Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies

May be an image of coconut macaroon

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg until fully combined. Next, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The fresh lemon zest is key—it provides intense citrus flavor without making the dough too wet.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as that can make the cookies dense instead of soft.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and makes stuffing them much easier.

Step 7: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop a small portion of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add a small spoonful of the chilled cheesecake filling to the center. Top with another small piece of dough and gently seal the edges, rolling it into a smooth ball.

Step 8: Coat with Coconut

Roll each dough ball in shredded coconut, pressing lightly so the coconut sticks well. This adds texture, flavor, and a lightly toasted finish after baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 11–14 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should still look soft.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. As they cool, the cheesecake filling sets into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center.

Tips for Best Results

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest filling.
Zest the lemon before juicing it to get maximum flavor.
Don’t overbake—soft centers are part of what makes these cookies irresistible.
For extra lemon flavor, add a light lemon glaze once the cookies are fully cooled.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of bright citrus, creamy indulgence, and tropical sweetness. They look impressive, taste bakery-quality, and are surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, these cookies deliver a refreshing twist on classic cheesecake—one soft, flavorful bite at a time.

If you’d like, I can also: