Caribbean · Holiday sweets
Coconut Drops
Sweet, chewy Jamaican coconut drops flavored with fresh ginger and brown sugar.
12–16drops10 minprep50 mincookCoolto set
From Dianne's kitchen
A beloved island sweet
Coconut drops are a classic Jamaican treat with a simple, deeply satisfying chew.
The fresh ginger makes them especially lovely on a holiday sweets tray.
What you'll need
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh coconut, chopped small
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla, optional
- Pinch of salt
Step by step
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Add water, brown sugar, coconut, ginger, vanilla if using, and salt to a saucepan. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to medium heat and simmer 40–50 minutes, until the syrup is very sticky and almost gone.
- Spoon small mounds onto the parchment, leaving space between each one.
- Let set completely, then store in a cool area.
Dianne's kitchen tip
Watch the syrup
The drops are ready when there is very little syrup left and the coconut mixture is sticky enough to hold its shape.