4 Ingredient Vegan Coconut Cookies: chewy, crispy healthy coconut cookies bursting with coconut flavor. The best paleo gluten free coconut cookies!
Today, we’re gonna dedicate the last cookie in the 2nd Annual Beaming Baker Vegan Cookie Countdown, these Healthy Vegan Coconut Cookies, to my favorite person in the world! Erik, you can sit back down. I’m talking about my momma, of course! 😉 Okay, Erik, you can stand up too. (Second place should get something, right??) J/K… these two are probably tied, if I’m being honest.
Every year, I make sure to write a post or two or three dedicated to my mom. She’s known as “Popo” in my family, aka “Grandmother” in Chinese, and “Grams” in English. One of her favorite things in the world, besides family and fitness and making fun of my less-stylish-than-hers gym outfits… is coconut!
If you’ve been with me a long time, you know that Grams cannot get enough of this drupe! Yep, I had to say drupe. One day, I might even achieve my lifelong dream of saying “drupe” out loud. Stay tuned.
So I’ve made all manner of coconut desserts for her. See:
- 5 Ingredient Vegan Coconut Chocolate Bars
- Coconut Milk Keto Ice Cream
- 4 Ingredient Paleo Coconut Macaroons Recipe
- Healthy Coconut Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Coconut Chocolate Chip Healthy Vegan Ice Cream
But today’s healthy coconut cookies are one of her absolute faves. Why? Well, because they’re perfectly crispy at the edges, chewy and moist on the inside, and bursting with delicious, perfectly sweetened coconut flavor. YUM.
Read on to learn more about these vegan coconut cookies… that are paleo, gluten free and healthy. Whoop!
How to Make Vegan Coconut Cookies
Preheat
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Add Ingredients
Now it’s time to add all the ingredients (coconut, almond flour, coconut oil and maple syrup) into the bin of your food processor. Here is the food processor that I use.
Blend
Blend all the ingredients together until you get a thick and sticky coconut mixture that holds together with smaller pieces of coconut. You want the coconut cookie dough to stick together, but not be so blended that it’s coconut butter! 😉
Scoop
Scoop firmly-packed balls of coconut mixture and drop them onto the prepared cookie sheet. These coconut balls will melt and spread as they bake into perfect coconut cookies.
Bake, Cool & Enjoy
Bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges are a deep golden brown. Cool and enjoy the best vegan coconut cookies ever!
Just 4 ingredients for the best healthy coconut cookies
Ingredient 1 – Large Coconut Chips or Flakes
Ingredient 2 – Almond Flour
Ingredient 3 – Coconut Oil
Ingredient 4 – Pure Maple Syrup
Tips for the Best Vegan Coconut Cookies
Use the right size coconut flakes
It’s so, so important that you use the right sized coconut flakes for this healthy coconut cookie recipe. Make sure to use large coconut flakes or chips—[here is where I get mine.] If you use large coconut flakes or chips, your cookies will spread out and flatten, as they should. If you use small coconut flakes, you will basically be making coconut macaroons, which are high, round, globe-like coconut cookies.
Use this cookie scoop
It’s super important that your vegan coconut cookie dough is firmly packed together so your cookies bake up cohesively aka don’t fall apart. I like using this medium cookie scoop to help me really pack in the coconut cookie dough. Bonus: they keep all of your cookies uniform.
The best vegan coconut cookies—moist and chewy on the inside, delicious crispy edges on the outside, and bursting with amazing coconut flavor.
Testimonials: Paleo Coconut Cookies
Stefani says, “Made these just now! They are delicious! I followed the recipe but my coconut oil was liquid bc it’s been 100 degrees here in NJ PAST few days. Didn’t matter. It turned out PERFECT. The kids gobbled them up. You would never know they were non traditional cookies.”
Riedwaan says, “Lovely recipe for delicious biscuits! Quite easy to follow and make. Thought I messed up when the cookie flattened in the oven, but it created a crispy outer layer with a chewy centre.”
Marta says, “Hi! I used hazelnut flour instead of almond (I am obsessed with hazelnuts!) and the cookies turned out great! Thank you for this recipe!”
Elaine says, “I made these the other week and used homemade oat flour and added a little salt, they came out perfectly! Crispy edges, chewy center, they were a hit!”
Will you join me in baking in honor of all the great moms in the world? (And maybe even tastily celebrating the holidays with these heroes?) I can’t wait to hear what you think of my healthy coconut cookies. ‘Til the next joyful baking adventure…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
☀ Click below to Pin ☀
📸 Did you make this vegan coconut cookies recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it! 📸
2nd Annual Beaming Baker Vegan Cookie Countdown
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Beaming Baker Vegan Cookie Countdown! This year, we’re continuing the baking tradition of sharing 8 vegan cookie recipes that you’ll love. Are you excited?!
- #8: Keto Macaroons Recipe (Low Carb, Gluten Free)
- #7: Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
- #6: 4 Ingredient Keto Peanut Butter Bars
- #5: 4 Ingredient Crunchy Vegan Coconut Cookies
- #4: 2 Ingredient Vegan Fudge Recipe – 5 Mins Prep!
- #3: 3 Ingredient Keto Nut Clusters (Low Carb)
- #2: Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- #1: 4 Ingredient Ultimate Chewy Vegan Coconut Cookies – Today’s Recipe!
- Last year: 1st Annual Vegan Cookie Countdown
4 Ingredient Ultimate Chewy Vegan Coconut Cookies (Gluten Free, Paleo)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 large cookies or 36 medium cookies 1x
Description
4 Ingredient Vegan Coconut Cookies: chewy, crispy healthy coconut cookies bursting with coconut flavor. The best gluten free coconut cookies—paleo ingredients, delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups large, unsweetened coconut chips or flakes – make sure to use LARGE flakes*
- ½ cup finely ground, blanched almond flour
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil, solid**
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside.
- Add all ingredients (coconut, almond flour, oil and maple syrup) to a food processor. You must use large coconut flakes to ensure flat cookies. If you use small coconut flakes, the cookies will not spread.
- Blend until you get a thick and sticky mixture that holds together, with smaller, but still noticeable coconut pieces. If any maple syrup remains at the bottom of the processor, fold into dough until well mixed.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop firmly packed balls of coconut mixture. Drop onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space balls evenly apart–they will spread quite a bit.
- Bake for 12-16 mins, until golden brown around the edges and slightly golden on top. Mine took 15 mins for large cookies. Place baking sheet onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 30 mins-1 hour. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Adapted from my Paleo Vegan Coconut Macaroons.
Vegan Coconut Recipes We Love
Notes
*You must use LARGE coconut chips or flakes for this recipe. Using small-flaked coconut will result in very round, tall cookies that retain the cookie-scoop shape. Here are the large coconut chips I used in this recipe.
**Solid coconut oil is best for this recipe.
Storage Notes: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month at room temperature. If freezing, store in an airtight, freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw for 15 minutes before enjoying.
- Category: Dessert, Snacks
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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Thank you so much for the tips! Can’t wait to try these cookies!
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You’re so welcome Sandra. 🙂 Happy baking!
Coconut cookies are my favorite! I am sure this will be my new favorite recipe!
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I have no doubt they will! 😄
Gave these a try for something new and they did not disappoint! So light and sweet; the whole family loves them!
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That’s so wonderful to hear Sara! I’m beyond pleased that The whole fam enjoyed them.
These came out amazing! Thank you for the easy recipe!
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Woohoo! You’re so welcome Allyson! 😊
These are incredibly delicious!! The perfect little treat!
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Yay! I’m so pleased you enjoyed them Beti!
I would love one of these right now! They look SO GOOD!! YUM!
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Haha oh they’re seriously so good! Hope you enjoy! 😊
These cookies are so crispy and tasty! Perfect dessert
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Thanks Vikki! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my vegan coconut cookies! Happy eating. 🙂
I agree that the browned edges are the best part! It adds a bit of caramelised texture that’s irresistible.
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There’s just nothing like it, us know? 😋
My mom is diabetic and I cannot wait to try this cookie recipe out – I’d have to replace the maple syrup – but this sounds like such a delicious addition to the Christmas holiday table! Merry Christmas Demeter!
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I hope your mama loves it! 😊 Merry Christmas to you too Shashi! ❤️
I love how these are so much lower in sugar than the usual coconut cookies or macaroons. So good.
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Totally! Makes it such a wonderful treat for the holidays. 😊
These look so delicious and yummy! My husband is going to love this recipe!
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I know he will Beth! 🙂
Hi, I only have large shredded coconut flakes instead of chips… would that work?
Could I maybe do it without pulsing everything in a food processor?
Thanks!
Hi Rei! Larger pieces of coconut are part of what help these spread out into cookies. If you have smaller shreds, they’ll hold their form more and stay closer to what they look like when you scoop them. I would not recommend skipping the food processor stage. If your large flakes are wide and flat it should be fine. Let me know how they turn out!
Lovely recipe for delicious biscuits! Quite easy to follow and make. Thought I messed up when the cookie flattened in the oven, but it created a crispy outer layer with a chewy centre.
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Thanks Reidwaan! Yep, the cookie should flatten out a bit–the crispy outer layer is the best part! 🙂 Enjoy.
Hi Demeter,
I just made these lovely coconut cookies but was so disappointed when they did not spread as they were baking. I was just wondering what do you think went wrong? I did everything that your notes and instructions said. They remained like little balls in the shape of the cookie scoop. I did not substitute anything. 🙁
Hi Nancy! Hm, it could be the kind of coconut you used. These cookies need large coconut flakes (not the tiny shredded kind) in order to spread out. Otherwise you get more of a coconut macaroon. Hope this helps!
Can you make these Aip and sub coconut flour for the almond flour? I tried your coconut macaroons and am in love !!
Yep that should be fine. I’d recommend reducing it to 1/4 cup. Let me know how it goes!
I used coconut butter instead of coconut oil and they turned out perfectly! Also used stevia maple syrup so no sugar too!
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Ooh so glad it worked out with the subs Rebecca!
Can I substitute the coconut flakes with coconut flour?
Hi Maggie! Unfortunately, coconut flour won’t give you the same chewy texture and consistency that coconut flakes will.
Hi! I used hazelnut flour instead of almond (I am obsessed with hazelnuts!) and the cookies turned out great! Thank you for this recipe!
★★★★
Oh that’s so wonderful to hear Marta! Thanks for sharing the info about hazelnut flour. .
Hi. Can you substitute maple syrup with Agave?
Hi Jordina! I haven’t tried it myself, but it should be okay. Let me know how they turn out!
Super easy to make. They’re fattening, but DELICIOUS!
★★★★★
So glad to hear you’re enjoying the cookies!
Mine didn’t work at all!! They didn’t spread… They stayed a crumbling ball… I’m sooooo disappointed! .
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear that. Did you use large flaked coconut to make these? They’re sometimes called coconut “chips.” Also, did you make any substitutes, like switching the almond flour for oat flour/all purpose flour?
Made these just now! They are delicious! I followed the recipe but my coconut oil was liquid bc it’s been 100 degrees here in NJ PAST few days. Didn’t matter. It turned out PERFECT. The kids gobbled them up. You would never know they were non traditional cookies.
★★★★★
Woohoo!! I’m so happy to hear that the melted coconut oil wasn’t an issue. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to let me know, Stefani. Happy baking (and eating)!!
I want to make these again for my sons Halloween party at school. Any way to make them Halloween esque with any simple additions ? If not I’ll just make them as is, because they are so good !
Oooh, how fun!! Try melting some paleo chocolate, adding to a bag for piping, and piping on ghost faces or even Jack Skellington on top. 🙂 Happy Halloween!
These taste amazing. I did use large flakes but the container says chipped. They were large on top then got really small on the bottom. Mine were balls still. I added alcohol free vanilla and about 3/4 c pecans. Would either of those affected my batch?
Also I did put in food processor until it was thick like dough. It was sticky and held together well.
I just love these but really want them to look flat and crispy like the picture. …
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Hi Jenny! Hm, not sure if the pecans had anything to do with it by my guess would be the coconut. The coconut flakes I use in these cookies are pretty big. You could also try pulsing the coconut a little less, and packing the cookie scoop a little more loosely. Hope this helps, and let me know how it goes! 🙂
The cookies were delicious got lots of compliments even from people who eat gluten. Question can I cut the maple sugar in half without ruining the consistency or what else can I do so they are less sweet?
Hi Ronnie, I’m so happy to hear that! Hmm… you might be able to leave a few tablespoons of maple syrup out, but I’m not 100% sure. Good luck!
These turned out exactly the way you show them except a bit higher. I was eating the “batter” before baking and what a treat that was. I was also using up some coconut so I was happy to find you and your recipes. Yummmm. I will be trying more of your creations. 😉
Thank you!
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Yay!!! Batter: oh yes!! Isn’t it amazing? I’m so happy to hear it, Pam. 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you try next!! Hugs. 🙂
Hi! Any thoughts or tips on hand mixing this recipe? I don’t have a food processor. Maybe I could use my blender??
BTW – making these for my son who is in the Coast Guard in Boston. BTWW – Pretty sure most of my pins are from your blog. Love love love it. Keep up the good work!
Hi Dani! Hmm… yes, try the blender. Stop periodically to scrape the bottom of the blender & mix it up the the top (ingredients tend to blend too much at the bottom while the top is left coarse in a blender). Waving hi to your son here!! 🙂 Pins: did I mention how awesome you are?! Thank you so much for your sweet words. Hugs!
This is perfect! I just started whole30 and have been looking for something that is compliant
Thank you!!!!
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Fantastic!! Hope you enjoy, Tina! 🙂
I made these the other week and used homemade oat flour and added a little salt, they came out perfectly! Crispy edges, chewy center, they were a hit!
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Yay!! I love hearing that oat flour worked, too! Thank you for taking the time to let me know how they turned out. 🙂 Happy baking, Elaine!
Thanks for always posting such reliably delicious recipes! I just realized that I need to clarify that I only substituted the oat flour for the almond flour, can’t remember if I used a smaller amount though.
That’s truly so kind of you to say, Elaine! I appreciate you coming back and letting me know about that substitute. When I get a chance, I’ll test the oat flour sub to find out the amount. 🙂
What amount of oat flour did you substitute for the almond flour? I want to bake these for Mother’s Day at Church but have to avoid nuts. Your help would be appreciated!
Hi Ann, I haven’t had a chance to try the oat flour swap yet—hopefully Elaine was able to give it another try and gets back to you. If not, try 1/4 cup to 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of oat flour. You might have to experiment until you get the ideal result. Good luck!
Is there a food substitute for almond flour? I’m allergic but these look amazing !
Hi Rikki! The closest match would be cashew flour. Enjoy!
What about coconut flour?
Hi Alena! I’ve had a few readers try it at about 1-2 tablespoons less, but I haven’t tried it myself. Let me know how it turns out!
Would it work to use coconut flour in place of the almond flour?
Hi Amy! I haven’t tried it myself, but a few readers have made that swap with good results. I’d say try reducing the amount by 1-2 tablespoons and see how that goes first. Let me know how they turn out!
Can I replace the pure maple syrup with regular pancake syrup? That is all I have. Will it ruin the flavor?
Hi Derek! Pancake syrup won’t work, but you could use honey, agave, or brown rice syrup. Hope this helps!
Can I substitute something else for the almond flour – I’m allergic….
Hi Tomi, you might be able to swap the almond flour with 1/4 cup to 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons gluten free oat flour. Not 100% sure how they’d turn out since I haven’t tried it. Good luck! 🙂
I just substituted coconut flour for the almond flour to make them AIP compliant. They are delicious!
That’s awesome, Laura! 🙂 Did you end up using the same amount (1:1 ratio for the almond flour to coconut flour)?
Yes, exactly the same.
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂 So many readers will appreciate your feedback!
(cont) One thing though… They didn’t flatten as they cooked, but I don’t know if that was because of the coconut flour or something else. I gently pressed each one down partway through cooking.
Making another batch tonight!
Oh, I see. Okay, that’s probably because of the coconut flour—it’s highly, highly absorbent and tends to dry out a recipe in minutes. Yep, minutes! When you make your second batch tonight, try reducing the coconut flour by 2-4 tablespoons. That should do the trick. Let me know how it turns out! 😉
Happy Birthday Popo! Guess who just bought large coconut flakes last week?! ..♀️ I’m think my daddy would loves these for Thanksgiving!
Thanks Kami!! You did!! Hehe. 😉 Hoping that you and your dad love these!!
Help…mine completely flattened out. Ended up like lace cookies. And very oily. I used solid coco oil!
Hi Alison! Did you pack your cookie scoop full of the dough, for tight, round balls of dough? That might be the issue… otherwise, it sounds like there wasn’t enough coconut or too much oil. Hope this helps! Xo
These look amazing!!! Cant wait to try them! Will the regular coconut flakes work? That’s all I have in my pantry.
Thanks Fedarica! If your regular coconut flakes are large, you’ll get flat cookies. If they’re small (like sprinkle-sized), you’ll get macaroons. Enjoy!
These sound delicious! Dangerously good…
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You got that right Erin! ..
I am such a fan of coconut and these cookies are making my mouth water!
Yay!!! You’ll just love these! 🙂
Hi! These look great. Hof much is ‘a cup’.
I want to Make these Today!
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Hi Liesbeth! For the coconut, 1 cup is about 50 grams. Not sure about the other ingredients’ measurements in grams. I’m just starting to gather info for grams vs cups. 🙂
I definitely need to try these cookies! Looks so delicious!
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Yeah ya do!! Thanks Toni!
These cookies look amazing — and I can’t believe how healthy these actually are!
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Thanks Dee! It’s one of my fave things in the world to create guilt free treats! 🙂
I love coconut flavored anything! These look so amazing!!
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Yeah!!! Thanks Amanda!
Chewy cookies are my favorite. I love the coconut in there.
Right?!? Something about the chewy texture is so satisfying!
Love this recipe! So simple and healthy. And I just love anything coconut!
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Thanks Jamielyn!!! Coconut is such an amazing ingredient! 🙂
Happy Birthday to Popo!!! I prefer Popo 🙂
My favorite husband likes this type of cookie, so a trip to the store for “large” coconut flakes is the order for today. Wish me luck!
Next the vegan oatmeal chocolate chip ones are on the docket.
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Hi Jackie!! For some reason, your comment totally touched me. 🙂 I’m gonna show it to Popo! Wishing you luck! Can’t wait to hear what you think of both cookies.
These look absolutely amazing! I love coconut as a flavour and I don’t think it is used in cookies often enough. Delicious.
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Agreed! Coconut in cookies is seriously the best!
Ah Demeter, what a really lovely tribute to your Mum. These cookies look amazing and I will happily make them and wish your Mum a very happy birthday while doing so. Have a lovely day together Xxx
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Thanks Michelle! . I hope you enjoy these as much as she does!
These cookies sound delicious and I love that they are so simple with only a few ingredients!
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Oh yes, easy to make and soo satisfying! .
Coconut cookies are a delicious treat, and these sound perfect with the chewy middle and crispy bits. So easy to make, a great recipe to keep handy.
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They most definitely are! . Chewy and crispy, the best combo!
Those browned crisp edges just look so delicious! I wish I had a whole batch of these sitting in front of me right now 🙂
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The edges are the best part! . Wish I could send you some through the computer Danielle!