If you have been searching for a truly luscious and soft treat, the Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe you are about to discover is an absolute game-changer. This delightful cookie combines the rich tang of cream cheese with the tropical sweetness of shredded coconut, bringing an irresistibly chewy texture and a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something comforting and special, these cookies strike the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with a hint of coconut charm that will quickly become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the creamy base, adding delicate sweetness, or giving the cookie its signature coconut flavor and chewy texture.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz softened: Provides moisture and a tangy richness that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup softened: Adds buttery flavor and helps create that perfect chewiness.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Balances the tang of cream cheese with sweetness and helps with browning.
- Large egg, 1: Binds ingredients while contributing to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour, 2 ½ cups: The foundation that gives the cookies their shape and substance.
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Provides a gentle rise for softness without puffiness.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and lifts the flavor profile.
- Shredded coconut, 1 ½ cups: Brings tropical texture and aromatic sweetness in every bite.
- Coconut extract, 1 tablespoon (optional): Intensifies coconut flavor for those who want a bigger tropical punch.
- White or semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup (optional): Adds delightful bursts of melty sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This initial step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination is what makes these cookies so decadently tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Egg and Flavors
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, along with the optional coconut extract if you want an extra coconutty warmth. Mixing fully at this stage ensures every cookie is infused with a consistent aroma and taste.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen the dough, so gentle folding is key.
Step 5: Fold in Coconut and Chocolate
Fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips if you’re using them. This is where the magic starts to take shape, as the coconut provides chewy bursts and the chocolate chips add rich pockets of sweetness.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls, placing them approximately 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to watch for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender. This perfect balance ensures moistness without being undercooked.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important for setting their texture so each cookie stays soft yet holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top of cooled cookies for an appealing look and an added flavor boost. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate for a touch of elegance and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the coconut.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them excellent for afternoon treats. For dessert, serve alongside vanilla ice cream to complement the creamy, tropical flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching a small dollop of lemon curd, cream cheese frosting, or coconut whipped cream between two cookies for a delightful twist. They’re also fantastic when presented in a decorative tin or wrapped with a simple ribbon as a heartfelt homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving the wonderful blend of flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their softness and aroma. This step makes them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese without softening it first?
For the best texture, it’s important to soften the cream cheese before mixing. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps and make it difficult to achieve that smooth, creamy dough necessary for these lovely cookies.
Is sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut better?
Both work well here, but if you prefer a more pronounced coconut sweetness, sweetened coconut is perfect. For a more natural, less sugary profile, go with unsweetened. Either way, the coconut adds fantastic texture and flavor.
Can I substitute coconut extract with vanilla?
Yes! If you don’t have coconut extract or want a subtler coconut presence, just use an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract. It will keep the cookies fragrant and tasty without losing their signature softness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might vary slightly since flour provides structure.
Why are my cookies flat or spreading too much?
Flat cookies can result from overly soft dough or too much butter. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain shape.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that brings together simple ingredients with extraordinary results. Soft, tender, and bursting with tropical flavor, these cookies are a treat worth making again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a cozy baking experience you’ll want to share with everyone you love!
Print
Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with tropical flavor. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese and butter, shredded coconut, and a hint of vanilla and optional coconut extract, these cookies offer a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. Optional white or semi-sweet chocolate chips add a delightful contrast. Baked to a light golden perfection, they make a wonderful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut extract (optional, for extra coconut flavor)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract (and coconut extract if using) into the creamy mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined for consistent flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the rising agents and seasoning before adding to the wet mixture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and optional white or semi-sweet chocolate chips to incorporate texture and bursts of flavor throughout each cookie.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten the Cookies: Carefully press down each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a more uniform shape, ensuring even baking.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to allow them to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy these delectable coconut cream cheese cookies as a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- For extra coconut flavor, add the optional coconut extract.
- White or semi-sweet chocolate chips are optional but add a nice complementary touch.
- Use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut depending on your sweetness preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for the best creamy texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to ensure tender cookies.
- Cookies will be soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
