Wrapping Up

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade coconut drops. These treats bring back memories of home and family, and I hope this recipe can bring a bit of that warmth to your kitchen as well.

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