Chewy Coconut Cookies are made with simple ingredients like flour, brown sugar, butter & coconut of course! This coconut cookies recipe creates a flavorful, chewy cookie that is a crowd pleaser!
These sugar cookies with coconut flakes are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth without being too heavy or rich. They are easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit your tastes. So why not give coconut cookies a try today and see for yourself just how tasty they can be?
Simple Coconut Cookies
Coconut cookies are a popular type of cookie that are known for their unique flavor and texture. These cookies are made with shredded coconut, which gives them a distinct taste and texture that sets them apart from other types of cookies.
The coconut adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor to the cookies, and also gives them a chewy texture. This texture is different from other types of cookies, which are typically crisp or soft. Coconut cookies can also be made with other ingredients, such as chocolate chips or nuts, which can add additional flavors and textures to the cookies. However, even without these additional ingredients, coconut cookies are still delicious and flavorful.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chewy Coconut Cookie
When it comes to making the best coconut cookies, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference. Here are some expert suggestions to help you get the best results:
- Use shredded coconut: For the best texture, use shredded coconut instead of flaked coconut. Shredded coconut is finer and will blend better with the other ingredients, resulting in a more cohesive cookie.
- Toast the coconut: Toasting the coconut before adding it to the dough will intensify the coconut flavor and give the cookies a richer, nuttier taste. Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking will prevent the cookies from spreading too much and will help them retain their shape. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking the cookies will result in a dry, crumbly texture. Keep a close eye on them and take them out of the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Use parchment paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper. This will also make cleanup a breeze.
Coconut Cookie Ingredients
Butter: For nice rich tasting cookies, add in ½ cup of butter.
Shortening: Use ½ cup of shortening to give these cookies extra fats to stay moist while baking.
Brown sugar: You need 2 cups of brown sugar for an amazing depth of flavor in this dough.
Eggs: Help bind all the ingredients by adding in 2 eggs.
Water: ¼ cup of water will help hydrate the other ingredients and will activate the gluten as well.
Vanilla extract: Enhance the flavors in this cookie recipe by using 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Almond extract: Add even more incredible taste by using ½ tsp of almond extract in this cookie dough.
Flour: You will need 4 cups of flour for the structural base of this cookie recipe.
Baking powder: Make the cookies light and fluffy by adding in 1 ½ tsp of baking powder.
Baking soda: Use ½ tsp of baking soda as a leavening agent to help the cookies puff up as they bake.
Salt: Balance all the wonderful flavors in this recipe by adding ¼ tsp of salt to the dough.
Coconut: For a delicious nutty and tropical taste, you will want to add in 1 cup of flaked coconut.
How to make Chewy Coconut Cookies
Dough
In a mixing bowl, start by creaming the butter, shortening and brown sugar for 2 minutes or until fluffy. If you have one, using an electric mixer for this step saves time and energy.
Next, add in the eggs and mix well. Gradually add the water and vanilla extract; mix well again.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Then add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stir to combine.
Lastly, fold in the shredded coconut.
Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill the dough.
Bake
Get the oven preheated to 400°F, then pull the dough out of the fridge.
Now, grease two baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray or you can use parchment paper or silicon mats as well.
Start scooping the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. After that, gently flatten each ball of dough with a sugared fork making a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Let them cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!
Variations of Chewy Coconut Cookies
Chewy coconut cookies are a versatile treat that can be customized in many ways. Here are a few variations that can be made to the classic recipe:
- Chocolate-Dipped: Melt some chocolate chips in a double boiler and dip the cooled cookies halfway into the chocolate. Let the chocolate harden before serving.
- Lemon-Coconut: Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the recipe for a tangy twist on the classic cookie.
- Almond Joy: Add ½ cup of chopped almonds and ½ cup of chocolate chips to the recipe for a cookie that tastes like an Almond Joy candy bar.
- Orange-Coconut: Add 2 teaspoons of orange zest and 1 tablespoon of orange juice to the recipe for a citrusy flavor.
How long are these coconut cookies good for?
Chewy coconut cookies can last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.
How can I make my cookies crunchy instead of chewy?
If you prefer crunchy cookies, you can adjust the baking time and temperature. Baking the cookies at a higher temperature for a shorter time can result in a crunchier texture. You can also add more sugar to the recipe, as sugar helps to create a crispier texture.
What are the best recipes for sugar-free coconut cookies?
To make sugar-free coconut cookies, you can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. You can also use sugar substitutes like erythritol or xylitol. Some great recipes for sugar-free coconut cookies include almond flour coconut cookies, coconut flour cookies, and keto coconut cookies.
What are some tips for making 3-ingredient coconut cookies?
To make 3-ingredient coconut cookies, you can use shredded coconut, condensed milk, and flour. For best results, use sweetened condensed milk and all-purpose flour. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms, then shape the dough into balls and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
What are some healthy alternatives for coconut cookies?
To make healthier coconut cookies, you can use whole wheat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter, and add in healthy ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, or nuts. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use natural sweeteners.
DO I have to chill the cookie dough?
When recipes request that you chill your cookie dough it is usually for a good reason. That reason is that the flavor gets a bit more time to develop and the cookies taste even more incredible. But the biggest reason is because of the butter/fats in the dough. By chilling the dough we allow the fats to solidify which means your cookies will not spread out as much while baking, so the texture turns out perfectly.
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