Welcome to the delightful world of Chewy Coconut Cookies! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that perfectly balances chewiness with a hint of tropical flavor, you’ve come to the right place. These cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat. With the rich flavors of coconut combined with optional chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for any occasion from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings. Plus, they make your kitchen smell divine while baking, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Chewy Coconut Cookies, but let’s start with the most compelling ones:
- Easy to Make: This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The step-by-step instructions are straightforward, making it a perfect baking project for beginners.
- Chewy Texture: The secret to the chewy nature of these cookies lies in the combination of butter and sugars. This perfect blend creates a soft, tender cookie that brings a delightful contrast to the crunchy edges.
- Irresistible Coconut Flavor: If you’re a coconut enthusiast, these cookies will become your new favorite. The sweetened shredded coconut adds a tropical twist that is both refreshing and satisfying.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize these cookies! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch. The optional chocolate chips add a rich contrast to the coconut that many find irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or just treating yourself, these cookies are versatile enough to fit any situation. They also make great gifts when packaged beautifully.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Aside from the delicious taste and easy preparation, there are several more reasons why you should try making Chewy Coconut Cookies:
- Healthier Alternative: Compared to many store-bought cookies, these homemade treats allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring they’re made without preservatives or artificial flavors. You can also experiment with healthier substitutions if desired!
- Fun with Family: Baking is a fantastic way to bond with family or friends. The process of mixing, scooping, and baking can become a cherished tradition. Kids love to get involved in the kitchen, especially when cookies are involved!
- Delicious Aroma: There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. This recipe will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that will have everyone eager to taste the final product.
- Versatile Base Recipe: Once you master this basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Try swapping out coconut for other ingredients, such as nuts or dried fruit, to create your own unique cookie variations.
- Great for Meal Prep: These cookies can be baked in batches and stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them an excellent choice for meal prep. Enjoy them as snacks or a sweet pick-me-up throughout the week!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To make your Chewy Coconut Cookies, here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Recommended Utensils
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)
- Wire rack (for cooling the cookies)
Having these utensils on hand will ensure a smooth baking experience. Prepare your workspace, and let’s get started on these delicious cookies!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect Chewy Coconut Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. This step adds moisture and enhances the flavor of your cookies.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the cookies light and airy!
- Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool, creating that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: Once cooled, savor your Chewy Coconut Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Enjoy the chewy goodness that you’ve just created!
FAQs
What makes Chewy Coconut Cookies chewy?
The combination of softened butter and sugars, along with the addition of shredded coconut, contributes to the chewy texture. Baking them just until the edges are golden also helps maintain softness in the center.
Can I make Chewy Coconut Cookies without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The chocolate chips are optional. You can enjoy the cookies with just coconut or experiment with other add-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
How should I store Chewy Coconut Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but you may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe to maintain the sweetness.
Are Chewy Coconut Cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Conclusion
In summary, Chewy Coconut Cookies are a delightful treat that you can whip up in no time. The combination of chewy texture and rich coconut flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to satisfy. We’d love to hear about your experience, so please leave a comment below or share this recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our other treats like Most Amazing Classic Chocolate Cake and Better Than Anything Brownies. Don’t forget to visit our Pinterest page for more inspiration!

Chewy Coconut Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy your chewy coconut cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!