In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits, a complete step-by-step guide. I will also give you some tips and tricks to make them perfect every time. You will need a few tools and equipment, such as a mixing bowl, an electric mixer, a baking tray, and a wire rack. You will also need some ingredients, which are listed below.
The recipe makes about 20 biscuits, depending on the size. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits?
Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits are a type of biscuit (cookie) that is made with butter, sugar, flour, and semolina. They are flavored with coconut and can be customized with chocolate chips, lemon zest, or almond extract. They are crunchy, chewy, and delicious, and are very easy to make.
Other Mary Berry Recipes
Why You Love this Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry items, these biscuits are easy to whip up.
- Versatile Flavors: The option to add chocolate, lemon, or almonds allows for a variety of tastes.
- Perfect Texture: They have a crisp yet tender texture that coconut lovers adore.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special event, these biscuits are a great fit.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits
- 175 g (6 oz) butter, softened
- 75 g (2 1/2 oz) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 175 g (6 oz) plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 75 g (2 1/2 oz) semolina
- Optional: 50 g (1 3/4 oz) milk or plain chocolate chips, 1 lemon (zest only), or 1 tsp almond extract, and 40 g (1 1/2 oz) flaked almonds
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking tray
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 355°F (320°F fan) / Gas Mark 4. Line a baking tray with baking paper or grease it lightly with butter.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This will take about 5 minutes. You can also use a wooden spoon, but it will take longer and require more elbow grease.
Step 3: Add the flour and semolina
Sift the flour and semolina into the bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough is formed. Do not overmix, as this will make the biscuits tough.
Step 4: Add the optional ingredients
If you want to add some extra flavor to your biscuits, you can do so at this stage. You can choose one of the following options:
- For chocolate chip biscuits, knead the chocolate chips into the dough.
- For lemon biscuits, knead the lemon zest into the dough. You can also roll the dough in some demerara sugar (raw sugar) for extra crunch.
- For almond biscuits, knead the almond extract and most of the flaked almonds into the dough. You can reserve some almonds for topping later.
Step 5: Shape the biscuits and bake
Divide the dough into 20 equal portions and shape them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them for spreading. Flatten them slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers. If you are making almond biscuits, you can press some flaked almonds on top of each biscuit.
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn easily. The baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your biscuits, and your oven.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee or as a snack anytime. You can also share them with your friends and family, or pack them as a gift.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits?
Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits are versatile treats that pair well with various accompaniments.
Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Hot Beverages: Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or coffee, complementing the biscuits’ rich flavor.
- Cold Milk: Pair with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
- Fruit Salad: Serve as a side with a refreshing fruit salad for a light and healthy snack.
- Ice Cream: Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits
- Cream Butter and Sugar Well: Ensure the butter and sugar are creamed until light and fluffy for the best texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just enough to form, as overmixing can result in tough biscuits.
- Even Sizing: Divide the dough evenly for uniform baking.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Cool Properly: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly on the tray before moving them to a wire rack.
Variations of Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits
- Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.
- Almond Delight: Mix in almond extract and flaked almonds for a nutty taste.
How do I Store Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits Leftovers?
- Room Temperature Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze them in a sealed container for up to a month.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits Leftovers?
- Oven Reheating: Warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave for a few seconds until warm.
The nutrition value for one biscuit (without the optional ingredients) is as follows:
- Calories: 137
- Total Fat: 6.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 21 mg
- Sodium: 117 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.8 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Vitamin D: 0.1 mcg
- Calcium: 9.1 mg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
- Potassium: 40.6 mg
- Caffeine: 0 mg
Related Recipes to Try
- Mary Berry Caramel Shortbread
- Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones
- Mary Berry Rock Cakes
- Mary Berry White Chocolate Blondies
FAQs
Can I Use Desiccated Coconut Instead of Flaked Coconut in this Recipe?
Yes, you can use desiccated coconut as a substitute for flaked coconut. Desiccated coconut is finer and drier, so it will give a slightly different texture but will still impart a rich coconut flavor to the biscuits.
How Can I Ensure My Biscuits Are Crisp?
To achieve crisp biscuits, make sure to roll the dough to the right thickness (not too thick) and bake them until they are golden brown. Allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack also helps in crisping them up.
Can I Freeze the Dough for Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits?
Yes, the dough for Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in cling film and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with shaping and baking as per the recipe.
What Can I Do If My Biscuit Dough Is Too Crumbly?
If your biscuit dough is too crumbly, it might need a bit more moisture. Try adding a small amount of milk or an extra tablespoon of butter to bring the dough together. Mix gently until the dough is pliable but not sticky.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits, a complete step-by-step guide. These biscuits are simple, delicious, and versatile. You can make them with or without the optional ingredients, or experiment with your own variations. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a tea party, a picnic, or a cozy afternoon at home.
If you liked this recipe, please share it with your friends and leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you and see your photos of your coconut biscuits. You can also follow me on social media and subscribe to my newsletter for more recipes, tips, and updates.
