Carolina Coconut Cookies are a wonderful fusion of textures and flavors, offering crisp, buttery edges with a chewy, moist interior. These cookies are bursting with rich coconut goodness, making them a perfect treat for any coconut lover. Inspired by the southern tradition of indulgent yet simple desserts, these cookies are easy to make, with a few staple pantry ingredients elevated by the addition of toasted coconut. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a sweet ending to a meal, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and tropical.

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What sets these cookies apart is their versatility and ease of customization. While the recipe calls for coconut flakes as the star ingredient, you can enhance the flavor by adding chopped toffee pieces, which melt into the cookies, creating a delightful mix of buttery sweetness and crunch. You can also experiment with different types of sugar—such as swapping light brown sugar for dark brown to give the cookies a deeper, molasses-like flavor—or adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced undertone. The dough itself is incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.

The key to perfect Carolina Coconut Cookies lies in achieving that balance between a crispy exterior and a chewy center. By using a combination of white sugar and light brown sugar, these cookies spread just enough in the oven to form a crisp edge, while the moisture from the brown sugar and coconut flakes ensures that the interior remains soft and chewy. Toasting the coconut flakes beforehand adds an extra layer of flavor, giving the cookies a rich, nutty aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. And while they’re delicious on their own, you can easily take them to the next level by drizzling them with melted chocolate or adding chopped nuts like pecans or macadamia for added texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 20 Cookies):

• • - Calories: 190 kcal
  • - Protein: 2g
  • - Carbohydrates: 25g
  • - Fat: 9g
  • - Sugars: 14g
  • - Sodium: 80mg

Storage Information:

These cookies store beautifully, making them a great option for make-ahead desserts or gifting. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them last longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture. The crispy edges will stay intact, while the chewy centers retain their moisture even after being stored.

Beyond the simplicity of their ingredients, Carolina Coconut Cookies are an excellent canvas for customization. While the recipe is perfect as is, you can experiment by incorporating different mix-ins, such as mini chocolate chips or dried fruit like chopped apricots or cranberries, which add bursts of tart sweetness to contrast the rich coconut flavor. For an even more indulgent version, you could sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a sophisticated finish. No matter how you choose to make them, these cookies will always deliver that delightful mix of crisp and chewy, with a coconut flavor that shines through in every bite.

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Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• - 1 large egg
• - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• - 1/2 cup white sugar
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 1/2 cup butter, very soft
• - 2 cups coconut flakes, lightly toasted
• - 1 toffee bar, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Gently fold in the toasted coconut flakes and chopped toffee pieces (if using).

5. Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

6. Gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand, ensuring the edges remain slightly thicker to retain that chewy center.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.

8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Photo byTijana DrndarskionUnsplash

These Carolina Coconut Cookies are a delightful combination of texture and flavor, offering the perfect balance of crisp edges and a chewy interior packed with coconut. Whether you enjoy them plain, with added toffee, or dressed up with chocolate, they’re a delicious and versatile treat that’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good cookie!