Soft, buttery, and delicately spiced, these Coconut Cardamom Cookies are a delightful gluten-free treat with the warm aroma of cardamom and the sweetness of coconut. Perfect for teatime, festive cookie trays, or as a quick homemade dessert, they have a tender crumb and a lightly golden finish that makes them irresistible.
2-3tablespoonsmilkroom temperature (use as needed to bind)
2tablespoonscoconutshredded or flaked, for topping
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together shredded unsweetened coconut, gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the butter mixture. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough forms that holds together without crumbling.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each cookie and sprinkle with extra coconut flakes.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Flour choice: Use a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum included) to ensure the cookies hold together. If your blend doesn’t have xanthan gum, add ¼ teaspoon.
Texture: The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it’s too crumbly, add an extra teaspoon of milk at a time until it binds.
Butter vs. ghee: Butter gives a milder flavor, while ghee adds a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with cardamom.
Coconut topping: Lightly toasting the coconut flakes before sprinkling gives extra crunch and flavor.
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.