As the chill of winter settles in and snow blankets the landscape, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. This year, despite a surprisingly mild start to the season in Kansas, the recent drop in temperature and a sudden snowstorm have finally ushered in the perfect baking weather. With the thermometer reading a crisp 19 degrees, it’s time to embrace cozy comforts, and for me, that means diving headfirst into the wonderful world of coconut!

Coconut, with its unique tropical sweetness and delightful texture, is a flavor I adore, especially during these colder months. It evokes a sense of warmth and escape, a little ray of sunshine in every bite. And what better way to celebrate this versatile ingredient than with a batch of these glorious Coconut Crinkle Cookies? They are quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and will undoubtedly hold us over until spring arrives with its own array of fresh delights.

Why These Coconut Crinkle Cookies Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

Crinkle cookies hold a special place in our family’s heart, and for good reason! They are famously simple to prepare, making them an ideal baking project for kids (especially the fun part of rolling them in sugar!). But beyond their ease, these Coconut Crinkle Cookies offer an exceptional culinary experience. We’ve packed them with an abundance of shredded coconut and a few precious drops of coconut extract, ensuring an authentic and intense coconut flavor that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

The aroma alone is absolutely captivating, but the texture is truly where these cookies shine. They boast a tender, chewy interior with slightly crisp edges, all encased in a beautiful, crackled powdered sugar coating. What makes them even more appealing? There’s absolutely no chilling required for the dough, meaning these delightful treats can go from your mixing bowl to your table in less than 30 minutes! Perfect for unexpected guests or a sudden cookie craving.

These versatile cookies are not only a simple afternoon dessert but also a perfect addition to a Spring brunch, an elegant baby shower, or a charming bridal shower. Their delicate appearance and exquisite flavor make them suitable for any gathering, big or small. Prepare to fall in love with these effortlessly charming and utterly delicious Coconut Crinkle Cookies!

Coconut Crinkle Cookies

Author:
Anna

Coconut Crinkle Cookies – incredibly easy, one-bowl cookies bursting with rich coconut flavor from both extract and shredded coconut, finished with a beautiful crinkled sugar coating.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
14 mins

Total Time:
29 mins

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
24 cookies

Calories:
128 kcal

Ingredients

• 1.75 cup all-purpose flour, plus 3 Tablespoons
• 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon coconut extract
• ¾ cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a tender cookie texture.
3. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Stir in the coconut extract. Mix again briefly until the extract is well distributed throughout the wet ingredients.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and shredded coconut. Mix only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be noticeably soft and sticky at this stage.
6. Pour the ½ cup of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoon size), scoop portions of the dough. Drop each scoop directly into the powdered sugar and gently roll the dough into uniform balls, ensuring they are generously coated on all sides.
7. Place the sugar-coated cookie balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.
8. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly puffed, the edges are set, and their tops have developed beautiful, distinct cracks. They should still appear soft in the center when removed from the oven.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period on the hot sheet helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 128 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 19g
| Protein: 1g
| Fat: 5g
| Saturated Fat: 3g
| Cholesterol: 23mg
| Sodium: 13mg
| Potassium: 49mg
| Sugar: 12g
| Vitamin A: 135IU
| Calcium: 16mg
| Iron: 0.6mg

Tried this recipe?
Leave a comment with rating below!

Tips for Baking the Best Coconut Crinkle Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is truly softened and your eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly and emulsify properly, resulting in a consistent, airy dough.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookies tough. A soft, slightly sticky dough is what you’re aiming for.
• Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! A thick, even coating is essential for achieving those beautiful, distinct crinkles and a lovely sweet exterior.
• Proper Spacing: Give your cookies enough room on the baking sheet. Placing them 2 inches apart prevents them from spreading into each other and ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: For that perfect chewy interior, watch your cookies carefully. They should be lightly set at the edges and still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them out. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Variations & Customizations

• Toasted Coconut: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, lightly toast some shredded coconut in a dry pan until golden brown, then sprinkle it over the baked cookies or gently fold it into the dough.
• Chocolate Coconut: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough along with the shredded coconut for a delightful chocolate-coconut combination.
• Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of finely grated lemon or lime zest can brighten the coconut flavor and add a refreshing twist.
• Almond Extract: While coconut extract is key, a tiny dash (e.g., ¼ teaspoon) of almond extract can complement the coconut beautifully, adding depth to the flavor profile.

Storage Instructions

These Coconut Crinkle Cookies store wonderfully! Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

You can also freeze the raw cookie dough balls (after rolling them in powdered sugar) on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them directly from the freezer onto a prepared baking sheet and bake, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Coconut Crinkle Cookies

What makes these cookies “crinkle”?

The “crinkle” effect comes from a combination of the soft dough, which spreads during baking, and the generous coating of powdered sugar. As the cookie expands, the sugar coating cracks, creating those beautiful, signature fissures. A slightly higher fat content and specific leavening agents also contribute to this unique texture.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can! If you use sweetened shredded coconut, you might want to slightly reduce the granulated sugar in the recipe by about ¼ cup, depending on your preference for sweetness. Keep in mind that sweetened coconut will also add a bit more moisture to the dough.

My cookies aren’t crinkling much. What went wrong?

The most common reasons for a lack of crinkle are: 1) Not enough powdered sugar coating (ensure a thick, even layer), 2) Overmixing the dough (which can make it too dense), or 3) Your oven temperature might be off. Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated. Also, make sure your ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

While this recipe boasts no chilling required, you can certainly prepare the dough a day in advance. Store the covered dough in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and rolling.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when their edges are lightly golden and set, and the tops have puffed up and fully cracked. The centers may still look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.

Conclusion: A Taste of Paradise in Every Crinkled Bite

These Coconut Crinkle Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful escape, a simple joy that brings warmth and flavor to any moment. With their irresistible texture, intense coconut aroma, and gorgeous appearance, they are guaranteed to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy, one-bowl recipe promises perfect results every time. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the comforting magic of coconut fill your home and your heart. Enjoy!

Related Recipes You Might Also Love

If you enjoyed these coconut delights, be sure to explore more of our easy and delicious cookie recipes:

Lemon Burst Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies