Coconut Buttons

Recipe View In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Add the milk and coconut extract, continuing to cream until well combined. (2 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon until just combined. Stir in the flaked coconut. The dough will appear crumbly, but gently use your hands to bring it together into a cohesive mass. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 10-inch long log. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. (60 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Using a serrated knife, carefully cut each chilled log into 1/2-inch thick slices. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Arrange the cookie slices 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Using a toothpick or the end of a chopstick, gently create 4 evenly spaced holes in each cookie to resemble a button. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. (20 minutes)

Recipe View Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. (15 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cookies are completely cool, melt the chopped semisweet chocolate and vegetable shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler until smooth. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, scraping off any excess with a spatula or your finger. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Place the dipped cookies on wax paper to set completely. (30 minutes)