If you have a soft spot for rich, tropical treats that melt in your mouth, then you are going to adore this Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the luscious creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet, flaky texture of shredded coconut, creating a perfect balance of chewy and tender with every bite. They are simple to make, yet taste like a specialty bakery delight that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll instantly become one of your go-to cookies for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this recipe is essential, but don’t worry—they are straightforward pantry staples that each play a special role. From the creamy butter and cream cheese forming the base to the shredded coconut adding texture and tropical flavor, every component makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb without overwhelming saltiness.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds moisture and a tangy depth that makes these cookies irresistibly soft.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping create a light texture.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- Coconut extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Intensifies the coconut flavor for true tropical vibes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The sturdy base ensuring the perfect cookie shape.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift for lightness without puffing up the cookie too much.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts the overall flavor.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient providing chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
How to Make Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tools
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This combination is key to the cookie’s tender texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Flavors
Next, add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and beat until it’s light and fluffy, which helps create a delicate crumb. Then stir in the egg along with the vanilla extract and optional coconut extract, blending everything into a luscious batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle to keep them tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Coconut
Gently fold in the shredded coconut to disperse that irresistible chewiness and tropical sweetness throughout your dough. This step brings the cookie’s unique character to life.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This small wait helps them firm up perfectly without sacrificing softness.
How to Serve Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some toasted shredded coconut on top right after baking. You can also dust a few with powdered sugar or gently drizzle melted white chocolate to add sweetness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a cozy afternoon treat. For a tropical-inspired serving, consider pairing them with a fresh fruit salad featuring pineapple, mango, or papaya to amplify that island vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these cookies to a party, stack them with layers of wax paper in a decorative tin for a charming gift. Alternatively, use them as cookie sandwiches with a dollop of coconut or vanilla frosting for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe leftovers keep great in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save these delights for longer, freeze the baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to three months and thaw quickly when you want a sweet treat.
Reheating
For warm, freshly baked vibes, reheat your cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them briefly. This softens the cream cheese and coconut for an almost out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While you can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese, it may affect the cookie’s texture, making it less rich and tender. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for that perfect moist softness.
Is it necessary to use coconut extract?
Coconut extract is optional but highly recommended if you want a bolder coconut flavor. Without it, the cookies will still taste delicious thanks to the shredded coconut and cream cheese combination.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency and adjust slightly if needed.
How do I make these cookies crispier?
To get crispier edges, simply bake the cookies for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking as the centers should stay soft.
Can I add mix-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness while chopped nuts provide crunch. Fold them in with the shredded coconut before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like the comfort and joy that comes from freshly baked Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. They’re easy to make, beautifully balanced in flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion. I encourage you to give them a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie to cherish forever.
Print
Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies, a perfect tropical twist on classic cream cheese cookies. Made with a blend of butter, cream cheese, and shredded coconut, these cookies offer a rich, velvety texture with a subtle coconut flavor that’s enhanced by optional coconut extract. Easy to prepare and bake, they make an ideal dessert or snack for coconut lovers seeking a moist, tender cookie experience.
Ingredients
Dairy and Fats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for your cookies.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Beat in the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then add the egg along with vanilla extract and the optional coconut extract, mixing well to incorporate all flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut, incorporating it evenly throughout the dough for that signature coconut texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set, indicating perfectly baked cookies.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set further before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- For crispier edges, bake the cookies for an additional 1–2 minutes beyond the recommended time.
- Enhance sweetness and texture by adding white chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkling toasted coconut on top before baking.
