Soft and Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe

Did you know? Coconut cookies have been around for centuries and are loved for their sweet, tropical flavor! In fact, coconut was first introduced as a flavoring for cookies in the United States in the 19th century. These cookies quickly gained popularity thanks to their chewy texture and aromatic taste. Today, they are a go-to treat in many households. With its perfect balance of chewiness and crunch, coconut adds a unique twist to any baked good, making it a go-to ingredient for many home bakers. If you're a coconut lover or just looking for an easy, delicious cookie recipe, this soft and chewy coconut cookies recipe will become your favorite dessert.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Coconut Cookies?

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 28-30 cookies

Ingredients

• • 1 3/4 Cups coconut flakes (unsweetened)
  • 1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour 
  • 1/2 Teaspoon baking soda 
  • 1/4 Teaspoon salt 
  • 1/2 Cup butter 
  • 1 Cup brown sugar
  • 1 Egg 
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and shredded coconut. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. This will prevent any clumping and ensure the coconut flavor is throughout each cookie.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together using an immersion blender or a whisk. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the texture of the cookie—beating the butter and sugar together helps create air pockets in the dough, which leads to a soft, chewy cookie.

4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth. This will help bind the dough together and enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.

5. Gradually add the dry mixture (flour, baking soda, salt, and coconut) to the wet mixture (butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla). Stir the ingredients together with a spoon or spatula until the dough comes together and all the dry ingredients are incorporated. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.

6. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form small balls of dough and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow the cookies to spread slightly during baking.

7. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. The centers should remain soft and chewy.

8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your soft and chewy coconut cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or even milk.

Tips and Variations to Try for Coconut Cookie

• If you're a chocolate lover, try folding in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks into the dough. The combination of coconut and chocolate is always a hit.
• If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can use sweetened coconut flakes instead of unsweetened ones.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans pair wonderfully with coconut. Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the dough for a bit of crunch and additional flavor.
• Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make these cookies dairy-free. They still taste just as delicious!
• For those looking for a gluten-free version, try substituting coconut flour for the all-purpose flour. However, you’ll need to adjust the liquid content as coconut flour absorbs more moisture.

Health Benefits of Coconut Cookies

1. Coconut flakes: Coconut is a good source of fiber and healthy fats, which support digestive health and provide sustained energy. It also contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.
2. Butter: Grass-fed butter provides healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and cognitive function.
3. Brown sugar: While sugar should always be consumed in moderation, brown sugar retains some molasses, which contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Make Your Coconut Cookies Today!

Coconut cookies are a timeless treat that can bring a touch of tropical sweetness to any occasion. With their chewy texture, subtle sweetness, and nutty coconut flavor, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. 

And don’t forget—baking these cookies doesn’t require any fancy skills or equipment. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, making this a quick and easy recipe to try today. Plus, the result is always delicious!

Kitchen Tools You Need

1. Mixing bowls: A set of mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
2. Immersion blender: For creaming the butter and sugar together.
3. Baking sheet: A good-quality non-stick baking sheet for even baking.
4. Parchment paper: To prevent cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
5. Cookie scoop: For perfectly portioned dough balls.

Make sure to grab these tools from Zulay Kitchen for an even better baking experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Cookies

Can I use sweetened coconut flakes instead of unsweetened ones? 

Yes! You can easily swap sweetened coconut flakes for unsweetened ones. Just keep in mind that the cookies will be a bit sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.

Can I freeze coconut cookie dough? 

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

What is the best way to store coconut cookies? 

Store coconut cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I add chocolate chips to coconut cookies? 

Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition to coconut cookies. Feel free to fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolate-coconut flavor combo!

Are these cookies gluten-free? 

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour if needed. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding more liquid.

Why are my coconut cookies too dry?

If your coconut cookies are too dry, try adding a little more butter or a splash of milk to the dough. You can also check the consistency of the dough before baking—it should be slightly sticky.

How do I make these cookies vegan? 

To make coconut cookies vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also swap the sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.