Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies are a tropical treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the refreshing zest of lemon and the sweetness of coconut. When I first baked these cookies, I was blown away by how perfectly the flavors came together. The buttery base, combined with the tangy cream cheese and the hint of citrus, creates a light yet indulgent flavor profile that is further enhanced by the chewy, sweet coconut flakes. These cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the bright, sunny flavors of lemon and the richness of cheesecake. Whether served as a light dessert or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, these cookies will bring a little sunshine to your day.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps to create a smooth dough that will result in soft, tender cookies.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat again until everything is well combined. The lemon zest will add a refreshing citrus aroma, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Fold in the Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The coconut will add a lovely chewy texture and a subtle tropical flavor.
6. Scoop the Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The center should be soft but set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
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. Once cooled, the cookies will firm up and be ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 18 cookies
• Calories per serving: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Snack: These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Their light, zesty flavor pairs wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage.
• For Dessert: Serve these cookies as a light dessert after a meal. Their creamy texture and bright lemon flavor will provide the perfect end to any meal.
• With Fruit: Pair these cookies with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced citrus, for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cookies.
• Gift Idea: Package them in a cute gift box for a thoughtful homemade gift, especially for citrus lovers.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Lemon Zest: For the best flavor, make sure to use freshly grated lemon zest. Pre-packaged zest or lemon juice won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
2. Customize the Coconut: If you prefer a less pronounced coconut flavor, reduce the amount of shredded coconut or omit it entirely. You can also experiment with toasted coconut for a deeper flavor.
3. Chill the Dough: If you have time, refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
4. Try Other Citrus: If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can substitute the lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus twist.
5. Check for Doneness: Be careful not to overbake the cookies. The edges should be golden brown, but the centers should remain soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Recipe Variations

• Coconut Lime Cheesecake Cookies: For a tropical twist, replace the lemon zest with lime zest and add a bit of lime juice to the dough. The combination of coconut and lime will give the cookies a refreshing, tangy flavor.
• Double Coconut Cookies: If you’re a fan of coconut, use both shredded coconut in the dough and sprinkle some sweetened shredded coconut on top of the cookies before baking for extra coconut flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough to create a delicious contrast to the coconut and lemon flavors.
• Gluten-Free Version: To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Version: Replace the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) to replace the egg for a vegan version of this cookie.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Cup of Tea: These cookies make the perfect pairing with a hot cup of green tea, Earl Grey, or chamomile. The citrusy zing complements the aromatic teas wonderfully.
• With Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With Fresh Berries: For a burst of freshness, serve these cookies with a bowl of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.
• For a Brunch Spread: Include these cookies in a brunch spread with other baked goods like scones, muffins, or fruit tarts.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Dough Freezing: If you prefer to make the dough in advance, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies without coconut?
Yes! You can omit the coconut entirely or substitute it with another ingredient, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit.

2. How do I make these cookies more lemony?
To enhance the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the dough, or even a tablespoon of lemon juice.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

4. How do I know when these cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them until firm, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

6. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy butter substitute.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
Yes! Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough to give the cookies a sweet chocolate contrast to the coconut and lemon.

8. How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

9. How can I make these cookies crispier?
For a crispier cookie, bake them a minute or two longer until the edges are more brown, but be careful not to overbake them.

10. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough or the baked cookies in advance. Simply refrigerate the dough or store the baked cookies in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and sweet. With a chewy coconut texture and bright citrus flavor, these cookies will be a hit at any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or a scoop of ice cream. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies will not disappoint. Try them out and let the tropical flavors brighten your day!

Print