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Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 112 reviews

These chewy coconut cookies are the perfect blend of soft texture and rich coconut flavor. Featuring a tender crumb thanks to the balance of brown sugar and milk, they deliver a delightful chewiness enhanced by shredded sweetened coconut. With a hint of vanilla and optional coconut extract, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake, making them a perfect treat for coconut lovers looking for a homemade delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract (optional but boosts coconut flavor)

Mix-Ins

  • 1 ¾ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream (helps keep them chewy)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
  3. Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg & Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional coconut extract thoroughly until fully combined with the creamed butter and sugars.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix which can toughen the cookies.
  6. Add Coconut & Milk: Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut and whole milk or heavy cream. The dough will become soft, slightly sticky, and packed with coconut flakes.
  7. Shape the Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it lightly into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color while the centers still look soft. This baking time is key to achieving a chewy texture.
  9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without losing their chewy softness.

Notes

  • Using brown sugar helps retain moisture and contributes to the chewiness of the cookies.
  • Milk or heavy cream is essential to keep the cookies soft and moist; do not skip.
  • For extra coconut flavor, be sure to include the coconut extract, but it’s optional if unavailable.
  • Do not overbake; underbaking slightly ensures a chewy center rather than a crispy cookie.
  • Shredded coconut can be sweetened or unsweetened depending on your preference, but sweetened coconut complements the flavors better in this recipe.
  • Cookies will firm up as they cool but remain soft and chewy in texture.

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