It’s funny how our taste buds change over time, isn’t it? For the longest time I was the biggest coconut hater in the world. I wouldn’t go near it, even when chocolate was also involved (I was always so disappointed to find Mounds candy bars in my Halloween haul…). I know for a lot of people the texture of coconut is the problem, but it was more than that for me – I just couldn’t stand anything about it.
I don’t remember when or how I made the discovery that suddenly one of my most despised foods had become one of my favorites. I can’t imagine what would have convinced me to try anything coconut-flavored, but apparently I did and I loved it! And that love has grown into obsession – savory, sweet, beverages – basically anywhere I can add coconut I’m going to do it. The aroma and the flavor always (at least momentarily) make me feel like I’m sitting on a white sand beach on a tropical island. **Happy sigh**
A few months ago I made these coconut oatmeal white chocolate cookies, and they quickly became a favorite. I was craving them again recently, but they call for coconut oil and I didn’t have any. Rather than just replace the coconut oil with butter in the recipe, I decided to start from scratch and come up with a new recipe entirely. Because that’s what everyone does on Friday nights, right? π
I was thrilled with the result, these cookies were awesome! The coconut flavor comes from the addition of both coconut extract and sweetened shredded coconut. White chocolate chips were a necessary mix-in, I think coconut and white chocolate are a match made in heaven. The cookies have a great chewy texture too, my absolute favorite. I brought these to Shane’s company party last month and received so many nice compliments on them. If you’re a coconut fan, you have to try these cookies!
So, which camp are you in – coconut lover or hater? Anyone else have a change of heart on coconut like me?
Chewy Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies
from Tracey’s Culinary Adventures
{Note: you could increase the amount of white chocolate chips in the recipe if you want – I’m just weird and don’t like a lot of chips in my cookies.}
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and then the vanilla. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, beating just until combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips and coconut until evenly distributed.
Using a small cookie scoop (mine measures about 1 1/2 inches across), portion the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 9 minutes (rotating the baking sheets halfway through if you’re doing both at once) or until the edges of the cookies are set (the centers may look underdone – don’t overbake!). Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the cookies cool for a few minutes then remove the cookies to the wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with all of the dough.
Makes about 30 cookies
I remember your other coconut cookies very well – have been meaning to make them. And now you tempt me with these…mmmm, delish!
Coconut, oatmeal and white chocolate? Yes, please! These are some awesome looking cookies Tracey!! I want a dozen for breakfast!! How do you come up with all these cookie recipes? I always have such a hard time with cookies for some reason, but yours are always incredible!! YUM!
I’m the same way with fish… only I keep flip flopping. I used to like salmon, now I hate it. I used to eat tilapia at least once a week, now I can’t stand the thought of eating it and enjoying it. And I like coconut only some times. Like coconut macaroons I like in very very tiny amounts.
Mmmm…your cookies sound yummy. But where are the macadamia nuts? π
I despised coconut growing up but I was such a picky eater and pretty much hated everything! As an adult I have been forcing myself to try things I didn’t like and once I started making granola bars with coconut in them I realized I actually liked it. I haven’t had it paired with white chocolate yet but it sounds fabulous! I’ll be trying these soon for sure π
I love the flavour of coconut, but the texture of shredded coconut in baked goods isn’t my favourite… But I’m also that person that sometimes leaves out the nuts in baked goods because they interrupt the soft/chewy texture that I love. That being said, these cookies look really good and I’d probably make them with just the coconut extract!
I’m definitely in camp coconut love – but I know a lot of people who can’t stand the texture…maybe there’s hope for them yet. π
I’d want the entire batch of these cookies!
I’m not the hugest coconut person currently, but I like it more and more every time I try it! These are super pretty, and look chewy too!! Lovely!
I’m the same exact way! I never really liked anything coconutty but when I started baking with coconut oil, the flavor really grew on me. Now I look for more ways I can incorporate it into my desserts!
I wish I had one of these right now. I love this white chocolate/coconut combination!
I’m definitely camp coconut and I’ve always loved them. Must be from growing up in the tropics. I’m glad you had a change of heart!! I’m in love with these cookies and can’t wait to try them.
changing taste buds are so true! i used to dislike pickles, guacamole, and olives…all things i can’t get enough of these days!! glad you’ve come to the dark side with coconut–one of my faves, and these cookies sound incredible!
I like coconut & was going to try coconut oil, but it was $13.50 for a 1 lb. jar of organic. I passed on it.
I love chewy cookies and the coconut and white chocolate just makes these perfect!!
I was kind of the same way and then suddenly everything clicked and the stars aligned and I loved it! These cookies are definitely being added to the cookie rotation over here!
When I married my husband he “hated” coconut but for some reason, one day he took a bite of my Mounds candy bar and ended up eating the whole thing. Just the other day he asked me to make a coconut cream pie. Don’t know what happened, did he grow up? Didn’t make the pie since I don’t often keep it on hand since I tend to think he doesn’t like it.
Love the coconut white chocolate combination! These chewy cookies are perfect!
These cookies sound perfect! I Just had a white chocolate/coconut combo last night and Im swooning over it! LOVE these!
I love coconut! These cookies look divine π
I used to hate coconut too, but now I can’t get enough of it. These cookies sound amazing!
can you add oats to this recipe?
@Laura – I haven’t tried, but I think you could make it work. I would start with a small quantity (maybe 1/2 cup) – let me know how it goes! You could also try this recipe, which already has the oats in there. http://www.traceysculinaryadventures.com/2013/05/chewy-coconut-oatmeal-white-chocolate.html
I just got done making these and popped one in my mouth and OH. MY. GOODNESS. They are melty, coconutty, blissfully, perfectly sweet and chewy!! My batter was very thick so I ended up rolling them into balls and rolling them in white sugar before baking. I think this would make them a little too sweet for most people but they were PERFECT for me and my family!