Of course! “Coconut Chewies” is a classic name for a simple, delicious cookie that’s chewy, sweet, and packed with coconut flavor. They are essentially a type of macaroon.
Here are two fantastic recipes for Coconut Chewies: one is the classic, no-fail version, and the other is a gourmet twist with a chocolate drizzle.
Recipe 1: The Classic Coconut Chewie (5-Ingredient Wonder)
This is the quintessential recipe—incredibly easy, gluten-free, and utterly addictive. They have a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Yields: About 18-24 cookies
Ingredients
· 3 cups (about 240g) sweetened shredded coconut
· 4 large egg whites
· 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sugar, and salt. Stir in the egg whites and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the coconut is evenly moistened.
- Form the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop tightly packed mounds of the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1-2 tablespoons each. Space them about 1-2 inches apart. For a neater shape, you can lightly dampen your hands and form them into small pyramids or domes.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges and peaks are a deep, toasty golden brown. The centers should still feel soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Recipe 2: Gourmet Coconut Chewies with Chocolate Drizzle
This version uses sweetened condensed milk for an even richer, fudgier texture and a decadent chocolate finish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Yields: About 20 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
· 3 cups (about 240g) sweetened shredded coconut
· 1 can (14 oz or 396g) sweetened condensed milk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1 cup (optional) toasted chopped pecans or almonds
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
· ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
· 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, stir together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. If using, fold in the toasted nuts.
- Form and Bake: Drop tightly packed mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the tops are lightly toasted.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are very soft when warm and will firm up as they cool.
- Add the Drizzle: Once the cookies are completely cool, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave (in 20-second bursts, stirring between each) or over a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies with a fork or a small spoon.
- Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate drizzle to set at room temperature (or in the fridge for a few minutes) before serving.
Success Tips & Variations
· Don’t Skimp on Packing: Packing the coconut mixture tightly is the key to preventing the cookies from falling apart.
· Toast for Extra Flavor: For a deeper coconut flavor, spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast it at 325°F for 5-8 minutes before mixing it into the other ingredients. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
· Chewy vs. Crispy: For a chewier cookie, take them out when the edges are just golden. For a crispier cookie, bake a minute or two longer until they are golden brown all over.
· Flavor Twists:
· Almond Joy: Add ½ cup of chopped almonds and ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
· Lemon or Lime: Replace the vanilla extract with 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or lime zest for a bright, tropical flavor.
· Orange: Add 1 teaspoon of orange extract and 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
Enjoy your homemade Coconut Chewies! They are the perfect treat for coconut lovers.