Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies

Coconut cream cheese cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with tropical coconut flavor. The combination of cream cheese and shredded coconut creates a delightful texture that melts in your mouth, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are irresistibly soft with a slightly crispy edge, thanks to the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of coconut. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for coconut lovers. The best part? They stay soft for days and are great for sharing at potlucks, holidays, or as a special snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined.
Add Egg and Vanilla:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in Coconut:
Gently fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Bake:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 22 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
Toasted Coconut: Use toasted shredded coconut for a deeper, nutty flavor.
Nutty Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts or almonds for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze dough, portion it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

You can, but the cookies will be less sweet. Adjust the sugar in the recipe if you prefer.

Can I make these dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version, though it may alter the texture slightly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this dough doesn’t need to be chilled, which makes it quicker to prepare.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works just as well for this recipe.

How can I keep the cookies soft?

The cream cheese helps keep them soft, and storing them in an airtight container will ensure they stay moist for days.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be golden, and the centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough as cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen for easy baking whenever you want fresh cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not too warm, and avoid overmixing the dough.

Conclusion

Coconut cream cheese cookies are a soft, chewy treat that delivers the perfect balance of richness and sweetness. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a tropical, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect for any occasion.