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    You are here: Home / Desserts / Cookies / Coconut Cookies

    Coconut Cookies

    April 27, 2018 Updated August 19, 2018 BySam 80 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
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    Chew, Chocolate Dipped, coconut cookies

    Buttery, chewy Coconut Cookies! These cookies are made with flake coconut and (optional) caramel chips, then are dunked in dark chocolate and topped off with toasted coconut! These were such a hit with everyone who tried them — everyone was asking me for the recipe!

    Two coconut cookies on a plate

    I always feel a liiiitttle bit guilty when I share a coconut recipe because I know that there are a lot of you out there who have made it pretty clear that you don’t appreciate coconut at all (Zach is one of you!).

    I get it, not everyone likes the texture (Zach wouldn’t even taste-test my coconut macaroons for me!), but I love it and while I do try to limit the number of coconut recipes that I share, it’s been a while and we’re due for another one. Namely these buttery soft Coconut Cookies.

    So, coconut haters, I’m sorry, and if you check back on Monday I promise there will be no coconut in that recipe, but for those of you on #teamcoconutcookies, let’s dig in to today’s recipe.

    Coconut Cookies cooling on a rack

    The texture of coconut cookies reminds me a lot of oatmeal, and I actually adapted my favorite oatmeal cookie recipe to make these.

    Tips for Making Coconut Cookies

    • Use unsweetened flake coconut for this recipe, it can usually be found right next to the sweetened variety in the baking section.
    • Adding caramel chips is optional, but you should definitely add them! I can’t stress enough how tasty these were with little pops of caramel flavor in every bite. I used actual caramel chips and not caramel baking bits (the little balls made of caramel), I used Ghirardelli’s, which are sold (quite appropriately) in a caramel-colored bag. This combo of coconut, caramel, and chocolate reminds me a little of my favorite Girl Scout Cookie — the Samoa.
    • I recommend adding the coconut extract, as instructed, for the best cookie flavor. The cookies will still be good if you leave it out (substitute for vanilla extract, if you do), but the flake coconut doesn’t do much to impart an actual coconut flavor into the cookies, and I liked the taste much better with the extract.
    • Immediately after dipping each of the cookies in chocolate, you can sprinkle them with coconut. I chose to toast my coconut (I like the slightly crisp texture and the way it looks much better that way), so I’ve provided instructions in case you’d like to toast yours as well.

    toasted coconut

     How to Toast Coconut

    To toast coconut for these coconut cookies, spread ½ cup of flake coconut evenly across a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake in a 325F (190C) oven for about 5 minutes or until the coconut is toasted lightly golden brown.

    Allow the coconut to cool before sprinkling over dark chocolate, but sprinkle immediately after dipping in chocolate or it won’t stick, so if you plan to use toasted coconut make sure you have it ready in advance!

    Just to be clear, I did not toast the coconut that went into the cookies, just the last ½ cup that I used for sprinkling on top of the cookies!

    A stack of Coconut Cookies

    And that’s it!

    Happy Friday, everyone! Enjoy!

    Chocolate dipped coconut cookie with toasted coconut flakes

    Coconut Cookies

    Buttery, chewy Coconut Cookies! These cookies are made with flake coconut and (optional) caramel chips, then are dunked in dark chocolate and topped off with toasted coconut! 
    4.77 from 26 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: cookie
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Chilling Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 37 minutes
    Servings: 20 large cookies
    Calories: 377kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup butter room temperature (216g)
    • 1 cup brown sugar tightly packed (200g)
    • ½ cup sugar (100g)
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon coconut extract
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (280g)
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch cornflour in UK
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • 3 ½ cups unsweetened coconut flakes* divided
    • 1 cup caramel baking chips Optional, but SO GOOD! I use Ghirardelli, they're sold next to the chocolate chips in a caramel-colored bag (170g)
    • 10 oz dark chocolate melting wafers** optional (285g)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Beat butter in the bowl of a stand mixer (or using an electric beater) for about 30 seconds. Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy (pause to scrape down sides and bottom of bowl, if needed).
    • Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined.
    • Stir in vanilla and coconut extract.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
    • Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture until completely combined. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl so ingredients are well-mixed.
    • Gradually stir in 3 cups coconut flakes and caramel chips until completely combined.
    • Chill dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
    • Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper.
    • Drop cookie by rounded 2-3 Tablespoon-sized ball onto parchment paper, spacing at least 2" apart (for very round cookies, briefly roll between your hands to form into smooth balls).
    • Bake on 375F (190C) for 10-12 (edges should be slightly browned, centers may still be slightly underbaked but shouldn't be raw, they'll bake completely as they cool).
    • Allow cookies to cool completely on cookie sheet before dipping in dark chocolate (if using).
    • If dipping in chocolate: Prepare melting wafers according to package instructions, heating until melted. 
    • Dip cookies about ½-way into the chocolate and transfer to wax paper. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup coconut (if using) and allow chocolate to set before serving.

    Notes

    *½ cup of this coconut is for toasting, which is optional. You can add untoasted coconut or no coconut on top at all (there's plenty inside the cookies!)
    If you do want to make and add  toasted coconut, spread the ½ cup of your remaining coconut evenly across a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake in a 325F (190C) oven for about 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool before sprinkling over dark chocolate, but sprinkle immediately after dipping in chocolate or it won't stick!
    **Alternatively you can use 1 ½ cups of melted semisweet chocolate chips or chocolate bar, just keep in mind that the chocolate will take much longer to harden.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 312IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!
    « Easy Homemade Biscuits
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Annette W.

      July 16, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t write reviews but in this case i felt it was a great idea to write one. My son baked and brought me these cookies, which was a treat in itself. I am going to go as far as to say these are the best cookie i have ever had! These are so good. My other family members love them just as much. I intend on making these myself soon. Thank you for sharing such a delicious recipe with us. When i asked him to share your link i didn’t realize i had already been making your Pineapple Upside Cake for awhile. : )

      Reply
      • Sam

        July 16, 2022 at 6:43 pm

        Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, Annette! I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Natalie

      May 18, 2022 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe and a favorite for hosting!

      Reply
    3. Tonya

      February 25, 2022 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Sam,
      I tried your coconut cookie recipe and it was wonderful! Definitely a keeper! Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Ashia

      January 28, 2022 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      Beautiful delicious cookies ! They came out great ! Did everything except the caramel chips ( too much sugar in my opinion) I also used light brown sugar instead of white sugar 🙂

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        January 28, 2022 at 2:28 pm

        We’re so happy you like them, Ashia! Thanks for trying our recipe 😊

        Reply
    5. Monique

      May 22, 2021 at 4:35 am

      5 stars
      SUCH a yummy recipe! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Kate

      December 22, 2020 at 8:34 pm

      I can’t find the caramel chips either, I’m wondering about making my own but am not sure how to combine unto the mix. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sam

        December 22, 2020 at 9:37 pm

        Hi Kate! They are optional. I’m not sure how making your own would go either. Let me know how it goes if you try it. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Dejana Veseli

      December 19, 2020 at 1:44 pm

      Silly question but I was only able to find salted caramel chips… Do you think that will work or change the flavor? I feel like it would be a good combo!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        December 19, 2020 at 3:24 pm

        Honestly I think that will be delicious! Enjoy!

        Reply
      • Rebecca

        September 11, 2021 at 7:48 pm

        Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

        Reply
        • Sam

          September 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm

          The cookies will be sweeter and may spread more.

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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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