You can not go wrong with the Trinidad coconut drop recipe. It is sweet, rough, and filled with yummy shredded coconut.

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.

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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 a 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.

Why I love this Recipe

Ok friends, this might be my favorite recipe with coconut EVER. Since you can find the ingredients in your cupboard, it just makes sense to use them whenever you are in the mood for drops. Too tired of baking? Take a walk to your nearest bakery in Trinidad and purchase a coconut drop for $6-$8, depending on the size. Well, that’s the price last time I checked.

Yeah, we just love coconut drops and for good reason too. So I am willing to provide the recipe for you free of charge. I feel like it is a well-kept secret how good these drops taste. Oh, I love the texture.

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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