Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies

Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies

Tangy, creamy, and tropical—these soft, buttery cookies are stuffed with a lemony cheesecake filling and rolled in toasted coconut for the ultimate treat!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup shredded coconut (toasted for extra flavor)

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling:

• ½ cup shredded coconut (toasted)

Instructions

1. Toast Coconut (Optional but Recommended):

   • Spread coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Cool.

2. Make Cheesecake Filling:

   • Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.

   • Scoop into 1 tsp balls, place on a tray, and freeze 15 minutes (for easier handling).

3. Make Cookie Dough:

   • Cream butter + sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.

   • Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 cup toasted coconut until combined.

4. Assemble Cookies:

   • Scoop 1 tbsp cookie dough, flatten slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center.

   • Wrap dough around filling, roll into a ball, then roll in remaining toasted coconut.

   • Place on a lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.

5. Bake:

   • At 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

   • Let cool 5 minutes on the tray (filling will set as they cool).

Tips for Success

🍋 Zest First, Juice Later – Zest lemons before juicing to avoid bitter pith.
❄️ Chill Dough if Sticky – Freeze dough balls for 10 mins if too soft to handle.
🌴 Coconut Hack – Use sweetened coconut for extra flavor, or unsweetened for less sugar.

Variations

• Key Lime Twist – Swap lemon for lime zest/juice.

• White Chocolate Drizzle – Melt white chocolate over cooled cookies.

• Gluten-Free – Use 1:1 GF flour blend.

These taste like sunshine in every bite! ☀️ Will you try them? #CookieLove #DessertGoals