Jeff Misenti
March 25, 2026
Difficulty Level: easy
15 min Prep
15 min Cook
30 min Total
12 Servings
If you love coconut, these Latin America-style cocadas should top your baking to-do list.
There are a number of great reasons to try this recipe, including how quick it is to make and how few ingredients it requires. Yet, the main reason is the texture. Yes, they taste rich, sweet, and full of coconut, but they also feel great to eat. They’re soft and chewy on the inside, while the exterior gives them a fantastic bite.
These cocades are the kind of sweet snack that’s perfect for home cooking without the fuss. Heck, they don’t even create much washing up when you’re done. It can all be done in one bowl.
If you enjoy coconut and baking, check out the ingredients and cooking steps below.
Cocada Ingredients
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 4 cups of shredded coconut
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Cocada Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is ready for baking.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This helps keep the cocadas from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined and the coconut is fully covered in the mixture.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions with a spoon or small ice cream scoop and place them on the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each one.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden. Watch them closely near the end so they do not over bake.
- Take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the cocadas rest on the tray for about 5 minutes.
- Move them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. This gives them time to set and develop their chewy texture.
- Serve and enjoy.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week. They are perfect for a snack or a simple dessert.
Nutrition
Calories: 180cal
Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 85mg