Washboard Cookies

A dash of this, a pinch of that—some of the best recipes come from a bit of improvisation! The real trick is remembering to write them down after making them. These washboard cookies start with a coconut base, but a few dashes of extra flavor enhance their delicate sweetness.

To me, these old-fashioned delights taste a lot like the lightly coconut-flavored cookies found in those famous blue tins of Danish butter cookies at Christmas. Of course, they’re delicious any time of year, but they always remind me of festive holiday parties, where coconut cookies were a staple among the trays of goodies.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Slowly mix in the egg, water, and flavor extracts.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and shredded coconut.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing between additions until fully combined.
4. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten each with the back of a fork, then sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the undersides turn golden—avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These crispy yet chewy, coconut-infused treats are sure to bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Whether for holiday gatherings or just an everyday sweet fix, they’re bound to become a new favorite!