Canarian Recipes: Cocadas de Turronera
Cocadas de Turronera are a traditional sweet delicacy highly popular in the Canary Islands, especially during festivities and pilgrimages. They are made from grated coconut and a base of syrup or honey, which gives them a compact and shiny texture.
Ingredients
- 250 g of grated coconut
- 200 g of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence (optional)
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Butter or baking parchment for the tray
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes slightly frothy.
- Add the lemon zest, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Gradually incorporate the grated coconut and mix until a moist and mouldable dough forms.
- Shape small mounds or balls using two spoons or your hands (dipped in water).
- Place them on a tray lined with baking parchment.
- Bake for 12 to 18 minutes, until golden on the outside.
- Allow them to cool before serving.
Tips
-
Add:
A touch of honey,
Ground almonds, or
Lightly burnt sugar for a toastier finish.
They can also be made on small wafers to prevent sticking. -
For a pastry shop finish:
Use finely grated coconut,
Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes before baking, and
Bake with top and bottom heat without a fan.