If you adore the rich, tropical flavor of coconut combined with a delightful chocolate surprise, you are in for a treat with this Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the perfect balance of sweet shredded coconut, buttery dough, and a melty chocolate center that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or craving a cozy homemade cookie, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to enjoy a burst of flavor and texture that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to creating cookies that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Each element in this Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe plays an essential role—from the creamy butter lending richness to the shredded coconut adding that unmistakable tropical bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy base and tender crumb for the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for lightly golden edges.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Enhances moisture and offers a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor for a tropical punch.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that shapes the cookie’s structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise slightly, keeping them light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and lifts the flavors.
- 3/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut: Adds chewy texture and coconut essence throughout.
- 24 chocolate kisses or chocolate coconut truffles (unwrapped): The irresistible chocolate center that melts into the warm cookie.
How to Make Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making for easy clean-up and perfect shapes.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, resulting in cookies with a light texture and a tender bite.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The extracts infuse your dough with warm vanilla and coconut notes that make every bite sing.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning so your cookies rise perfectly and aren’t overly sweet.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop when you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in the Shredded Coconut
Gently fold shredded coconut into the dough to spread that chewy, tropical goodness evenly throughout every cookie.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden and the centers look set.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Centers
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss or chocolate coconut truffle into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will soften the chocolate beautifully, creating a luscious center.
Step 9: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from falling apart and lets the chocolate set perfectly.
How to Serve Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive look, sprinkle a bit of toasted shredded coconut on top of each cookie right after pressing in the chocolate. It adds crunch and a golden color that makes these cookies even more inviting. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a chilled glass of coconut milk or your favorite rich coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream to complement the tropical flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange your Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe on a tiered serving tray decorated with tropical leaves or fresh flowers. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with natural twine creates charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Coconut Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft, moist, and prevents the chocolate centers from becoming too firm or dry.
Freezing
If you want to make the dough ahead, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a sealed container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, gently warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until the chocolate starts to soften. This quick reheat brings back the gooey deliciousness that makes this Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe a standout.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can swap sweetened shredded coconut for unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cookies, making them a bit less moist and sweet.
What if I don’t have coconut extract?
If coconut extract isn’t on hand, vanilla extract alone will still give you a lovely cookie. The coconut flavor will be milder, but the shredded coconut will still provide wonderful texture and taste.
Can I substitute different chocolates for the kisses?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate coconut truffles add richness, while white chocolate chips offer a sweeter contrast. Pick your favorite chocolate to customize this Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe exactly how you like it.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t flatten too much?
Using softened but not melted butter, chilling the dough briefly before baking, and spacing the cookies well on the baking sheet all help maintain their shape and keep them soft and chewy with a slight crisp at the edges.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to achieve the right texture in your Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cookie that combines tropical coconut with a decadent chocolate center, and this Coconut Blossom Cookies Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly every single time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies bring joy, warmth, and irresistible flavor to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover your new favorite cookie!
