Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies

These Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies are soft, sweet, and loaded with gooey caramel bits and toasted coconut flakes. Each bite is a delicious blend of buttery cookie dough, rich caramel, and a hint of tropical coconut flavor — perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love chewy cookies with a little texture and lots of flavor, this recipe is for you. The caramel melts into pockets of gooey goodness while the coconut adds a lightly toasted crunch. These cookies come together quickly and freeze well, making them perfect for bake sales, gifting, or a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Caramel baking bits or soft caramels, chopped
• Sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Stir in the caramel bits and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked — they’ll continue to set as they cool.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Total time, including prep and baking, is approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

• Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost.
• Use unsweetened coconut if you prefer less sweetness.
• Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a pretty finish.
• Swap caramel bits for butterscotch chips for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra chewy, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded coconut?

Fresh coconut has a higher moisture content, so it’s best to stick with shredded or desiccated coconut for the right texture.

Do I need to toast the coconut first?

It’s optional — toasting the coconut before adding it to the dough enhances its nutty flavor and adds a bit more crunch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days or freeze it in portioned balls for easy baking later.

How do I keep the caramel bits from melting too much?

Use caramel baking bits, which hold their shape better than soft caramels. If using chopped caramels, chill the dough before baking to help prevent spreading.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or macadamia nuts pair wonderfully with caramel and coconut.

How can I make the cookies extra chewy?

Don’t overbake them — pull them out when the centers are still slightly underdone. Also, using more brown sugar than white sugar keeps cookies chewy.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best way to serve these cookies?

Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, crumble them over ice cream, or sandwich them around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun treat.

Conclusion

These Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crunchy in every bite. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!

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