Crumbly, golden, and filled with a delightful coconut flavor, this Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits Recipe is a timeless treat perfect for afternoon tea, lunchboxes, or simple snacking. These classic biscuits are wonderfully crisp on the outside and slightly chewy in the center. With only a handful of ingredients, they’re quick and easy to make—ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. They store well, travel beautifully, and are sure to become a family favorite.

What are Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits?

The Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits are simple homemade cookies made with desiccated coconut, flour, sugar, and butter. Known for their crumbly texture and rich coconut flavor, they embody Mary Berry’s style of fuss-free, no-fail baking. These biscuits are traditionally shaped into rounds and baked until golden, creating a light, crisp treat that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and simple – No fancy equipment or ingredients required.
Full of coconut flavor – Perfect for coconut lovers.
Delightfully crisp texture – Crumbly and lightly chewy in the center.
Great for make-ahead baking – Stores well in an airtight container.
Beginner-friendly – Perfect for novice bakers.
Crowd-pleasing – Great for tea parties, picnics, or lunchboxes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor:

Self-raising flour – 125g (about 1 cup): Helps the biscuits rise slightly and stay light.
Desiccated coconut – 75g (about ¾ cup): The main flavor and texture contributor.
Caster sugar – 100g (½ cup): Adds sweetness and slight crispness.
Unsalted butter – 100g (softened): Binds the mixture and provides rich flavor.
Egg – 1 medium: Adds moisture and structure.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (optional): Enhances the overall flavor.

Equipment Needed

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools:

Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or hand mixer
Baking tray lined with parchment paper
Cooling rack
Measuring cups or digital scale
Small cookie scoop or spoon (optional for uniform size)

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
Line baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

Cream the butter and sugar: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (if using) until fully combined.
Mix in the dry ingredients: Fold in the self-raising flour and desiccated coconut until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Biscuits

Portion the dough: Scoop small spoonfuls (about a tablespoon) of dough and roll into balls.
Place on tray: Arrange them on the prepared baking tray, spaced slightly apart.
Flatten gently: Press each ball down slightly with your fingers or the back of a fork.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12–15 minutes: Until lightly golden on the edges.
Cool on a wire rack: Let them cool on the tray for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits

Hot tea or English breakfast tea – Classic pairing with biscuits.
Freshly brewed coffee – Perfect for dunking.
Coconut yogurt – For a tropical twist.
Chocolate spread – A sweet pairing for dessert platters.
Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a tangy contrast.
Lemon curd – Adds a zesty touch when used as a spread.
Fruit compote or jam – For an afternoon tea-style treat.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits

These tips will help ensure perfect results every time:

Use room temperature butter – It creams better and evenly distributes.
Measure ingredients accurately – Especially flour and coconut, for ideal texture.
Don’t overmix the dough – Mix just until everything is combined.
Space biscuits apart – They spread slightly during baking.
Cool before storing – Prevents moisture from softening the texture.
Store in a tin, not plastic – Helps retain their crispness.
Add extra coconut on top – Press a few flakes into the top for added texture.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits

You can easily tailor this recipe with these simple ideas:

Dip in melted chocolate – For a rich finishing touch.
Add lemon or orange zest – Brightens up the flavor.
Mix in chopped dried fruit – Like cranberries, apricots, or raisins.
Use brown sugar – For a deeper caramel flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg – To create warmth and depth.
Replace egg with mashed banana – For an egg-free version with a fruity twist.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits

Store in an airtight tin – Keeps them crisp for up to 5 days.
Layer with parchment paper – Prevents sticking if stacking.
Avoid humid environments – Moisture can soften the biscuits.
Freeze unbaked dough – Roll into balls and freeze for fresh baking later.
Do not refrigerate baked biscuits – They lose their crunch.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits

These biscuits are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if needed:

Warm briefly in oven: Reheat at 150°C (300°F) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispness.
Avoid microwave reheating: It softens and changes the texture.
Cool on rack after reheating: Helps regain their crisp finish.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits Healthier?

Use whole wheat flour – Adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
Reduce sugar slightly – Coconut naturally adds sweetness.
Use unsweetened coconut – Controls the sugar content.
Swap butter with coconut oil – For a dairy-free, slightly lighter option.
Add chia or flaxseed – Boosts fiber and nutrients.

Nutrition Value (per biscuit):

Calories: 120
Protein: 1.5g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 40mg

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough before baking coconut biscuits?

No, chilling is not necessary for this recipe. The dough is firm enough to shape and bake immediately, saving time without sacrificing texture.

Why are my coconut biscuits too soft after baking?

If your biscuits are soft, they may need a few more minutes in the oven or additional cooling time. Let them cool completely to allow them to firm up.

Can I use sweetened desiccated coconut in this recipe?

Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet result. Unsweetened coconut gives more control over the final sweetness.

How do I know when coconut biscuits are done baking?

The biscuits are ready when the edges are lightly golden. They will still feel soft in the center but will firm up as they cool on the tray.

Final Words

This Mary Berry Coconut Biscuits Recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. With a rich coconut taste and a crisp texture, these biscuits are perfect for teatime or gifting. They’re easy to prepare, fun to customize, and always a hit with guests and family alike.