Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup dulce de coco (coconut caramel)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the coconut flakes and dulce de coco until evenly distributed.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
8. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 18 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Cream cheese can be substituted with mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Sweetened coconut flakes can be substituted with unsweetened coconut flakes and 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
- Dulce de coco can be substituted with caramel sauce or sweetened condensed milk.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute the coconut flakes with chocolate chips or dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth dough.
- Don't overmix the dough as it can become tough.
- Flatten the cookies slightly with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern and ensure even baking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter or in a cookie jar for a cute and inviting presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some extra coconut flakes or powdered sugar on top of the cookies for a decorative touch.
Pairings:
Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying snack.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve these cookies as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to moisten it.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and utensils before handling food to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Galletas de Queso y Dulce de Coco is a traditional Puerto Rican cookie that combines cream cheese and coconut, two popular ingredients in the island's cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a rich and creamy flavor from the cream cheese and butter, with a sweet and nutty taste from the coconut and dulce de coco.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat for a party or as a homemade gift for friends and family.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A