Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe

Irresistibly Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Baking soft, melt-in-your-mouth chewy coconut cookies brings pure comfort to any kitchen.

These delightful treats blend tropical sweetness with classic cookie charm.

Shredded coconut weaves magical texture through each delectable bite.

The simple ingredients create a nostalgic dessert that sparks joy at first taste.

Rich butter and toasted coconut flakes dance together, promising a heavenly experience.

With just a few minutes of preparation, you can craft these irresistible cookies that will vanish from the plate in seconds.

Savor the golden-edged, tender morsels that deliver a perfect balance of crunch and chew.

Why Chewy Coconut Cookies Are So Good

  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up these delightful coconut cookies with minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Tropical Texture Delight: Experience the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy center, enhanced by the rich, nutty flavor of flaked coconut.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert moments.
  • Versatile Snacking Option: Enjoy these cookies as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, a lunchbox surprise, or a comforting companion to your favorite beverage.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Key leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender, chewy cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookies' soft and chewy consistency.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the coconut.
Coconut Ingredient:
  • Flaked Coconut: Gives the cookies a distinctive tropical flavor and chewy texture, making them unique and delicious.

How to Bake Perfect Chewy Coconut Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for smooth cookie removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

This magical mix will give your cookies perfect texture.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, grab your mixer and combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 5: Sprinkle Coconut Magic

Fold in flaked coconut, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.

This is where the tropical flavor comes alive!

Step 6: Shape Cookie Delights

Scoop tiny spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.

Leave plenty of space between each dollop, as these cookies love to spread out while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Watch for those beautiful golden-brown edges that signal cookie greatness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before diving into coconut heaven.

Best Tips for Soft Coconut Cookies

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce cookie spread and maintain a thicker shape.
  • Use unsweetened shredded coconut for a more authentic, less sweet texture that enhances the cookie's chewiness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and prevent hardening.
  • Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Add an extra egg yolk to increase moisture and create an even more tender, chewy cookie texture.
  • Gluten-Free Coconut Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Coconut Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed meal to create a plant-based cookie option.
  • Low-Sugar Coconut Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown and granulated sugar for a diabetic-friendly alternative.
  • Tropical Nut Variation: Add chopped macadamia nuts or dried pineapple chunks to enhance the coconut flavor and create a Hawaiian-inspired cookie.

Serving Coconut Cookies to Impress Guests

  • Tropical Beach Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a large wooden board with fresh pineapple slices, tropical flowers, and small coconut shell cups for a festive luau-style presentation.
  • Dessert Cafe Companion: Pair these cookies with a creamy coconut latte or tropical chai tea, enhancing the coconut flavor and creating a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Create mini dessert sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream between two cookies for a cool, indulgent summer snack.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with raffia ribbon, adding a small tropical postcard for a charming homemade gift with vacation vibes.

Storing Coconut Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These chewy delights will maintain their texture for 5-7 days at room temperature.
  • Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies stay fresh for up to 3 months, perfect for future cookie cravings.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy them as fresh as the day they were baked.
  • If cookies become slightly hard, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help restore their soft, chewy texture.

FAQs

  • Why are my cookies not spreading?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough. If the butter is too cold or the dough is too stiff, cookies won’t spread properly.

  • Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes. The recipe will work fine, though the cookies might be slightly less sweet. You can adjust the sugar slightly if needed.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly browned edges and a slightly golden color. The centers might look slightly soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to maintain the chewy texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe

Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible chewy coconut cookies bring tropical paradise straight to your dessert plate, melding sweet shredded coconut with buttery richness. Crisp edges and tender centers promise pure bliss you’ll want to savor with every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg

Sugars and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Fats, Flavoring, and Leavening Agents:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients in a medium bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture of flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars using a mixer, then incorporate egg and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  4. Gradually blend the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Gently fold flaked coconut throughout the dough, distributing it evenly to ensure each cookie has maximum coconut flavor.
  6. Portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets using a teaspoon, leaving ample space between cookies to allow for spreading during baking.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges that indicate the cookies are perfectly crisp and caramelized.
  8. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and crisp texture.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Use unsweetened coconut flakes to control sweetness and prevent excessive browning during baking.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
  • For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, adjusting liquid ratios accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star