Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

The Sweetest Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe For Your Family

Sweet memories of childhood summers dance through my carolina coconut cookies, blending tropical richness with nostalgic comfort.

Grandma’s coastal kitchen inspired this delightful treat that whispers of sandy beaches and warm breezes.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect texture contrast.

Each bite carries the subtle sweetness of shredded coconut and delicate buttery notes.

Southern baking traditions shine through in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Crumbly and light, these cookies promise a moment of pure bliss you’ll want to savor slowly.

Let’s bake a batch that transports you straight to paradise.

Why Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe Hits The Sweet Spot

Why Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe Hits The Sweet Spot
  • Savor Tropical Flavor Explosion: Dive into a delightful taste adventure with coconut and butterscotch chips that transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Craft Stress-Free Baking Magic: Create delicious cookies with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master without breaking a sweat.
  • Customize Your Cookie Experience: Easily swap ingredients or add personal twists to make these cookies uniquely yours, perfect for satisfying spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Wonder: Impress family and friends with a versatile treat that works for casual gatherings, potlucks, or surprise dessert moments that bring smiles all around.

What You’ll Need For Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

Primary Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich dairy product that provides moisture and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the chewy consistency of the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookie dough.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental base that gives structure to the cookies.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Shredded Coconut: Provides tropical texture and a nutty flavor to the cookies.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Introduces a rich, caramel-like sweetness that elevates the cookie's taste profile.
Binding and Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Work together to help the cookies rise and balance the overall flavor of the recipe.

How To Bake Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface that will prevent cookies from sticking and make cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Create a Fluffy Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, toss in softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Grab a hand mixer or wooden spoon and cream these ingredients together until the mixture looks light, airy, and almost cloud-like.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Crack eggs into the buttery mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

Fold into the dough:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Butterscotch chips

Use a spatula to distribute these tasty additions evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dollops

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space each dollop about 2 inches apart, giving them room to spread and create perfect cookie shapes.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for golden brown edges and tops that look set but still slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let cookies rest for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Savor Your Creation

Grab a cold glass of milk and dive into these amazing Carolina coconut cookies. Crunch, chew, and enjoy every delightful bite!

Tips To Perfect Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

  • Measure with Precision: Use exact measurements for flour and coconut to maintain the perfect cookie texture and prevent dry or overly dense results.
  • Soften Butter Smartly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even incorporation into the dough.
  • Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate baking temperature, which helps achieve consistent crispy-chewy cookie edges.
  • Store Strategically: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture and freshness.
  • Substitute with Confidence: Replace butterscotch chips with chocolate chips or chopped nuts for different flavor variations while keeping the cookie's signature crunch.

Tasty Variations On Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Coconut Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Carolina Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select vegan butterscotch chips for plant-based eaters.
  • Tropical Fruit Infusion Cookies: Substitute butterscotch chips with dried pineapple chunks or macadamia nuts to create a Hawaiian-inspired version.
  • Low-Sugar Carolina Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content for health-conscious bakers.

Pairing Ideas For Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

  • Pair with Sweet Sippers: Match these coconut cookies with creamy horchata or rich dulce de leche latte to complement the butterscotch and coconut flavors.
  • Contrast with Tangy Beverages: Serve alongside fresh passionfruit iced tea or bright key lime sparkling water to cut through the cookie's sweetness and provide a refreshing balance.
  • Create Dessert Harmony: Layer these cookies with vanilla bean gelato or pair with caramel-drizzled whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience that highlights their crispy-chewy texture.
  • Elevate with Warm Companions: Enjoy with smooth chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee to enhance the cookies' warmth and bring out their delicate coconut undertones.

Smart Ways To Store Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their crispy texture and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Pack completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers with wax paper between layers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture restoration.

FAQs About Crispy Chewy Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

  • Why are these cookies called Carolina Coconut Cookies?

The name likely comes from the unique combination of ingredients and baking style reminiscent of Southern United States, particularly Carolina’s baking traditions, featuring coconut and butterscotch flavors.

  • What makes these cookies crispy and chewy at the same time?

The balance of butter, brown sugar, and careful baking time creates a texture that’s crisp on the edges and wonderfully chewy in the center, giving these cookies their signature consistency.

  • Can I substitute the butterscotch chips?

Yes, you can swap butterscotch chips with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts to customize the cookie’s flavor profile while maintaining the core recipe.

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Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe

Carolina Coconut Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 27-30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet Carolina coconut cookies bring tropical sunshine to classic Southern baking, blending rich coconut flavor with delicate southern charm. Crisp edges and chewy centers promise delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 2 large eggs

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Baking and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie release and cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain the cookies’ chewy texture.
  5. Gently fold shredded coconut and butterscotch chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
  6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading during baking.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden brown edges and a set but soft top, which indicates the perfect crispy-chewy balance.
  8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, helping them set and develop their signature texture.
  9. Serve and savor these Carolina coconut cookies, ideally paired with a refreshing beverage to complement their rich, sweet flavor.

Notes

  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, tropical flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities while preserving their delightful texture.
  • Toast the coconut flakes beforehand to intensify their nutty, caramelized flavor and add extra depth to the cookie’s overall taste.
  • Consider reducing sugar by 25% if you prefer less sweetness, as butterscotch chips already contribute significant sweetness to the recipe.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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