Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies

Q: How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and don’t skip the parchment paper. Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes can also help.

Posted on April 24, 2025

Freshly Baked Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies

Dessert

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If sunshine had a flavor, it would taste just like these Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies! Light, chewy, and bursting with zesty lemon and sweet coconut, these cookies are a perfect treat for spring picnics, afternoon tea, or anytime your taste buds need a tropical getaway. Plus, they’re so simple to whip up, even beginner bakers will feel like pros.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies

These Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies are pure joy in every bite! They strike that perfect balance between tangy and sweet, with the bright citrusy zing of lemon and the subtle tropical richness of shredded coconut. The texture? Think soft and chewy on the inside with just a hint of crisp around the edges. They’re made with simple pantry ingredients, come together in under 30 minutes, and are totally freezer-friendly. Whether you need a quick dessert or a make-ahead treat for your cookie jar, these cookies are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite!

Ingredients

These cookies come together with easy-to-find ingredients, but deliver next-level flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

These cookies are a breeze to make—no chill time, no fancy equipment, just mix, scoop, and bake!

How to Make Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies Step-by-Step — Quick, easy, and full of flavor—these cookies come together in just 30 minutes!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer.
Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Fold in the shredded coconut with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just golden but the centers are still soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Once cooled, dust with a little powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 cookies, depending on how generously you scoop them.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Cool Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: Just about 30 minutes from start to finish!

Tips and Variations

Want to make these cookies your own? Here are a few easy tweaks and tricks:

Add a coconut glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of coconut milk and drizzle over cooled cookies for extra indulgence.
Go tropical: Add a handful of chopped dried pineapple or mango bits for a fruity twist.
Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—these cookies still come out soft and delicious!
Zest it up: Love lemon? Add a little extra zest or a splash of lemon extract for more citrus punch.
Toasted coconut: For a nutty flavor boost, toast the coconut in the oven for a few minutes before mixing in.

Storage

These Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies store like a dream, making them great for make-ahead baking!

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness.
Freezer (Baked): Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp when ready to eat.
Freezer (Unbaked): Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh is best for that bright, zesty flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no added sugar.

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes! If you prefer less sweetness, unsweetened shredded coconut is a great swap. Just know the cookies may be slightly less chewy.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and don’t skip the parchment paper. Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes can also help.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! These cookies double (or even triple) well—just use multiple baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested for 5 mins).

Why are my cookies dry or crumbly?

That could mean too much flour. Try spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off instead of scooping.

What pairs well with these cookies?

They’re amazing with a hot cup of tea, iced lemonade, or even vanilla ice cream for a tropical cookie sandwich!

These Lemon Coconut Heaven Cookies are everything the name promises—soft, sunny, and seriously irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a summer party, a cookie swap, or just a cozy treat for yourself, these cookies deliver tropical vibes in every bite. Plus, they’re easy enough for a weekday bake and fancy enough for a weekend celebration.

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

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Why it fits: This dinner recipe also features the tropical pairing of coconut and lemon—link it when talking about other coconut-lemon recipes your readers might enjoy.

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Why it fits: Another dreamy dessert with unique flavor layers. Link this when discussing dessert variety or as a suggestion for a dessert board.

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Why it fits: A rich, comforting dessert that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the cookies. Use it as a “next up” suggestion at the end of the post.

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