1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar together. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool slightly.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
5. Pour the coconut mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle the white chocolate chips on top, if using, and gently press them into the coconut layer.
7. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
8. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.

As you bake, the aroma of coconut and vanilla will fill your kitchen, taking me back to Sundays spent with my family, where every dish was a product of love and tradition.