If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together the best of crispy cookies, melty chocolate, and tropical coconut, then this Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful sandwich cookies combine the perfect amount of chewiness and crunch, with a luscious, creamy coconut filling that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this recipe. These simple, pantry-friendly staples each play an essential role—flour and baking soda create structure and lift, while the butter and sugars add richness and sweetness. The shredded coconut brings a lovely texture and flavor contrast, and, of course, chocolate chips lend that comforting, gooey indulgence.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies their perfect bite and helps everything hold together.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft yet slightly chewy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and moisture to your dough for tender cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness around the edges.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a hint of caramel flavor and chewy texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together while adding richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cookie dough and filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut: Provides that irresistible tropical chew throughout the cookies.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts perfectly in the oven, creating those classic chocolatey pockets.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for filling): Soothes the coconut filling with sweetness and smoothness.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for filling): Ensures the creamy filling holds onto its delicious coconut flavor and texture.
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream: Balances the filling’s thickness for easy spreading without losing richness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important to distribute the leavening agent evenly and helps create a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air into the batter, giving the cookies a wonderful lift and softness.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and combined. These ingredients add richness and flavor to your cookies.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle here.
Step 6: Fold in Coconut and Chocolate
Now, add the shredded coconut and chocolate chips, folding them evenly throughout the dough. This is where that tropical and chocolate goodness really starts to come to life!
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Flatten each gently with the back of a spoon, so they bake evenly. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown but the centers remain nice and soft.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely is key before adding the filling so that the cookies don’t get soggy.
Step 9: Prepare the Coconut Filling
Beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency. This luscious filling is the heart of the sandwich cookie’s appeal.
Step 10: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Once cooled, spread a generous layer of coconut filling on one cookie’s flat side and top it with another cookie. Press them gently to spread the filling evenly all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top after assembling your cookies for an eye-catching finish that hints at the delicious filling inside. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate also amps up the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or pineapple, which enhance the tropical coconut notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into party treats by arranging them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or serving them with colorful sprinkles pressed into the coconut filling before sandwiching. You could also pack a few in cellophane bags tied with a cheerful ribbon for delightful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your sandwich cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft and delicious for 4 to 5 days—making them an excellent choice for meal prep or dessert plans ahead.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze well. Freeze the cookies (unfilled) on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the filling separately in an airtight container. Thaw and assemble just before serving for best results.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, simply let frozen cookies thaw naturally for an hour or two. If you want that freshly baked warmth, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Absolutely! Using unsweetened shredded coconut will reduce some sweetness and give a more natural coconut flavor. You can adjust the sugar in the filling slightly if you prefer it sweeter.
Is it okay to substitute butter with margarine?
Butter adds a richness and flavor that margarine can’t quite match. If you must substitute, use one with similar fat content, but expect a slight difference in taste and texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can try replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind the texture might vary a bit, so a blend with xanthan gum works best.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these sandwich cookies stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their texture and flavor.
Can I use milk or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in whatever chocolate chips you love best. Milk or white chocolate chips will add a sweeter, creamier taste that pairs beautifully with the coconut.
Final Thoughts
This wonderfully warm and fun Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe is one of those treats you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of textures and flavors feels like a mini celebration with every bite. So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to delight yourself and your loved ones with these fabulous cookies. Trust me, they’re worth every crumb!
Print
Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these delicious Chocolate Chip Coconut Sandwich Cookies featuring soft, chewy chocolate chip coconut cookies filled with a creamy coconut frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and sweetened shredded coconut, these sandwich cookies are ideal for sharing or enjoying as a special treat.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Coconut Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (as needed to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will ensure your cookies rise properly and have balanced flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to add moisture and sweetness to your cookie dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Fold in Coconut and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and semi-sweet chocolate chips so that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, then gently flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon to encourage even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breakage during assembly.
- Prepare the Coconut Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Filling Consistency: Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until reaching a smooth, spreadable consistency suitable for sandwiching between cookies.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of coconut filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly to the edges.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your coconut chocolate chip sandwich cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut depending on your taste preferences.
- For a firmer filling, add less heavy cream; for a creamier filling, add a bit more as needed.
- Make sure cookies are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
- These cookies can be refrigerated for extended freshness but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional: Toast the shredded coconut before adding for a deeper, nutty flavor in both the dough and filling.

