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!

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.

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.

 How to Toast Coconut

To toast coconut for these coconut cookies, spread 1/2 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 1/2 cup that I used for sprinkling on top of the cookies!

And that’s it!

Happy Friday, everyone! Enjoy!

5 from 3 votes

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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! 

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 340 kcal

Author Samantha Merritt

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter room temperature 216g
• 1 cup brown sugar tightly packed 200g
• 1/2 cup sugar 100g
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 250g
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch cornflour in UK
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 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)

Instructions

1. 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).
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined.
3. Stir in vanilla and coconut extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.

5. 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.
6. Gradually stir in 3 cups sweetened coconut flakes and caramel chips until completely combined.
7. Chill dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper.

9. 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).

10. 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).

11. Allow cookies to cool completely on cookie sheet before dipping in dark chocolate (if using).

12. If dipping in chocolate: Prepare melting wafers according to package instructions, heating until melted. 

13. Dip cookies about 1/2-way into the chocolate and transfer to wax paper. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup coconut (if using) and allow chocolate to set before serving.

Recipe Notes

*1/2 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 1/2 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 1/2 cups of melted semisweet chocolate chips or chocolate bar, just keep in mind that the chocolate will take much longer to harden.

Nutrition Facts

Coconut Cookies

Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)

Calories 340

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.