Description
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies bursting with fresh lemon zest, chewy coconut, and a creamy cheesecake center. These easy homemade cookies bring a tropical, tangy twist to your dessert table and are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp (30g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (for dough)
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 tbsp/8g)
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract (for dough)
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
- 1/4 tsp (1g) baking soda
- 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
- 1 cup (80g) sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Chill in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Beat in egg, lemon zest, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in shredded coconut. Chill dough in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly, and place 1/2 teaspoon of chilled cheesecake filling in the center. Top with another tablespoon of dough, seal edges, and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Arrange cookie balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill both the filling and dough for best results. If dough gets sticky, dust hands with flour or coconut. Bake one tray at a time for even cooking. Filling and dough can be prepped a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: lemon coconut cheesecake cookies, lemon cookies, coconut cookies, cheesecake cookies, easy dessert, homemade cookies, tropical cookies, spring dessert, summer cookies