Description
A tropical dream in bite-sized form. These cookie cups offer the perfect ratio of buttery shortbread to silky, coconut-infused filling. Made with rich canned coconut milk and topped with fluffy whipped cream and toasted coconut, they are a professional-grade treat for any spring gathering.
Ingredients
The Shortbread Cookie Cups
- 1 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons iced water
The Coconut Cream Filling
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (canned only)
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
The Topping
- 1 1/2–2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
Dough: Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and pulse until sandy. Add iced water until a dough forms.
Shape: Roll into 1.5-inch balls. Press into muffin tin, pushing dough up the sides to form a cup.
Bake: Bake for 16–18 mins. Immediately use a spoon to press down puffed centers. Cool completely.
Fill: Whisk pudding mix and coconut milk until thick. Fold in shredded coconut. Spoon into shells.
Finish: Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut. Chill for 30 minutes.
Notes
Canned Milk is Key: The high fat content in canned coconut milk is required for the instant pudding to set into a stable, pipeable custard.
Press Down Technique: Pressing the centers while the cookies are hot is the only way to ensure space for the filling.
Soggy-Proofing: For the best crunch, fill these cups no more than 4 hours before serving, though the shortbread’s high fat content naturally resists moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Food Processor / Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical / American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie Cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: coconut cream pie cookie cups, mini coconut pies, shortbread cookie cups, canned coconut milk pudding, tropical dessert recipes, easy bite sized desserts, toasted coconut treats