Name: Easy Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (80 grams) sweetened shredded coconut

Whipping up a batch of delightful lemon coconut cheesecake cookies can transform an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration.

Creamy textures and zesty notes dance together in this irresistible treat.

Soft, crumbly cookie bases promise a delectable experience with every bite.

Light coconut flakes and tangy lemon create a perfect harmony of flavors you’ll adore.

Simplicity meets sophistication in this uncomplicated yet elegant dessert recipe.

Tropical undertones and rich cheesecake elements make these cookies an instant crowd-pleaser.

Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Lemon Coconut Cookies with a Cheesecake Core

These cookies offer a delightful twist with creamy cheesecake filling nestled inside soft lemon-infused dough, creating an unexpected taste sensation that will wow your taste buds.
Prepare these cookies in under 45 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings with minimal kitchen effort.
Rolling the cookies in shredded coconut adds a delightful texture and tropical hint, transforming an ordinary cookie into an extraordinary treat that looks professionally crafted.
Beginners can easily master this recipe with simple steps, ensuring even novice bakers can create impressive, bakery-style cookies that look and taste spectacular.

Everything You Need for These Bright Cookies

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

Cream Cheese: Soft and rich base for the creamy center, best when at room temperature.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor enhancement.

Cookie Dough Base Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp cookie edges.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
Flour: Structural foundation of the cookie, all-purpose works best.
Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents for soft, risen cookies.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Flavor and Coating Ingredients:

Lemon Extract, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy flavor profile that complements cheesecake.
Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and tropical sweetness to cookie exterior.

Baking Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Create Creamy Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:

Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until silky smooth. Use a teaspoon to drop tiny dollops onto a parchment-lined plate. Pop the plate into the freezer for half an hour until solid.

Step 2: Whip Cookie Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend:

Butter
Granulated sugar

Cream these together until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Introduce:

Egg
Vanilla extract
Lemon extract
Lemon zest

Mix until everything harmonizes beautifully.

In another bowl, combine:

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a soft, tender dough.

Step 3: Craft Cookie Masterpieces

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop cookie dough and gently flatten. Place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing the edges completely. Roll each dough ball in shredded coconut, ensuring full coverage.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange coconut-coated cookies on the baking sheet, keeping them spaced apart. Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze Cheesecake Filling Properly: Ensure the cream cheese mixture is completely frozen before wrapping cookie dough around it to prevent melting and maintain the perfect filling texture.
Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to get delicate, fresh lemon zest without the bitter white pith, maximizing the bright citrus flavor in your cookies.
Coconut Coating Trick: Spread shredded coconut evenly on a plate and gently roll each cookie dough ball to create a consistent, beautiful coconut coverage that adds crunch and tropical taste.
Chill Dough for Better Shape: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and help the cookies maintain a more compact, neat appearance during baking.
Precise Baking Timing: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking- golden edges indicate they're done without becoming dry or overcooked, keeping them soft and delectable.

Store cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking, for up to 5 days.
Carefully pack cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, for maximum 2 months.
Remove desired number of cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore softness.

Drinks and Treats to Pair With

Brew a light chamomile or lemon verbena tea that complements the cookie's bright citrus notes and enhances the delicate lemon flavor.
Serve alongside a refreshing coconut water or a light piña colada mocktail to amplify the coconut undertones in the cookies.
Offer a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy cheesecake filling and provide a smooth contrast.
Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or candied lemon peel on the side to intensify the cookie's tropical and citrusy profile.

Ways to Make These Cookies Even Better

Gluten-Free Coconut Lemon Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Coconut Lemon Cookie Version: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative. Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace egg with flax egg or applesauce. Select dairy-free coconut shreds for coating.
Low-Sugar Cheesecake Cookie Option: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and decrease powdered sugar amount. Add extra lemon zest for natural sweetness enhancement.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese substitute. Use coconut cream instead of traditional dairy. Select plant-based butter alternative for cookie base.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of lemon zest?

No, freshly grated lemon zest provides a more intense and authentic citrus flavor. Bottled juice lacks the aromatic oils that make these cookies truly special.

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking during baking?

Ensure the filling is completely frozen before wrapping the cookie dough around it. Press the edges firmly to seal, preventing any potential leakage during baking.

Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?

Yes, both ingredients help the cookies achieve the perfect texture. Baking powder provides initial lift, while baking soda helps create a soft, tender crumb.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly before assembling the cookies.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Easy Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe: Bright & Buttery Joy!

Lemon Coconut Cookies with a Cheesecake Core

Everything You Need for These Bright Cookies