If you have a soft spot for cookies that balance rich chocolate, chewy coconut, and creamy frosting, then you are absolutely going to adore this Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the classic chocolate chip delight with a tropical twist from shredded coconut, all sandwiched around a luscious coconut-vanilla buttercream that is pure magic. Each bite feels like a tender hug filled with textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these sandwich cookies are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite that everyone will be reaching for again and again.

Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible chocolate chip coconut sandwich cookies. Each ingredient plays an essential role, bringing texture, flavor, or the perfect balance between sweet and buttery to the final cookie experience.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure and chewiness.
1 tsp baking soda: Provides lift and a light texture to make sure your cookies don’t turn out too dense.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for tender cookies.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweet flavor and a slight crisp edge.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel note and helps keep cookies moist.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and gives cookies their soft but chewy texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor depth.
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened): The star ingredient, delivering chewy bursts of tropical goodness.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic melty chocolate pockets that everyone loves.
Additional 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates the creamy base of the sandwich filling.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
Extra 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for frosting): Adds texture and flavor to the buttercream filling.
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with classic warmth.
2-3 tbsp heavy cream (as needed): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to make it smooth and spreadable.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when your dough is mixed and shaped. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent your cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple combo will evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout your cookie dough, ensuring consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial: it helps incorporate air into your dough, which leads to beautifully tender cookies that aren’t dense or heavy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This gives the dough moisture and enriches the flavor with that unmistakable vanilla warmth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. It’s important not to overmix here—overworked dough can lead to tougher cookies, so mix gently for the best texture.

Step 6: Fold in Coconut and Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part—fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips! They add chewiness and irresistible pockets of chocolate that make these cookies so special.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls, then place them on your lined baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between each. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon to help them bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are a gorgeous golden brown but the centers stay soft. This perfect balance of crispy edges and tender middles will have you swooning.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling the sandwich. This step ensures the frosting won’t melt and your sandwiches hold together beautifully.

Step 10: Make the Coconut Buttercream

While cookies cool, whip together softened butter, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until you get a smooth, creamy frosting. Adjust with cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 11: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Spread a generous layer of your coconut buttercream on the flat side of one cookie and then top it with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired and filled.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, dust the assembled sandwich cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle the edges with toasted shredded coconut. It elevates their look and adds another layer of delightful texture.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea—both pair incredibly well with the rich coconut and chocolate flavors, enhancing the overall indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a festive platter lined with tropical leaves or colorful napkins for a beachy vibe. You can also stack them in small towers tied with ribbon for gifting or special occasions that call for a little extra wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their softness and keep the filling fresh and luscious without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to extend their life, freeze the unfilled cookies separately in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the frosting in a small container as well, and assemble cookies when ready to serve.

Reheating

For the best eating experience after freezing, let the cookies thaw completely at room temperature before sandwiching. You can heat the cookies gently in a microwave for 10 seconds to bring back softness, but avoid heating the assembled sandwich to preserve the frosting integrity.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using unsweetened shredded coconut works well and keeps the overall sweetness more balanced. If you prefer a sweeter finish, feel free to use sweetened coconut instead.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or even half-and-half. Just add it slowly to achieve the right frosting consistency since these alternatives are less rich.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for a gluten-free version, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough actually helps deepen the flavors and can improve the texture of your cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not too warm or melted. Using chilled dough or refrigerating the balls before baking can also help the cookies keep their shape and avoid excessive spreading.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that brings tropical vibes and luscious frosting into every bite. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in your own sweet cravings, these cookies are a charming treat that warms the heart and brightens any day. Get out your mixing bowls and baking sheets—you won’t regret it!