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Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: Cook Time: 12
  • Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Dessert

Description

These Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake with the refreshing zest of lemon and sweet coconut, all wrapped in a chewy, soft cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful cookies are sure to impress your guests with their unique flavor and texture.


Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup shredded coconut

½ teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt (optional)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

  2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.

  3. Gradually add the flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, stirring until well combined. The dough will be slightly thick and sticky.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

  1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

  2. Chill the cheesecake filling in the fridge for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when assembling the cookies.

Assemble the Cookies:

  1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball.

  2. Use your finger or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Spoon a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of the cheesecake filling into the center.

  3. Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling and roll it back into a ball, ensuring that the cheesecake filling is completely encased in the dough.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

  3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Coconut Topping:

  1. Once the cookies have cooled, sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for extra flavor and texture.


Notes

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.

Make Ahead: Assemble the dough and filling in advance, then bake fresh the day you want to serve them.