Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 150 grams of coconut flakes — $2

Paradise cookies (or Coconut-Lemon Cookies)

What’s better than cookies? Paradise Cookies made in Costa Rica at The Happier House. And if you don’t like cookies, well, watch anyway for the snazzy banter. I made this recipe while Rob was fighting a wasp nest. The duel ended in a draw.

What I love about this cookie recipe—besides the fact that it’s easy—is that the flavors are not overpowering.  You don’t have to be a serious coconut lover or lemon fan to enjoy them.  They have a light crispness to them.  Great for grownups and kids.  Awesome with a nice strong cup of coffee.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ cup butter (one stick actually) softened

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup white sugar

1 egg

¼ cup lemon juice

½ tsp lemon zest if you are using a real lemon if not you can leave this out

1 cup white chocolate chips

1 ½ cups sweetened coconut flakes

DIRECTIONS

1.Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, baking soda, salt in a small bowl and set aside.

2. In separate bowl cream butter, brown sugar, white sugar. Add lemon juice. Beat in egg until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Slowly blend in flour mixture.

4. With spoon incorporate coconut flakes and white chocolate chips.

5. Sprinkle in lemon zest (optional)

6.  Drop cookies by teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. The cookie clumps should be about 3 inches apart. You can use parchment paper if you have it. Not only don’t I have to ever worry about sticking but clean up is a breeze. I also save my used sheets for future baking. (you will not see me using it because I could not find any in Costa Rica)

7.  Bake for 9-11 minutes. Cookies should have a lightly toasted look. All ovens vary. I like to turn my trays half way through baking to make sure they cook evenly