Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies

When you’re in the mood for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible, these Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies are the answer. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s not only packed with sweet, toasty coconut but also has the creamy richness of cream cheese to make every bite melt in your mouth. It’s like the best of both worlds: the sweet, tropical flavor of coconut meets the smooth, tangy cream cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, trust me, these cookies will be gone in no time!

Why You’ll Love Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies

Still unsure if you should bake these cookies? Let me tell you why they’ll quickly become your go-to treat:

Sweet and Creamy

The combination of coconut and cream cheese gives these cookies a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite. It’s a unique twist on the classic cookie that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Chewy and Soft

These cookies are the perfect balance between chewy and soft, making them incredibly satisfying. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a slight crispness on the outside, while the inside remains perfectly tender.

Coconut Lovers’ Dream

If you’re a coconut fan (or even if you’re just mildly fond of it), these cookies are a dream come true. The shredded coconut adds both texture and flavor, bringing a touch of tropical sweetness to every bite.

Easy to Make

This recipe is a breeze to put together, making it perfect for those times when you want fresh, homemade cookies without the hassle. Even beginners will feel confident in their baking skills with these simple steps.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your choice)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these cookies baking!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is the base of your cookies, and it’s what gives them that ultra-soft texture, so be sure to cream them well.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Egg

Add the granulated sugar and beat until it’s fully combined and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This step helps create the light, airy texture of the cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—this helps the cookies stay light and tender.

Step 5: Add the Coconut

Fold in the shredded coconut. This is where the magic happens! The coconut adds texture, sweetness, and that irresistible tropical flavor.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab a glass of milk (or your favorite drink) and enjoy these delicious coconut cream cheese cookies!

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 160 kcal
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few ideas:

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The soft, rich texture complements the warm beverage, creating the ultimate cozy treat.

As a Gift

Wrap these cookies in a cute box or tin and share them with friends or family. They make a lovely homemade gift, especially for holidays or birthdays.

With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

For an extra indulgence, serve these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of coconut and creaminess is truly a match made in heaven.

As a Party Treat

These cookies are a great option for parties, potlucks, or get-togethers. They’re bite-sized and easy to share, and the coconut flavor will have everyone asking for more.

Additional Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This will make it easier to achieve that smooth, creamy texture.
• Experiment with Coconut Flavors: If you like, you can use toasted coconut for a slightly different flavor profile. The extra crunch and nuttiness will add an extra layer of depth.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape a bit better, especially if you’re making larger cookies.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake it when you’re ready for fresh cookies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
A1: Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but the cookies will be less sweet. If you do, you might want to add a little extra sugar to taste.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the flour you use is suitable for baking.

Q3: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A3: To make them dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free butter alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese. The cookies will still turn out delicious!

Q4: How do I store leftover cookies?
A4: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
A5: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips would give these cookies a delicious chocolatey contrast to the coconut. Dark chocolate or white chocolate would both pair well.

Q6: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This will also help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Q7: What can I do if my dough is too soft?
A7: If your dough is too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will make it easier to handle.

Q8: How can I make these cookies less sweet?
A8: To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the sugar slightly or use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened.

Q9: Can I make these cookies with a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
A9: Yes! A hand mixer works just as well for creaming the butter and cream cheese. Just be sure to mix until the dough is smooth.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake the cookies in batches if needed.

These Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tastes them! They’re rich, soft, and full of delightful coconut flavor with the perfect creamy touch. Happy baking!

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