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
Scale
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.
