🥥Coconut Ghriba: Soft Moroccan Cookies with a Tropical Touch

Introduction

Looking for a cookie that melts in your mouth and takes your taste buds on a tropical adventure? Meet Coconut Ghriba — a traditional Moroccan cookie with a soft, chewy center, a delicately cracked surface, and the sweet flavor of coconut in every bite.

Ghriba is a staple in Moroccan homes, especially during holidays, Eid celebrations, and tea time. While there are many versions of Ghriba — with flour, semolina, or almond — Coconut Ghriba (Ghriba B Lkook) is loved for its simplicity and unique texture.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make coconut ghriba from scratch, get pro tips for perfect results, and explore ways to customize them to your taste.

What Is Ghriba?

Ghriba refers to a category of traditional Moroccan cookies known for their cracked surface and melt-in-the-mouth texture. These cookies are usually round, soft inside, and sometimes crumbly — a delightful contrast to most Western-style cookies.

Coconut Ghriba is particularly soft and tender, with a tropical aroma and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with Moroccan mint tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes about 20–24 cookies, depending on size.

200 g (2 cups) desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
2 large eggs
100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional but recommended)

2 tbsp vegetable oil
Powdered sugar (for coating)

📝 Note: For a richer flavor, you can toast the coconut lightly before mixing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

🥄 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Set a bowl of powdered sugar aside for coating.

🥣 Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and slightly frothy.
Add vanilla extract, oil, and citrus zest.
Mix in the baking powder.

Gradually fold in the coconut until a moist, sticky dough forms.
Let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes — this helps the coconut absorb moisture.

👩‍🍳 Step 3: Shape the Cookies

With slightly wet or oiled hands, scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each).

Roll each into a ball.
Coat generously with powdered sugar.
Place on the baking tray, leaving space between cookies.

🔥 Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes.
The cookies should be slightly firm on the outside, soft inside, and lightly golden on the bottom.
Don’t overbake — they should remain tender.

How to Serve Coconut Ghriba

Coconut Ghriba is best served:

Fresh and slightly warm
With Moroccan mint tea or strong espresso

As part of a dessert platter with other Moroccan cookies (like fekkas, ghriba bahla, or almond briouats)

Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a decorative finish.

Tips for Perfect Ghriba

Don’t overmix the dough — just enough to combine the ingredients.

Let the dough rest so the coconut softens.
Use citrus zest — it adds a beautiful aroma and balances the sweetness.
For prettier cookies, coat in powdered sugar twice: once before placing on the tray, and again just before baking.

Variations to Try

Looking to put a twist on your ghriba? Try these ideas:

🍫 Chocolate Coconut Ghriba

Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey version.

🥥 Almond & Coconut Ghriba

Mix in 50 g ground almonds for extra richness and Moroccan authenticity.

🍋 Lemon Coconut Ghriba

Double the lemon zest and add a touch of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty kick.

Storing Coconut Ghriba

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer freshness, keep in the fridge and let them come to room temp before serving.

You can also freeze baked ghriba for up to 2 months — just thaw and dust again with powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh coconut instead of desiccated?

You can, but the texture will be more moist and may require adjusting the amount. Stick to desiccated coconut for best results.

Why did my ghriba not crack on top?

The cookie needs the right ratio of moisture to dry ingredients and must be coated well in powdered sugar. Avoid overmixing and ensure your oven is fully preheated.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but note that coconut ghriba is naturally low in sugar compared to other cookies. You can reduce sugar by 20% without affecting texture.

Coconut Ghriba in Moroccan Culture

While simple, this cookie holds a special place in Moroccan culinary traditions. It’s often included in festive cookie assortments during:

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Adha
Weddings & family gatherings
Tea ceremonies

Its ease of preparation and light, pleasing flavor make it a favorite among all age groups.

Conclusion

Soft, fragrant, and bursting with coconut flavor, Coconut Ghriba is the ultimate Moroccan cookie for those who love simple ingredients with big flavor. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving something sweet, this recipe will never fail to impress.

Once you’ve tried it, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your cookie repertoire.