If you have a taste for something soft, chewy, and packed with tropical flair, this Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together the richness of cream cheese with the sweet, toasty flavor of flaked coconut, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The texture is heavenly—tender yet sturdy enough to hold together with every bite—making these cookies unforgettable and a go-to favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a snack that feels special, this recipe will brighten your day and fill your home with the most inviting aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays its own unique role in building these luscious cookies. From the creamy tang of cream cheese to the sweet nuttiness of coconut, every component is essential for hitting that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color.
- Cream cheese, 6 ounces, room temperature: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep the cookies soft and rich.
- Butter, 3/4 cup, room temperature: Provides buttery flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar, 1 cup: Gives sweetness and a slight caramel note for depth.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Balances the brown sugar and aids in slight crisping of edges.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances overall sweetness and brings warmth to the flavor profile.
- Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Cuts through the sweetness to round out the taste.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light texture.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups: The structural base that holds everything together perfectly.
- Sweetened flaked coconut, 2 cups: Offers bursts of tropical flavor and chewy texture throughout.
How to Make Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, setting yourself up for easy cookie removal once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until they form a creamy, smooth combination. This step ensures a velvety dough that balances richness with suppleness.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Flavorings
Next, mix in the light brown and granulated sugars, beating for about a minute more until well incorporated. Then add in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, continuing to blend until the mixture is smooth and uniform. These ingredients bring both sweetness and the necessary lift to your cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Turn your mixer to low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, fold in the sweetened flaked coconut until it’s evenly distributed, giving your cookies their signature chew and tropical flavor.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them generously to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye so they’re golden around the edges but still soft on top—this ensures they stay tender inside.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3 to 4 minutes after removing them from the oven. This brief cooling allows them to set just right. Then transfer each cookie to a wire rack to cool completely; this step helps maintain their perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amplify the tropical vibes, sprinkle a pinch of toasted coconut flakes on top of each cookie after baking but before they cool completely. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness that adds a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a refreshing cup of iced tea infused with lemon or a creamy coconut latte. The complementary flavors play wonderfully with the coconut’s sweetness and cream cheese’s tang without overpowering the delicious cookie.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations or gifting, stack the cookies in a glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon. Alternatively, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can even sandwich a small spoonful of pineapple jam or coconut buttercream between two cookies for a fun twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will keep them soft and chewy, preserving all that wonderful coconut and cream cheese goodness.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste almost as fresh as when baked.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a low oven at 300° Fahrenheit for just 5 minutes to revive that freshly-baked softness and aroma. Avoid the microwave to prevent drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key to the signature texture and mild tanginess of these cookies, you can try using mascarpone as an alternative for a slightly different but still rich result. However, regular butter alone won’t replicate the same softness.
Is it necessary to use sweetened flaked coconut?
Sweetened flaked coconut provides the perfect chewy sweetness throughout the cookie, but if you prefer less sugar, unsweetened coconut can be used. Just note the flavor will be less sugary and slightly more subtle.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain texture.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Using chilled dough helps control spreading, but since this recipe has cream cheese and butter at room temperature, simply make sure you scoop your dough onto parchment with enough space and avoid overbaking to keep edges from becoming too crisp.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped macadamia nuts, or even dried pineapple chunks can elevate these cookies with extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently along with the coconut before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels as special as it tastes, dive into this Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. The blend of tender cream cheese dough with bursts of coconut creates a truly memorable treat. Once you bake a batch, you might find these cookies quickly becoming your beloved classic to share and enjoy again and again. I can’t wait for you to try them and see why they’re a standout in any baking lineup!
Print
Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully chewy Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies that combine rich cream cheese and buttery textures with the tropical sweetness of flaked coconut. Perfectly golden at the edges and soft in the center, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla and a perfect balance of sweetness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sugars
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside; this will prevent the cookies from sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and cream cheese: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add sugars and vanilla: Incorporate the light brown sugar and granulated sugar into the mixer bowl. Mix for another minute until the mixture is fluffy. Then add the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, continuing to mix until smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate flour and coconut: Set the mixer to low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender cookies. Fold in the sweetened flaked coconut evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion the dough: Using a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the tops are just set. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Cool the cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and a tender cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
- Sweetened flaked coconut can be toasted slightly before adding for a deeper flavor, but this step is optional.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If desired, use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to avoid sticking and promote even baking.
