Hello, friends! I have a treat for you today. Literally.
These are besitos de coco, and they are the most adorable and delicious coconut cookies you will ever meet. They are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and bursting with caramel flavor.
Besitos de coco means “little coconut kisses” in Spanish, and they are a traditional dessert from Venezuela and other Caribbean countries. They are perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving at parties. They are also gluten-free and dairy-free, if that matters to you.
I first learned about besitos de coco from my friend Maria, who is from Venezuela and makes them every year for Christmas. She shared her family recipe with me, and I was hooked. They are so simple but so satisfying. They remind me of macaroons, but with more texture and depth of flavor.
Maria uses panela for her besitos de coco, which is an unrefined cane sugar that has a rich molasses taste. You can find it at some Latin markets or online, or you can use brown sugar instead. Either way, you will end up with sweet and sticky coconut bites that will make your mouth happy.
To make besitos de coco, you just need to mix the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Then you shape them into small balls (or kisses) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 15 minutes or until golden brown on the edges. Let them cool completely before enjoying or storing them in an airtight container.
That’s it! So easy, right? And so yummy!
I hope you give these besitos de coco a try soon. They are one of my favorite treats to make when I want something simple but special. They also make great gifts for your friends and family who love coconut (or who don’t know they love coconut yet).
Let me know how you like them in the comments below! Happy baking!
[penci_recipe]
