Chewy toasted coconut cookies are made in one bowl for an easy coconut and almond flavored cookie recipe.
While not deliberate on my part, we've entered the two week stretch of the year when I'm compelled to share a recipe using toasted coconut.
Lemon coconut ice cream with macadamia nuts started things off on July 24, 2016, then grilled angel food cake with pineapple, coconut, and caramel came soon after on August 4th. Then last year on August 3rd I was snacking on a batch of toasted coconut matcha rice crispy treats.
Now on July 27, 2018 I'm sharing these chewy toasted coconut cookies. Talk about an unintentionally cyclical editorial calendar.
The first thing I think of when I think of coconut cookies are macaroons. With those beauties the majority of the dough is made up of flaked coconut, which get nice and toasty around the edges in the oven. I have a hard time passing them up if they're around!
These toasted coconut cookies are decidedly different than macaroons. The dough is more like a chewy sugar cookie with toasted coconut flakes throughout, with a subtle but present almond flavor from almond extract.
Although I'm not one to rush the seasons, I'm thinking these chewy toasted coconut cookies would be an excellent addition to holiday cookie trays and exchanges. 🙂
While you'll need a baking sheet for toasting the coconut, all of the cookie ingredients come together in just one bowl, making this a pretty simple cookie recipe.
Also pretty simple is the ingredient list. Cookie staples like butter, sugar(s), flour, egg, leavening, and extract(s) are all here, with just the toasted coconut rounding things out.
You'll notice some plurals! I like to use both granulated sugar and brown sugar in cookie recipes, as I find the brown sugar adds a little something to the 'chew' factor.
Then the extracts. Vanilla extract is a classic, but I also added almond extract to the batter for an additional but complementary flavor. I realize not everybody is as big of an almond extract freak as I am (as in I think it's one of the very best scents in the world), so I kept the quantity at a half-teaspoon. At that level you get a subtle almond flavor that doesn't overpower.
Of course, if you're a huge almond flavor fan like I am, you can increase it to three-quarters teaspoon.
Recipe notes: chewy toasted coconut cookies
- My biggest cookie tip by far is to use a cookie scoop. They're a less mess way to produce evenly-shaped cookies. Not only do they all look pretty uniform, but they'll cook at just the same time, too. I have varying sizes, but used the 1-½-tbsp capacity scoop (affiliate link) here. Scoops are also great for forming meatballs!
- The toasted coconut can be made several days in advance to speed things up on the day of.
- Learn how to toast coconut in the oven or on the stovetop -- plus see more toasted coconut recipes for your dessert perusal!
Chewy Toasted Coconut Cookies
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
To toast the coconut:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place sweetened flaked coconut on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 5-6 minutes, or until the coconut just becomes fragrant and turns golden-brown. Keep a close eye because it can go from perfectly toasty to burnt quickly.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately transfer coconut to a plate or bowl to stop it from toasting. Once cooled, store in an air-tight container if not using right away.
To make the cookies:
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet or two with parchment paper.
- Add softened butter, both sugars, egg, and extracts to a bowl and mix until light and creamy.
- Add flour and baking powder and mix in until combined. Stir in toasted coconut.
- Using a 1-½ tablespoon capacity cooking scoop, scoop cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheet around 1 ½" apart from one another. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bottoms are just golden and tops have firmed up some. Let cookies sit for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
Ruth Boss says
I accidentally left a tray in the oven too long and they were golden brown on the top. Chewy on the outside and tender in the middle. I actually prefer the ones that were in longer. It’s a tasty cookie and easy to make.
Ps. I have no idea how much longer I left them in.
Alyssa says
I'm so glad you like them, Ruth. Thank you for letting me know how they went!
Lynn says
You should roll the dough into a log and put it into the refrigerator for an hour, then you can easily cut them instead of making a mess with a scoop or spoon. It's much easier and you can get the same size cookie. Thanks for the recipe. Enjoyed them.
Candi says
I just made these and they are a wonderfully buttery cookie. I bake a LOT of cookies, and these really are simple and delicious. I only used vanilla extract bc I wanted to see how they were as is without something possibly over powering. I love almond extract, too! I also think a small amount of lemon would be delicious in these. Definitely putting this recipe in my lineup! Thank you!
Alyssa says
So glad you liked them, Candi! You're very welcome. 🙂 And yes - lemon sounds delicious. I'll have to try that next time.
Tessa says
Can you substitute coconut flour for the AP flour?
Alyssa says
Hi Tessa, I don't think that will work without some recipe rework. I haven't worked with it much at all, but I know coconut flour is very absorbent and may need extra liquid added to a recipe that typically uses AP flour to work.
Darlene H says
can you tell me the best way to store these cookies, and how long they last?
Thank you.
Alyssa says
Hi Darlene, I store them at room temperature in an air-tight container or a plastic bag with as much air pressed out of the bag as you can. They should last for about a week that way, or maybe even longer.