If you love coconut and want a simple, classic cookie that’s soft and chewy in the center with lightly crisp edges, these Easy Coconut Cookies are exactly what you need. They’re made with just a handful of pantry staples, bake in about 10–12 minutes, and disappear fast from any cookie jar, lunchbox, or dessert plate. With plenty of shredded coconut in every bite, they feel indulgent yet are simple enough for beginners or last‑minute baking.
These cookies are perfect for holiday trays, school snacks, or a quick treat with coffee or tea. They keep well at room temperature for several days and freeze beautifully, so you can bake a big batch and enjoy them over time.
Complete Ingredient List (Makes About 24 Cookies)
This version is easy to scale up if you want to bake two trays at once.
For the Coconut Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (180 g) all‑purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups (150–160 g) shredded sweetened coconut (or unsweetened, if you prefer less sweetness)
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: About 20–25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly glossy.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the flour is incorporated and there are no dry streaks. Do not overmix, or the cookies can become tough.
Fold in the Coconut
Stir in the shredded coconut by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into 1‑inch balls. Roll each ball gently in your hands, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool. If you like them crispier, bake for an extra 1–2 minutes, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
Cool and Store
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months.
Serve
Serve the Easy Coconut Cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or tea. They’re excellent on their own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a more festive look.
Tips for the Best Coconut Cookies
Use softened, not melted, butter for the best texture. For extra coconut flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of coconut extract along with the vanilla. If you like crispier cookies, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking; for chewier cookies, leave them as round balls. For a fun variation, add chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Cookie)
These cookies are rich in carbohydrates from the flour and sugars, with healthy fats from the butter and coconut. The egg adds protein and helps bind the dough, while the coconut provides fiber and a satisfying chew. You can lighten them slightly by using less sugar, a lighter oil, or a smaller cookie size.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Easy Coconut Cookies are incredibly photogenic: golden, coconut‑studded cookies with soft centers and crisp edges, arranged on a tray or with a mug of coffee, make them pop on camera. The “chewy & crispy” hook resonates with busy home cooks who want something easy but elevated. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the cookies with a sprinkle of coconut and a mug in the corner, and keep the background simple so the colors stand out.
Serve these cookies with extra coconut and a side of fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack. Once you try them, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful cookie has become such a favorite for quick desserts, potlucks, and snack platters.
