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
Scale
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.
