Jamaican Coconut Drops

Jamaican Coconut Drops are a delicious, chewy, and sticky treat that brings the tropical flavors of the Caribbean straight to your taste buds. Made with freshly grated coconut, ginger, and brown sugar, these aromatic drops are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. They’re simple to make and perfect as a snack or dessert, offering a truly authentic Jamaican experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical flavors: The combination of coconut and ginger creates a fragrant, refreshing treat.
• Quick and easy: With only a few ingredients, you can make these drops in just 20 minutes.
• Chewy and sticky: The syrup coats the coconut, giving each drop a chewy texture that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable: Add more ginger for extra spice or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Perfect for snacking: Enjoy them anytime—whether as an afternoon snack, a dessert, or a party treat.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups grated fresh coconut (or desiccated coconut)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

directions

Prepare the Coconut Mixture:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Coconut:

1. Stir in the grated coconut and vanilla extract.
2. Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until the coconut becomes sticky and well-coated with the syrup.

Shape the Drops:

1. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly until it’s cool enough to handle.
2. Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the coconut mixture and shape them into drops on a parchment-lined tray or cooling rack.
3. Allow the coconut drops to cool completely and firm up.

Serving:

1. Serve the coconut drops as a sweet snack or dessert. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 180 kcal

Variations

• More spice: Increase the amount of grated ginger for a spicier kick.
• Sweetness adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your desired sweetness.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for added crunch.
• Lime zest: Add a little lime zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Coconut milk: Use coconut milk instead of water for a richer, creamier texture.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store coconut drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Reheating: These coconut drops don’t require reheating but can be softened by briefly microwaving for 5-10 seconds if needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried coconut instead of fresh?

Yes, desiccated coconut works well in this recipe. You may want to rehydrate it slightly by soaking it in warm water before using it.

How do I know when the coconut mixture is ready?

The mixture should thicken into a sticky consistency that coats the coconut well. It will be glossy and somewhat firm when cooled.

Can I add other spices to these coconut drops?

Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the ginger and add another layer of warmth to the flavor.

Are these drops suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Yes, these coconut drops are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for many dietary restrictions.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, white sugar can be used, though brown sugar adds a deeper, more molasses-like flavor that complements the coconut and ginger well.

Can I make these coconut drops ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a few days, which helps the flavors develop even more.

Can I freeze coconut drops?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

How can I make the drops less sticky?

If you prefer a less sticky texture, reduce the amount of sugar or cook the mixture slightly longer before shaping.

Can I use other types of coconut for this recipe?

Yes, you can use shredded or flaked coconut if fresh or desiccated coconut is not available. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to suit the texture.

How do I store leftover coconut drops?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer shelf life.

Conclusion

Jamaican Coconut Drops are a delicious, chewy, and aromatic treat that captures the essence of tropical flavors in a simple yet satisfying way. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these coconut drops are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, whether as an afternoon snack or a flavorful dessert. With their combination of coconut, ginger, and sugar, these treats are sure to transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with every bite!

Jamaican Coconut Drops

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A delicious Jamaican treat made with freshly grated coconut, ginger, and sugar, formed into sticky, chewy drops. These sweet and aromatic coconut drops are perfect as a snack or dessert, packed with tropical flavors.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Jamaican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups grated fresh coconut (or desiccated coconut)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the grated coconut and vanilla extract.
4. Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until the coconut becomes sticky and well-coated with the syrup.
5. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly until it’s cool enough to handle.
6. Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the coconut mixture and shape them into drops on a parchment-lined tray or cooling rack.
7. Allow the coconut drops to cool completely and firm up.
8. Serve the coconut drops as a sweet snack or dessert. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

Notes

• For an added flavor, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture.
• Make sure the mixture isn’t too hot when shaping the drops to avoid burns.
• If you prefer firmer coconut drops, you can refrigerate them for a few hours after they cool slightly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 drop
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg