Festive Coconut Christmas Cookies – A Chewy, Chocolatey Holiday Delight

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the joy of baking cookies that fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and your heart with warmth. These Festive Coconut Christmas Cookies are a celebration of everything we love about holiday treats: chewy centers, crisp golden edges, a drizzle of rich chocolate, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, filling a festive tin for friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy December afternoon, these cookies are a must-bake. They’re naturally gluten-free, incredibly easy to make, and absolutely stunning on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Chewy and crisp – The perfect texture combination in every bite.
Naturally gluten-free – No flour needed.
Festive and fun – Chocolate drizzle and sprinkles make them holiday-ready.
Quick and easy – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep.
Perfect for gifting – Stack them in a tin or wrap in cellophane for a homemade holiday gift

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 20–24 cookies:

2½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
The star of the show—adds texture, flavor, and natural sweetness.
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
Binds the mixture and adds creamy richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to the coconut flavor.
1 large egg white
Helps hold the cookies together and gives them a light, chewy texture.
Pinch of salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
½ cup melted chocolate (dark or milk)
For drizzling—choose your favorite!
Holiday sprinkles
Adds color, crunch, and festive flair.

Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for a flavor twist.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Tray

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Combine the Coconut Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

2½ cups shredded coconut
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture is evenly combined.

3. Prepare the Egg White

In a separate small bowl, add:

1 large egg white
Pinch of salt

Beat with a fork or whisk until frothy—you’re not looking for stiff peaks, just a light foam.

4. Fold and Shape

Gently fold the frothy egg white into the coconut mixture using a rubber spatula.

Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

If desired, use your hands to gently shape them into neat rounds or festive mounds.

Tip: Lightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking while shaping.

5. Bake

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.

The centers should remain soft and chewy.

Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

6. Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or transfer to a wire rack.

Once cool, drizzle the tops generously with ½ cup melted chocolate.

Immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.

Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to speed up the process.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chocolate is set, your cookies are ready to enjoy!

Serve on a festive platter, package in gift boxes, or sneak one (or two) with a cup of hot cocoa.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Yield: 20–24 cookies
Calories: ~130 kcal per cookie (approximate)

Tips for Success

Use sweetened shredded coconut for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overbake—the cookies should be lightly golden, not browned all over.
Cool completely before decorating to prevent the chocolate from melting off.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze for later—layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 month

Variations to Try

Chocolate-Dipped Macaroons: Instead of drizzling, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate.
Almond Joy Style: Add chopped almonds and use dark chocolate for a candy bar-inspired twist.
Peppermint Coconut Cookies: Add crushed peppermint candies to the batter or sprinkle on top.
Tropical Vibes: Mix in chopped dried pineapple or mango for a fruity variation.
Snowball Style: Skip the chocolate and roll in powdered sugar once cooled.

Final Thoughts

These Festive Coconut Christmas Cookies are a joyful blend of simplicity and celebration. With their chewy texture, rich chocolate drizzle, and colorful sprinkles, they’re a holiday favorite that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie swap, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra sparkle to your season.