Cocadas – Easy Coconut Sweet Treats
This post may contain affiliate links which might earn us money. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy policies hereDelightful treats made of coconut? These Cocadas are something that you like to go back and pick more from their serving plates. They’re chewy and deliciously sweet. If you are not into coconut yet, surely you will change your mind once you tasted these!
What are Cocadas?
Cocadas are traditional sweets made of coconut. They are made up mainly of shredded coconut meat, and often with sugar and egg. Add-ons or garnishes can be from chopped almonds, macadamia nuts to dried fruits. Some recipes used condensed milk or dulce de leche, instead of sugar.
Ingredients vary depending on the country and region. The preparations are almost the same, too. They are oven-baked and served at room temperature. They are a bit chewy with a soft texture. But some varieties can be hard, and ball-shaped, while some have creamy-textured like a flan. Mostly golden brown in color when baked. However, they also come in a variety of colors depending on the ingredients, and food coloring used.
It is said that cocadas is a better version of macaroons.
Love desserts check out this post, 20 Desserts of Colombia.
Where do cocadas come from?
History says that cocadas originated in Spain, and became popular throughout Latin America, particularly in Bolivia, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia. They can also be found in Argentina, Chile, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Spain
With their cultural differences, cocadas were made in different varieties. Each of these varieties has its own distinct features. Although I have not tasted most of them, I’m sure they are so flavorful.
There are also documented sources that cocadas were sold in pastry shops of Spain and then later on in countries of Latin America as early as 1890. Therefore, these coconut sweets are already granted to be around earlier than that.
Can they be made ahead?
These coconut sweets can be made ahead. Prepare the mixture first. You may form them into a ball shape, then place set in a tray, cover, keep in a room temperature or refrigerate will be alright. Or form it into ball shape when it’s ready to be baked. They can be kept for up to 3 days.
For already baked cocadas, they can be kept in an air-tight container, then refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze up to a month (maybe more). These were usually done for the upcoming party.
They can also be individually wrapped with colorful plastic cellophane to be given as a gift. Keep refrigerated until it’s ready to be given away.
For more coconut treats
How to make the cocadas?
Making these treats are so simple. You can even let the kids assist you. I’m sure they will be more excited if you allow them to participate.
You can measure up everything then let your 2-3 year-old kid dump them in a large mixing bowl (following the procedure). For 4 and up kids, you can allow them to do everything with your assistance for younger ones. Have them mix the batter. You can continue mixing if needed when your kid gets tired and unable to thoroughly mix the batter. Use a scoop to make a round shape.
Just be mindful when the kids are around while the oven is hot.
To start with, prepare the ingredients listed below:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Egg white
Follow the instructions given below:
Preheat the oven to 320 °F. Grease a baking pan and set it aside. Again, if your kids like to help you out, don’t forget to supervise them.
In a bowl whisk together the coconut, sugar, and flour. Even if a medium bowl is enough for the ingredients, I used a large bowl when I have my little assistants to assist me to make sure all the ingredients are in the bowl.
Add the egg white and vanilla extract and stir until everything is incorporated. If the kids will do the mixing, hold the bowl for them if you think it would look like there will be some spills or the bowl may topple. A 3 year-old couldn’t handle the mixing. If they insist, hold their hand with the mixer.
Then let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. And your kids, too.
Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and shape in a round, you can use a cookie scoop for this. Place in the baking pan. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Varieties
Make it a little different doing these.
- Dust with confectioner’s sugar once cooled. Keep covered until ready to serve.
- Add about half a cup of macadamia or chopped almond nuts into the batter and mix before forming into balls.
- Dip in melted chocolate, then place on a rack to cool down.
That’s how easy making the cocadas.
Cocadas - Easy Coconut Sweet Treats
Cocadas are delightful traditional coconut sweets popular around Latin America. So chewy, flavorful, and very easy to make, even kids can do it.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Egg white
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 320 degrees. Grease a baking pan and set it aside.
- In a bowl whisk together the coconut, sugar, and flour.
- Add the egg white and vanilla extract and stir until everything is incorporated. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and shape in a round, you can use a cookie scoop for this. Place in the baking pan. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Varieties
- Dust with confectioner’s sugar once cooled Keep covered until ready to serve.
- Add about half a cup of macadamia or chopped almond nuts into the batter and mix before forming into balls.
- Dip in melted chocolate. Place in a rack to cool down.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 2g
These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.
