Escape to Paradise: Soft & Chewy Coconut Cookies (Gluten-Free & Vegan Options!)

Hey fellow cookie monsters! Are you dreaming of sun-drenched beaches and swaying palm trees? Well, grab your mixing bowls because we’re about to whisk ourselves away to a tropical paradise with these unbelievably soft and chewy coconut cookies. They’re so good, they practically sing a little ukulele tune while you bake them!

What makes these cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, nutty coconut flavor and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. And the best part? We’ve got you covered if you’re gluten-free or vegan, so everyone can join this island getaway!

Yields: Approximately 12-15 cookies

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10-12 minutes

What You’ll Need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack for cooling

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for vegan: use vegan butter or refined coconut oil, softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg (for vegan: use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken – a “flax egg”)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for gluten-free: use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum already added, or add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Why Sweetened Coconut?

We’re using sweetened shredded coconut in this recipe for a couple of reasons that contribute to the overall deliciousness:

• Enhanced Sweetness: It adds an extra layer of sweetness to the cookies, complementing the granulated and brown sugars for that classic cookie flavor we all love.
• Moisture and Chewiness: Sweetened coconut often contains a bit more moisture than unsweetened, which can contribute to a softer and chewier texture in the final cookie.
• Classic Coconut Cookie Taste: Many traditional coconut cookie recipes call for sweetened coconut, giving it that familiar and comforting flavor profile.

Let’s Get Baking!

1. Preheat & Prep: Get your oven grooving by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – this is our secret weapon for perfectly soft bottoms and easy cleanup!
2. Cream the Dream: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (or vegan alternative) and both sugars until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s like giving your ingredients a little spa treatment!
3. Egg-cellent Addition: Beat in the egg (or flax egg) and the vanilla extract until everything is well combined and looking smooth.
4. Dry Ingredients, Assemble!: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour (or gluten-free blend), baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want tender cookies, not tough ones!
5. Coconut Kiss: Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. Now it’s really starting to smell like paradise!
6. Scoop It Up: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one – they’ll spread a bit as they bake.
7. Bake to Golden Bliss: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue to set up as they cool.
8. Cool Down & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part – resisting the urge to devour them immediately!

Tips for Extra Tropical Vibes:

• Toast Your Coconut (Optional): You can still lightly toast sweetened coconut for a slightly different flavor profile, but keep a close eye on it as it can brown more quickly due to the added sugar. Let it cool completely before adding it to the dough.
• Add a Hint of Lime: A teaspoon of lime zest in the dough adds a bright, citrusy twist that complements the coconut beautifully.
• Chocolate Chips? Why Not!: Feel free to toss in some white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of indulgence.

So there you have it! A batch of soft and chewy coconut cookies ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical getaway. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these little bites of paradise are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking!