Irresistibly Soft Frosted Coconut Sugar Cookies: Your New Favorite Tropical Treat
Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Coconut Sugar Cookies! These aren’t just any sugar cookies; they are a delightful fusion of a classic soft, chewy cookie with an enchanting tropical twist. Each bite delivers a burst of rich coconut flavor, amplified by a luscious, creamy coconut buttercream frosting, and finished with a sprinkle of perfectly toasted coconut. They’re an absolute dream for any coconut lover and a guaranteed hit for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
What makes these cookies truly stand out is the thoughtful incorporation of both coconut extract and coconut oil into the dough. This strategic pairing ensures a profound, natural coconut essence without compromising the beloved soft and chewy texture that defines a perfect sugar cookie. The addition of the coconut-infused buttercream takes them to an entirely new level, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is simply heavenly. Whether you’re looking for a special treat, a unique dessert for a potluck, or just an excuse to bake something utterly delicious, these frosted coconut sugar cookies are a must-try recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Crafting the Perfect Coconut Oil Sugar Cookies
When we talk about these exquisite coconut sugar cookies, it’s important to clarify: we’re using coconut oil for flavor and texture, not coconut sugar as a primary sweetener. While experimenting with coconut sugar can be interesting (and we encourage you to try it and share your results!), our recipe focuses on achieving that distinct coconut taste while maintaining the beloved characteristics of a traditional sugar cookie. This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, incorporating a few simple yet impactful adaptations.
The secret to their exceptional softness and tender crumb lies in a couple of key ingredients. Powdered sugar is included in the dough, not just for sweetness, but also to contribute to that incredibly delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cream of tartar, a common ingredient in many soft sugar cookie recipes, plays a crucial role in leavening and keeping the cookies wonderfully tender. The star ingredient, however, is coconut oil, which replaces traditional butter or shortening as the primary fat. Coconut oil not only infuses a subtle, authentic coconut flavor directly into the cookie dough but also contributes to a uniquely moist and tender texture that is truly irresistible. These cookies are surprisingly simple to create, but the result is a truly gourmet treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t wait – dive into making these delicious coconut oil sugar cookies today!
Essential Coconut Sugar Cookie Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful frosted coconut cookies. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture:
- Butter: You will need 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugars, incorporating air for a lighter cookie.
- Coconut Oil: Use ¾ cups of high-quality coconut oil. This ingredient is key for introducing that distinct coconut flavor into the dough and contributing to the cookie’s tender texture. Ensure it’s in a softened, semi-solid state for easy mixing.
- Sugars: This recipe calls for a blend of sugars for optimal sweetness and texture. You’ll need 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar for sweetness and structure, and ¾ cups of powdered sugar, which helps create a wonderfully soft and tender crumb.
- Milk: Just 2 tablespoons of milk are needed to help achieve the ideal dough consistency, adding a touch of moisture without making the dough sticky. Whole milk or a dairy-free alternative works well.
- Coconut Extract: For an unmistakable and vibrant coconut flavor, incorporate 2 teaspoons of coconut extract or emulsion. This boosts the natural coconut taste from the oil.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together and contributing to their rich texture and golden color. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification.
- Leavening Agents: A combination of ½ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar is essential for the cookies to rise properly and maintain their soft, chewy interior. This duo ensures a perfectly leavened batch.
- Salt: Adding 1 teaspoon of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the delicious flavors in your cookies. Don’t skip it!
- Flour: The structural base of your cookie dough will be 5 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Make sure to measure it correctly, preferably by weight or using the spoon-and-level method, to avoid dense cookies.
Decadent Coconut Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
No frosted coconut sugar cookie is complete without its crowning glory – a rich and creamy coconut buttercream. Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible topping:
- Butter: You will need ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This forms the luxurious base of your buttercream, ensuring a rich and smooth consistency.
- Sour Cream: Just 2 tablespoons of sour cream add a subtle tanginess that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cookies and provides an extra layer of moisture to the frosting. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best results.
- Powdered Sugar: The foundation of any buttercream, you’ll need 4 cups of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar). This provides sweetness and the silky-smooth texture characteristic of a perfect frosting. Sift it if clumpy for an extra smooth finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out the flavors in the frosting, adding warmth and depth.
- Coconut Extract: To imbue the frosting with an equally strong and delightful coconut flavor, include 1 teaspoon of coconut extract or emulsion. This ensures the coconut theme is consistent throughout the cookie.
- Milk (for consistency): Start with 1-2 tablespoons of milk, adding it gradually until you reach your desired frosting consistency. This could be whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Food Coloring: If you wish to add a festive touch or match a theme, a few drops of food coloring can be incorporated to tint your frosting any color you desire.
- Toasted Coconut: For an irresistible crunch and enhanced coconut aroma, toasted coconut flakes are the perfect garnish. They add visual appeal and an extra layer of texture.
How to Make Delicious Coconut Sugar Cookies
Creating these delightful homemade coconut sugar cookies is a straightforward process, but following these steps carefully will ensure the best results:
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, coconut oil, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, milk, and coconut extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the two eggs. Continue mixing until the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture, ensuring everything is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Integrate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain and a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the cookie dough into uniform 1-inch sized balls. Place these balls onto a greased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. For best results, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Flatten and Texture: Lightly spray the bottom of a glass cup or a measuring cup with cooking spray, then dip it into a shallow plate coated with a thin layer of granulated sugar. Gently press down on each cookie dough ball to create a flat, round shape with slightly rough, textured edges. The sugar on the bottom of the glass prevents sticking and adds a lovely sugary crust. Avoid pressing too hard; you want the cookies to remain relatively thick for that signature soft, chewy texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes. They should be lightly golden brown around the edges but still appear soft in the center. Over-baking will result in dry cookies.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before attempting to frost them.
How to Prepare the Dreamy Coconut Buttercream Frosting
Creating the perfect coconut buttercream for your frosted coconut cookies is simple and adds that final touch of tropical indulgence:
- Combine Frosting Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Start on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere, then increase to medium-high. Beat until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency: Slowly add the milk, a little bit at a time (about 1 tablespoon at a time), until you achieve your desired frosting consistency. If you prefer a thicker frosting for piping, use less milk. For a thinner, more spreadable frosting, add a bit more.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional): If you desire to tint your frosting, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage and mix until evenly distributed. A light blue or green can be lovely for a tropical theme.
- Toast Coconut Flakes (Optional, but highly recommended): To make delicious toasted coconut for topping, spread ¼ cup of sweetened flaked coconut evenly in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Stir constantly. After just a few minutes, the coconut will begin to turn a beautiful golden brown and become fragrant. Watch it closely, as it can burn quickly! Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a plate to cool completely before using.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the prepared coconut buttercream evenly over the top of each cookie using an offset spatula or a knife. For a more professional look, you can pipe the frosting using a pastry bag and a decorative tip. Finally, generously sprinkle some of the cooled toasted coconut over the frosted cookies, if desired, for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Enjoy every delectable bite!
Coconut Sugar Cookies Recipe Card
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup coconut oil softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk any type
- 2 tsp coconut extract or emulsion
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Coconut Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 Tbsp sour cream full-fat recommended
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted if clumpy
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract or emulsion
- food coloring optional, for desired color
- 1-2 Tbsp milk to consistency
- toasted coconut flakes for topping, if desired
Instructions
For the Coconut Sugar Cookies:
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In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, coconut oil, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, milk, and coconut extract until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
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Add the eggs and mix until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together and is smooth and well combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Roll the dough into 1-inch sized balls and place them onto a greased baking sheet, or one lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Lightly spray the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup with cooking spray, then dip it into a shallow plate coated with a thin layer of granulated sugar.
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Gently press each dough ball down slightly with the sugared glass to create a disk shape with a rough edge. Don’t press them too thin; these cookies are best when thick and soft.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-9 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers still appear soft.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before frosting.
For the Coconut Buttercream Frosting:
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To prepare the frosting, combine the softened butter, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring now if desired.
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Add the milk, a little at a time (1 tablespoon at a time), mixing until you achieve your desired consistency for piping or spreading.
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Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe the frosting over each cookie. If using, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
To Make Toasted Coconut (Optional):
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Add ¼ cup sweetened flaked coconut to a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Stir constantly. After a few minutes, the coconut will begin to toast and turn light brown. Remove from heat immediately, cool completely on a plate, then sprinkle on frosted cookies.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
Cookie Size Matters: Small vs. Large Coconut Sugar Cookies
One of the beauties of this coconut sugar cookie recipe is its versatility when it comes to size. If you adhere to the recipe’s suggestion of rolling the cookie dough into 1-inch sized balls, you’ll yield a generous batch of approximately 48 delicious, bite-sized cookies. These smaller cookies are perfect for sharing, cookie platters, or when you simply want a small treat. They cook evenly and cool quickly, making them a great option for quick baking.
However, if you prefer a more substantial cookie, you can easily adapt the recipe for larger scoops. Using a larger cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter) will result in about 24-28 larger cookies. When making bigger cookies, be aware that they will require an additional minute or two of bake time to ensure they are cooked through. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking cycle. Regardless of size, these frosted coconut sugar cookies turn out wonderfully, offering that same irresistible soft texture and vibrant coconut flavor. The choice is yours, depending on your preference and the occasion!
Storing Your Delightful Coconut Sugar Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your frosted coconut sugar cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once frosted, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Storing them in the fridge can help firm up the frosting, which is particularly useful in warmer climates.
These cookies also freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy them long after baking. To freeze frosted cookies effectively and prevent the frosting from sticking, we highly recommend flash freezing them first. Arrange the frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the frosting is firm to the touch. Once flash-frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container. For added protection and to prevent any potential sticking, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers of cookies. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. They will taste just as fresh and delightful as the day they were baked!
Explore More Delicious Sugar Cookie Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed these amazing coconut sugar cookies and are looking to expand your baking repertoire, we have a variety of other fantastic sugar cookie recipes that are sure to delight. From classic favorites to unique flavor combinations, there’s a sugar cookie for every palate and occasion:
- BUTTER SUGAR COOKIES: The timeless classic, rich and buttery.
- CHOCOLATE SUGAR COOKIES: A chocolatey twist on the traditional favorite.
- CREAM CHEESE SUGAR COOKIES: Extra soft and tender with a delightful tang.
- CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE BARS: Festive and easy to make for holiday gatherings.
- LEMON SUGAR COOKIE BARS: Bright and zesty, a perfect citrusy treat.
- PEPPERMINT FUDGE SUGAR COOKIES: A minty, chocolatey delight for the holidays.
- BUTTERMILK SUGAR COOKIES: Exceptionally moist and tender.
- SOUR CREAM SUGAR COOKIES: Adding richness and a slight tang for a unique flavor profile.
- LEMON JELLO SUGAR COOKIES: Fun, colorful, and bursting with lemon flavor.
- FROSTED LEMON SUGAR COOKIES: Tangy and sweet with a lovely lemon glaze.
- SUGAR COOKIE BARS: The convenience of a bar with all the classic sugar cookie taste.
- WATERMELON SUGAR COOKIES: A whimsical and fruity option, great for summer.
- FROSTED ROSE SUGAR COOKIES: Elegant and beautifully decorated for special occasions.
- LIME SUGAR COOKIES: Zesty and refreshing, a tropical cousin to our coconut cookies.
- SOFT SUGAR COOKIES: The ultimate recipe for consistently soft and chewy sugar cookies.
Baking, for us, is often about more than just the ingredients and the finished product; it’s about family, memories, and shared moments. This picture reminds me of Grandpa Bill, who passed away a couple of years ago. We all miss him dearly. He was a true hero, serving in both WWII and the Korean War in the Air Force. About a year before he passed, he gave a presentation at a local church about his time in the service. I was incredibly fortunate to attend and record the entire event, which was truly amazing! He shared stories I had never heard before, tales of bravery and resilience that captivated everyone. I immediately came home, transcribed the entire event, and shared it with our extended family. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to know Bill so well, as we lived very close during the last decade of his life. It warms my heart to think that my children were able to know their great-grandfather so intimately. We miss you, Grandpa! Your spirit lives on in these cherished family moments and, perhaps, in the joy of shared recipes.
We are confident you’re going to absolutely adore these coconut sugar cookies! They represent a perfect marriage of the comforting familiarity of a classic sugar cookie with the exotic allure of tropical coconut. The exquisite balance of sweetness and rich coconut flavor, coupled with the soft texture and creamy frosting, ensures that every single bite is nothing short of pure heaven. Get ready to bake a batch and transport your taste buds to a delightful, coconut-infused paradise!
Indulge in these magnificent Coconut Sugar Cookies—each one a soft, tender delight bursting with lovely coconut flavor! Perfectly frosted with our signature coconut buttercream and crowned with crunchy toasted coconut, they offer a truly delicious and memorable cookie experience. Ideal for sharing or savoring all to yourself!