Coconut Cookies Veg Recipes Of India You Must Try Today

Updated On: October 8, 2025

India’s rich culinary heritage offers a delightful array of vegetarian sweets, and coconut cookies hold a special place among them. These cookies are a perfect blend of traditional Indian flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re craving something sweet with a tropical twist or looking for a healthy snack, Indian-style coconut cookies deliver on both taste and nutrition. The natural sweetness of fresh or desiccated coconut combined with aromatic cardamom creates a cookie that is crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Plus, these cookies are completely vegetarian and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients that are often staples in Indian kitchens.

In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to whip up delicious coconut cookies that are perfect for tea time, festive celebrations, or just whenever you want a bite of something comforting and flavorful.

These cookies are also gluten-free if you use rice or chickpea flour, making them suitable for various dietary needs. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a taste of India to your home kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Natural sweetness: No refined sugar overload; the cookies get their sweetness from jaggery or brown sugar and fresh coconut.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options: Easily adaptable for gluten sensitivities by using chickpea or rice flour.
  • Quick and easy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
  • Authentic Indian flavors: Infused with cardamom and a hint of nutmeg, these cookies echo traditional Indian sweets.
  • Versatile snack: Great for tea-time, festive occasions, or a healthy dessert option.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh grated coconut (or desiccated coconut)
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup jaggery powder (or brown sugar)
  • 1/4 cup melted ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil for vegan
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2-3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based, as needed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Oven or stovetop with toaster oven
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Cookie cutters (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, ground cardamom, and nutmeg powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
  3. Add the grated coconut and jaggery powder to the dry mixture. Mix well so the coconut is coated with the flour mixture. This helps in even baking.
  4. Pour in the melted ghee or coconut oil and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything until crumbly.
  5. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, and knead gently to form a soft dough. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
  6. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten the balls gently between your palms or use a rolling pin to form cookie shapes. You can also use cookie cutters for uniform shapes.
  7. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them crisp up.
  10. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week and make a perfect snack anytime.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to the dough. You can also incorporate a handful of raisins or chopped dates for natural sweetness.”

  • Use desiccated coconut: If fresh coconut is unavailable, desiccated coconut works well but soak it for a few minutes in warm water to soften.
  • Sweetener alternatives: Replace jaggery with coconut sugar, maple syrup (reduce liquid accordingly), or even regular sugar if preferred.
  • Vegan option: Use coconut oil instead of ghee and plant-based milk to keep it vegan-friendly.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk for a fragrant twist, or a teaspoon of rose water for floral notes.
  • Gluten-free twist: Substitute whole wheat flour with chickpea flour or rice flour for a gluten-free cookie.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Cookie (approx.)
Calories 90 kcal
Carbohydrates 12 g
Protein 1.5 g
Fat 4.5 g
Fiber 1.2 g
Sugar 5 g
Sodium 40 mg

Serving Suggestions

These coconut cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon indulgence. Serve them as part of a festive Indian sweets platter alongside Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for a fusion dessert experience.

For a healthier snack box, include these cookies with some dried fruits and nuts. They also make wonderful homemade gifts when packed in decorative jars or tins, especially during Indian festivals like Diwali or Christmas.

Conclusion

Indian-style coconut cookies are a delightful way to enjoy a traditional sweet treat that is both delicious and nutritious. With simple ingredients like fresh coconut, jaggery, and aromatic spices, you can create a cookie that captures the essence of Indian flavors in every bite.

These cookies are perfect for all occasions — whether you’re celebrating a festival or just want a comforting snack with your tea.

By following this recipe, you embrace a healthy alternative to many processed cookies, with the added benefit of vegetarian and gluten-free adaptability. Don’t forget to explore more interesting recipes like the Christmas Recipes Kerala or the savory delights of the Pcos Chicken Recipes to expand your culinary repertoire.

Enjoy baking and savor these coconut cookies with your loved ones—they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

📖 Recipe Card: Coconut Cookies – Veg Recipes of India

Description: Deliciously crisp coconut cookies made with fresh grated coconut and simple ingredients. Perfect for tea time or as a light snack.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated fresh coconut
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup ghee or melted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cashews (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Mix flour, baking soda, cardamom powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, combine grated coconut, powdered sugar, ghee, milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix well to form a dough.
  5. Add chopped cashews if using and mix gently.
  6. Shape dough into small round cookies and place on a greased baking tray.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
  8. Allow cookies to cool before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal per cookie | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 14 g

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Marta K

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