Coconut Sunflower Seed Cookies
Indulge in the sweet union of coconut, chewy oats, and salty toasted sunflower seeds in these scrumptious Coconut Sunflower Seed Cookies. The mere sight of sunflowers can’t help but evoke a sense of joy, transporting us to a world where happiness blooms. Though I’ve yet to experience the thrill of strolling through a sea of sunflowers at their peak, I find solace in admiring them in vases, artwork, and, of course, savoring these delectable treats.
A Brief History of the Sunflower
Sunflowers have a rich history that spans thousands of years, with records showing they were one of the first crops domesticated in North America. Some sources suggest American Indians cultivated sunflowers for food as far back as 3,000 years ago. Despite being native to this continent, it was actually Russia under Peter the Great who developed and cultivated the sunflower into the plant we know today.
In the 18th century, Russian farmers began growing sunflowers on a large scale, with two million acres dedicated to their cultivation each year. By the mid-19th century, the sunflower had made its way back to North America, but it wasn’t until the Missouri Sunflower Growers Association started producing oil from the plants in 1926 that the sunflower truly became a valued resource.
Sunflowers are remarkable for their unique flower heads, which are actually composed of 1,000 to 2,000 individual flowers connected by a receptacle base. The Native Sunflower can grow up to 15 feet tall, with flower heads reaching diameters of up to two feet and producing over 1,000 seeds per plant. Rich in protein and yielding high-quality cooking oil, sunflower seeds have become a staple ingredient in many cuisines.
Kansas has a special affinity for the sunflower, having designated it as its official state flower. Every summer, sunflowers cover the state, earning them the nickname ‘infectious weed’ at one point. However, this perception changed after a Kansas state lawmaker noticed Kansans wearing sunflowers as a way to identify their home state during an out-of-state rodeo. He went on to file legislation that would make the sunflower the official floral emblem of Kansas in 1903.
Today, the sunflower is a symbol of pride and beauty, reflecting the state’s love for its iconic flower.
Coconut Sunflower Seed Cookie Recipe
To begin, combine the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl, whipping them together with an electric mixer until they become light and airy, taking about 4-5 minutes to achieve this fluffy texture.
Next, add the coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until they’re combined.
Finally, fold in the oats, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds.
Using a spoon, drop the cookie batter onto a prepared cookie sheet, leaving enough space for each cookie to spread out during baking.
Place the cookies in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden brown.
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Coconut Sunflower Seed Cookies
With the harmonious combination of sweet coconut, chewy oats, and salty sunflower seeds, these cookies are a true delight. This recipe has received an impressive 5-star rating from 11 votes, making it a must-try for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. To make this treat, you’ll need only 15 minutes of preparation time and another 15 minutes for baking, resulting in a total of 30 minutes from start to finish.
This dessert is perfect for American cuisine enthusiasts, yielding 48 cookies with approximately 168 calories per serving.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, taking around 4-5 minutes. Next, add the coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until all the ingredients are well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Finally, stir in the oats, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds. Use a spoon to drop the cookie batter onto a prepared baking sheet. Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To ensure optimal flavor and texture, it’s essential to utilize sunflower seeds that have been stored properly and remain relatively fresh. This is because sunflower seeds can rapidly lose their potency and become stale when exposed to air, heat, or moisture for an extended period.
