Coconut Chewies are soft, chewy cookies with a delightful coconut flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for coconut lovers and make an excellent addition to any cookie platter. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, these cookies are a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of coconut any time.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Coconut
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be slightly sticky, but this ensures the cookies stay moist and chewy.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. If the dough is too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft and slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and keeps them chewy.
Cooking Notes
- Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it creams properly with the sugar. Cold butter will not incorporate well, leading to uneven texture.
- Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut adds moisture and sweetness to the cookies. You can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet version, but the texture will remain slightly different.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For the best texture, place a piece of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.
- Chilling the Dough: For extra chewy cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances the flavor.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. The key to keeping them chewy is to not overbake. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden, even if the centers appear slightly underdone.
Variations
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Chewies
- Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set on parchment paper for a delicious chocolatey twist. Dark or milk chocolate both work well, depending on your preference. You can also drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies for a decorative touch.
Lemon Coconut Chewies
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the coconut. You can also add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for an extra zesty note. Lemon and coconut are a perfect match that gives these cookies a refreshing twist.
Almond Coconut Chewies
- Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped almonds to the dough for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the coconut. Almond extract can also be added (1/2 teaspoon) for a richer almond flavor. This variation adds a delightful texture contrast that makes the cookies even more enjoyable.
Tropical Chewies
- Add 1/4 cup of dried pineapple or mango pieces to the dough for a tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the coconut. This variation will transport you straight to the tropics with every bite. You can also add a dash of rum extract to enhance the tropical theme.
Spiced Coconut Chewies
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough for a spiced version of these cookies. The warm spices blend beautifully with the coconut, making these cookies perfect for the holiday season or cooler months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Freeze Coconut Chewies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze the baked cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Use Unsweetened Coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet cookie. The texture will remain the same, but the sweetness will be slightly reduced. If you use unsweetened coconut, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
How Should I Store Coconut Chewies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft and chewy, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is a 1:1 substitute. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
Coconut Chewies are a delicious, chewy treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their soft texture and delightful coconut flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. These cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to try out different variations like lemon, chocolate-dipped, or even tropical flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, Coconut Chewies are sure to impress.
The combination of buttery dough, sweet shredded coconut, and a hint of vanilla makes these cookies a comforting treat that brings warmth to any moment. Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins and flavors to make them uniquely yours. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, coconutty bite of these delightful cookies!
