Coconut Cream Cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie filled with a creamy coconut frosting & drizzled with chocolate for the perfect finish!
Coconut cream cookies merge the rich textures of cream cheese and butter with the sweet perfection of sugar and vanilla, resulting in a treat that is as delightful to the palate as it is to the eye. These cookies take traditional baking ingredients like flour and salt and elevate them with the addition of flaked coconut, finely chopped walnuts, and semisweet chocolate chips.
How to Make Coconut Cream Cookies
Creating the dough for Coconut Cream Cookies involves a simple yet precise blend of ingredients. The process starts by creaming the butter and sugar, then incorporating the dry elements to form the cookie base.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
To begin, 1 cup of softened butter is combined with 1 cup of powdered sugar in a large bowl. The mixture is beaten until it’s light and fluffy, which is crucial for a tender texture. The addition of 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract further enhances the flavor profile of the dough.
Combining Dry Ingredients
2 cups of flour are whisked with 1 teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution. This dry mixture is then gradually added to the creamed butter and sugar, resulting in a consistent and well-combined dough that is the foundation for the cookies.
Baking Process
The precision in preheating the oven and correctly baking the cookies ensures the desired texture and flavor. Proper cooling is necessary to prepare cookies for the finishing touches.
Oven Preheating
Before mixing the ingredients, the oven must be preheated to 350°F (177°C). This step is crucial to ensure the cookies bake evenly and acquire a light, golden brown color.
Cookie Baking
Once the dough is shaped into 1-inch balls and indented, they should be placed on the baking sheets 2 inches apart. The cookies are baked for 10-12 minutes until they achieve a light brown hue.
Cooling Cookies
After baking, cookies require 2-3 minutes of cooling on the baking sheets. Subsequently, they should be transferred to a wire rack to cool completely, making them ready for topping application.
Topping Preparation
The topping adds a rich and textural contrast to the cookies. It involves creating a creamy cheese filling, melting chocolate to drizzle, and incorporating coconut and walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
Cream Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, one must beat together 3 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar until the texture is light and fluffy. To this, beat in 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Melting Chocolate
The ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips should be melted carefully, typically using a microwave. Heat the chips in a small bowl at half power, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is smoothly melted.
Adding Coconut and Walnuts
To the cream cheese mixture, stir in ½ cup of flaked coconut and ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts. This not only adds flavor but also provides a delightful crunch to the topping. One teaspoonful of this mixture should then be placed onto each cooled cookie.
Finishing Touches
After baking the Coconut Cream Cookies, the final steps are essential to achieving the perfect flavor and presentation. These involve preparing the cream cheese filling, drizzling the melted chocolate, and allowing the topping to set.
Filling the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a small bowl, beat together 3 oz of cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. To this mixture, add 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then fold in ½ cup of flaked coconut and ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts. Each cookie gets a teaspoonful of this topping carefully mounded onto the indentation.
Drizzling Chocolate
For an indulgent finish, microwave ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips until fully melted. Then, using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies, creating a zigzag pattern or covering as desired for both flavor and a visually appealing garnish.
Setting the Topping
The final step is to let the topped cookies cool until the filling and chocolaty drizzle set. This cooling process ensures that the toppings stay in place and the flavors meld together. It’s important to wait until the topping firms up before serving to ensure the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
Coconut Cream Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
Topping:
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 TBSP flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup flaked coconut
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats, set them aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Shape into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make a ½ inch-deep indentation in the center of each ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in flour and vanilla; stir in coconut and walnuts. Mound 1 teaspoonful of filling onto each cookie.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl, in the microwave and then drizzle it on top of each cookie; let them cool until set. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Serving Suggestions
- Temperature: These Coconut Cream Cookies are best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the chocolate topping to set properly.
- Pairing: They pair excellently with a cup of bold coffee or black tea, providing a contrasting taste to the sweet and creamy texture of the cookies.
- Storage: If not serving immediately, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be enjoyed for up to one week when stored properly.
- Presentation: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate or cookie stand for visual appeal, making them inviting for guests.
- For Events: For gatherings or events, consider adding a garnish of extra flaked coconut or chopped walnuts on the serving plate to highlight the ingredients within the cookies.
- Dietary Adjustments: When serving to guests with dietary restrictions, present gluten-free or nut-free variations by substituting appropriate alternative ingredients.
- Portion Size: One or two cookies per person is a suitable serving size, ensuring everyone gets a taste without being overwhelmed by sweetness.
By following these suggestions, the Coconut Cream Cookies can be enjoyed to their fullest potential, enhancing any culinary experience with their unique combination of flavors and textures.
How should coconut cream cookies be stored to maintain their freshness?
Coconut cream cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage or in the refrigerator for extended freshness. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage.
More Coconut desserts you’ll enjoy:
- RICE KRISPIE COCONUT SNOWBALLS
- OATMEAL COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- PINEAPPLE COCONUT CAKE
- COCONUT BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
- COCONUT CHEESECAKE BARS
- COCONUT MACADAMIA NUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE CHIP COCONUT PIE
Coconut Cream Cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie filled with a creamy coconut frosting & drizzled with chocolate for the perfect finish!
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