Dreamy Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Zesty Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Fans

Soft, buttery cookies dance with bright citrus notes in this irresistible lemon coconut cheesecake cookies recipe that promises pure delight.

Creamy cheesecake elements blend seamlessly with zesty lemon and tropical coconut for an unexpected flavor explosion.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet nuances that melt on your tongue.

The delicate texture combines crumbly cookie edges with a rich, smooth center that hints at classic cheesecake indulgence.

Shredded coconut adds delightful crunch and tropical undertones to these incredibly addictive treats.

These cookies transform an ordinary dessert moment into a spectacular culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet elegant cookie that elevates your baking repertoire with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 23

Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Ingredient Breakdown

For Creamy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious richness and velvety texture to the cookie's core.
  • Sugar: Delivers sweet balance and helps create smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Zest: Brings bright, zesty citrus notes that complement the creamy base.
  • Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical crunch and delightful textural contrast.
  • Lemon Juice: Intensifies citrus punch and adds subtle tangy undertone.
For Binding and Structure:
  • Flour: Provides essential structure and helps cookies hold their delicate shape.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light, tender texture with gentle rising effect.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredient flavors.

Kitchen Tools For Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies

  • Electric mixer: Perfect for whipping cream cheese to silky smoothness.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining cream cheese mixture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Teaspoon or cookie scoop: Helps create uniform, bite-sized cookie portions.
  • Parchment paper: Ensures cookies don't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for freezing and baking cookies.
  • Freezer: Crucial for setting the cream cheese mixture before baking.

How To Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Right

  • Creamy Blend

Soften cream cheese and combine with sugar and vanilla, whipping until the mixture becomes silky and uniform. The goal is a luxurious texture that hints at the decadence to come.

  • Chilled Dollops

Create tiny, delicate mounds of the cream cheese mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer, allowing the dollops to solidify and transform into little flavor bombs. The cooling process helps concentrate the rich, tangy essence of the cookie base.

  • Tropical Transformation

Gently coat each frozen cream cheese drop with shredded coconut, ensuring a complete and even coverage. The coconut adds a tropical whisper and delightful crunch that elevates the cookie from simple to spectacular.

  • Final Flourish

Finish by drizzling a light lemon glaze over the coconut-covered morsels. This final touch brings a bright, citrusy note that dances perfectly with the creamy and sweet base, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will surprise and delight anyone who takes a bite.

Coconut And Lemon Swaps For Cheesecake Cookies

  • Cream Cheese Chilling Trick: Freeze the cream cheese dollops for optimal texture, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly during baking and prevent spreading.
  • Zesty Flavor Boost: Add extra lemon zest directly into the mixture for a more intense citrus punch that complements the creamy base.
  • Texture Transformation: Roll the frozen cream cheese portions in shredded coconut before baking to create a delightful crispy exterior and enhance the tropical flavor profile.
  • Dietary Twist Options: Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index version, or use dairy-free cream cheese to make the cookies suitable for those with lactose sensitivities. Gluten-free bakers can substitute traditional ingredients with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to accommodate their dietary needs.

Serving Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Neatly

  • Tropical Island Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a wooden board with fresh pineapple slices, toasted coconut flakes, and a small dish of lemon curd for dipping.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside Earl Grey tea in delicate china cups, creating an elegant dessert experience that balances the cookies' sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Dessert Gift Packaging: Stack cookies in a clear gift box tied with a raffia ribbon, perfect for hostess gifts or summer celebration treats that showcase their unique texture and tropical inspiration.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair with light mimosas or fresh fruit smoothies for a delightful mid-morning sweet bite that adds a touch of indulgence to weekend gatherings.

Storing Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies For Later

  • Fridge Friendly Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, layering between wax paper to prevent sticking. Chilling helps maintain their delicate texture and preserves the creamy coconut flavor.
  • Freezer Magic: These cookies freeze beautifully for 2-3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare cookie dough balls and freeze unbaked for spontaneous baking. Simply transfer directly from freezer to baking sheet and add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Temperature Tip: Store lemon coconut cheesecake cookies between 34-40°F to maintain optimal taste and texture. Cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and potential sogginess.
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Dreamy Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Dreamy Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Lemon coconut cheesecake cookies blend tangy citrus with creamy cheesecake notes in a delightful treat. Crumbly, zesty, and rich, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors that will delight dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 pack (225 g / 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (75 g) shredded sweetened coconut
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Cream Cheese Preparation: Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and velvety, eliminating any potential lumps.
  2. Freezing Cream Cheese Centers: Portion cream cheese mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until completely solid.
  3. Cookie Dough Creation: Craft a tender dough infused with vibrant lemon zest and delicate coconut flakes, creating a flavor-packed base.
  4. Cookie Assembly: Carefully encase each frozen cream cheese center within the cookie dough, ensuring complete and secure coverage to prevent any filling escape during baking.
  5. Baking Process: Arrange cookie morsels on a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until edges transform into a golden-brown, crispy perfection, indicating ideal doneness.
  6. Cooling Technique: Rest cookies briefly on the baking sheet, then transition to a wire rack to complete cooling and stabilize their delectable texture.

Notes

  • Chill Cream Cheese Precisely: Freeze cream cheese portions exactly 30 minutes for optimal texture and easy handling during cookie assembly.
  • Handle Dough Gently: Use light touches when wrapping frozen cream cheese centers to prevent breaking or tearing the delicate cookie dough.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Ensure cream cheese is completely frozen to prevent leakage and maintain clean, defined cookie edges during baking.
  • Temperature Matters: Preheat oven accurately and watch closely during final minutes to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without burning.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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