Get ready to elevate your baking game with an irresistible twist on a beloved classic! These Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful fusion of two iconic flavors, bringing a tropical flair and an extra layer of texture to your traditional chocolate chip experience. If you thought classic chocolate chip cookies couldn’t get any better, prepare to be amazed. The addition of shredded coconut transforms them into a chewy, flavorful masterpiece that will leave you reaching for just one more.
Irresistible Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Tropical Twist on a Timeless Treat
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And when those cookies are packed with the rich, comforting taste of chocolate and the exotic sweetness of coconut, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat. This recipe, a standout among our holiday cookie collection, promises to be a new family favorite, perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or simply enjoying as an everyday indulgence.
For years, the classic chocolate chip cookie reigned supreme in many kitchens, including ours. Yet, the moment we introduced sweet, flaky coconut into the dough, these cookies transcended their original form. It’s a simple addition that delivers an incredible flavor boost, transforming a familiar treat into something extraordinary. The subtle nuttiness and chewy texture of coconut complement the gooey chocolate chips perfectly, creating a harmony of flavors that’s genuinely addictive.
We often wonder why it took so long to combine these two amazing ingredients. But now that we have, there’s no turning back! These cookies aren’t just good; they’re “hello yum!” levels of deliciousness, earning enthusiastic praise from everyone who tries them. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of coconut or new to its charm, these cookies are guaranteed to win you over. They’re soft, chewy, bursting with chocolate, and infused with that unmistakable, delightful coconut essence. Get ready for a serious flavor upgrade!
Why Add Coconut to Chocolate Chip Cookies?
The beauty of a classic recipe often lies in its versatility, and chocolate chip cookies are no exception. While many enjoy them in their purest form, experimenting with add-ins can unlock exciting new flavor dimensions. For us, discovering the magic of coconut in these cookies was a revelation. It introduces a delightful chewiness, a subtle sweetness, and a tropical aroma that elevates the entire cookie experience. Beyond just flavor, coconut adds a wonderful textural contrast, making each bite more interesting and satisfying.
We’re always brainstorming new ways to customize our cookie recipes. The possibilities for add-ins are vast, from different types of nuts and dried fruits to various extracts and spices. While most of our experiments yield scrumptious results, we admit some ideas are a bit… unconventional. Imagining lima beans, peas, or carrots in a sweet cookie can certainly lead to some interesting kitchen experiments – though we usually stick to the more dessert-friendly options!
However, we have successfully incorporated carrots into our delightful Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies, proving that sometimes the unexpected combinations truly work! But for today, we’re focusing on the sheer perfection that is coconut and chocolate, a pairing that feels both classic and refreshingly new. It’s the kind of enhancement that makes you wonder how you ever baked chocolate chip cookies without it.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crafting these delectable cookies requires a few pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This ensures it creams properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy base for your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges and chewy center.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, adding moisture and richness to the dough. A large egg is typically recommended.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of your cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and spread, contributing to their soft texture. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The classic choice for chocolate chip cookies, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and rich cocoa flavor. Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix!
- Flaked Coconut: The star of the show! We recommend using sweetened shredded coconut for the best flavor and chewiness. Unsweetened works too if you prefer less sugar.
Recommended Kitchen Tools for Effortless Baking
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are some of our favorites:
Large Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl, especially one with a handle, makes the creaming and mixing process so much easier. It stays put on the counter, allowing you to focus on getting that perfect dough consistency without spills.
Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies every time, a cookie scoop is a game-changer. It ensures even baking and creates a beautiful, consistent presentation, which is especially lovely when serving guests.
Parchment Paper: A baker’s best friend! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking, promotes even browning, and makes cleanup incredibly simple. No more scraping stuck cookies!
Baking Sheet with Sides: Trust us, a baking sheet with a rim is a wise investment. It prevents any unfortunate cookie mishaps, like cookies sliding off the sheet into the oven, a lesson we learned the hard way! Safety and efficiency, all in one.
Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety in the kitchen is paramount. After a minor scare with a cloth potholder catching fire, we exclusively use heat-resistant silicone potholders. They offer superior protection and peace of mind when handling hot baking sheets, making your baking experience safer and more enjoyable.
Tips for Baking the Best Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Achieving perfectly chewy and delicious cookies is an art, but these simple tips will guide you to success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly, creating an emulsified mixture that traps air, leading to lighter, fluffier cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Do Not Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies are often done when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking leads to dry, hard cookies.
- Cool on a Rack: After a few minutes on the hot baking sheet, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy and ensures a crispier edge.
Delicious Variations to Try
While these Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies are fantastic as-is, feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Toasted Coconut: For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast your shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown before adding it to the dough.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. A mix of several types can also be wonderful!
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts, pecans, or walnuts along with the chocolate chips and coconut for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg can add a warm, inviting spice note to your cookies.
- Extracts: A teaspoon of almond extract in addition to vanilla can really bring out the coconut flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To enjoy your Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies at their best, proper storage is key:
- At Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. For optimal freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing Dough: You can also freeze portions of cookie dough! Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for having fresh-baked cookies whenever a craving strikes!
More Holiday Cookies and Sweet Treats to Explore
These Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic addition to any festive spread. If you’re looking for more delightful recipes to complete your holiday baking list or simply crave something sweet, check out some of our other favorites:
- Krumkake
- Crock Pot Cinnamon Pecans
- Sweet & Spicy Almonds
- Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
- Peanut Butter Fudge
We’re constantly adding new and exciting recipes, so make sure to check back for fresh inspiration. Don’t miss our extensive collection of easy classic cookies and other delightful treats.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our popular copycat recipes, a wide array of dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes for effortless meal solutions.
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Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter softened
- ¾ cup White Sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Coconut Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and flaked coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Kitchen Tools
- Cookie Sheets
- KitchenAid Mixer
- Hand Mixer
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 72
Recipe originally shared on December 4, 2013. Updated September 2020