Coconut Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

I tend to shy away from shredded coconut as an ingredient. It's not because I don't like it, but because my husband isn't a fan. It's not so much a flavor thing for him, but more of a textural thing. Making something that I know he won't eat is never a good idea, because it means that there's twice the amount just sitting there for me to eat. But I just had to make these. He tried one and said that the flavor was good, but he couldn't get past the texture. So, after setting some aside for the boys, I took the rest to my coworkers, who were very happy recipients.

These cookies are just fantastic. They're made with cream cheese, and there's no egg, which results in a soft, pillowy texture. The coconut comes in the form of coconut extract and shredded sweetened coconut, both of which pair perfectly with the chocolate chips. Talk about a crowd-pleasing addition to your Christmas cookie trays!

Coconut Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

adapted from Baking Blonde

2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
5 to 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 to 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

1. Adjust oven racks to upper and lower middle positions and heat oven to 325. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk dry ingredients together; set aside.

3. With an electric mixer, combine cooled butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugars and beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in vanilla and coconut extracts until combined.

4. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat at low speed just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips and shredded coconut.

5. Drop dough by tablespoons onto baking sheets and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are set and bottoms are light brown. Cool cookies on sheets until able to lift without breaking and place on wire rack to cool.