Ultimate Chewy Paleo Coconut Cookies (V, GF): the best coconut cookies! Moist and chewy on the inside, with delicious crispy edges, bursting with amazing coconut flavor. Made with healthy ingredients. Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free.
Today we’re celebrating my favorite person’s birthday!!! 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?) Hehe. J/K!
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!
Omigosh, that was a mouthful!
If you’ve been with me a long time, you know that Grams can not 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. Anyway, I’ve dedicated these chocolate coconut bars, this paleo almond joy, friggin’ coconut chocolate chip ICE CREAM, and vegan coconut truffles (!) to her. But by far, one of her very favorites was my paleo vegan coconut macaroons.
Funny thing about those macaroons? If not made with the correct type of coconut flakes, they become… just the thing you did not expect. Which can be quite a bit disappointing. See, if you make those macaroons with these small coconut flakes, you’ll make the most delightfully round, thick, and perfectly tall macaroons. But if you use large coconut flakes, they go flat. Like a thick, delicious pancake that’s actually a cookie. Made out of coconut.
So guess what we did today?
WE MADE ‘EM. With LARGE coconut flakes. Into these Chewy Paleo Coconut Cookies. They’re so unbelievably good… sweet and moist on the inside, with crispy, chewy edges on the outside. The Ultimate coconut cookie.
The second my mom saw these, she immediately started making plans to hide and portion them. She has the same problem I do with, ya know, not eating the whole batch. In one sitting. She gushed over them, and asked me, “HOW do you do it??” And I’m like, “HOW do you cook so well?!” My mom thinks it’s the funniest thing in the world that she cooks savory food like a boss, and I pretty much exclusively bake.
Still, I’m in the kitchen, so… like mother, like daughter. 🙂
So will you join me in making a special birthday batch for one of the best moms on the planet? I dedicate everything I do that has any meaning at all, any positive impact at all, to her. She’s my constant inspiration and my guidance.
Love you, Mommy! <3
Here’s a little bit about these Ultimate Chewy Paleo Coconut Cookies, just in case ya needed a quick summary. They’re:
- so easy to make
- the tastiest thin and crispy coconut cookies on the outside, and the most droolworthy chewy ‘n moist coconut cookies on the inside (if ya get my drift) 😉
- made with just 4 ingredients
- paleo, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar-free
- just the perfect healthy coconut cookies to add to your healthy cookie recipe box
- so unbelievably good when paired with my paleo chocolate almond butter bars and my chocolate chip cashew butter cookies
- soon-to-be your favorite gluten free vegan crispy coconut cookies recipe!
- dedicated to someone super special 🙂
So whaddya think? You grab the cookie scoops, I’ll grab the coconut? 😉 I simply can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe. It’s truly such a joy to share in these kitchen adventures with you. I hope you and your loved ones have a ball making and eating this recipe. ‘Til next time…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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If you enjoyed this Chewy Paleo Coconut Cookies recipe, then you’ll just love these coconut & healthy paleo dessert recipes:
Paleo Vegan Coconut Dessert Recipes
- Vegan Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with Coconut Flour (Gluten Free, Paleo Friendly)
- Paleo Apple Crisp with coconut
- Paleo Vegan Almond Joy Ice Cream
- Paleo Chocolate Coconut Macaroons Recipe
- Lemon Coconut Macaroons and Ultimate Paleo Vegan Fudgy Brownies, just for fun. 😉
Ultimate Chewy Paleo Coconut Cookies (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Yield: 18 large cookies or 36 medium cookies 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Ultimate Chewy Paleo Coconut Cookies (V, GF): the best coconut cookies! Moist and chewy on the inside, with delicious crispy edges, bursting with amazing coconut flavor. Made with healthy ingredients. Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Flourless.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups large, unsweetened coconut 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.
Try my Paleo Apple Pecan Coconut Crisp and my Lemon Coconut Macaroons.
Notes
– *You must use LARGE coconut flakes for this recipe. Using small-flaked coconut will result in very round, tall cookies that retain the cookie-scoop shape.
– **Solid coconut oil is best for this recipe.
– 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: Cookies, Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Flourless
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.
SHOP THE RECIPE
Here are a few items I used in today’s recipe. 🙂
Food Processor | Large Coconut Flakes | 2-Tablespoon Cookie Scoop | Maple Syrup | Coconut Oil | Blanched Almond Flour | Cookie Sheet | Unbleached Parchment Paper | Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
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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. 🙏😋🥺
★★★★
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!
★★★★★
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!!!!
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★
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. 🙂
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…
★★★★★
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!
★★★★
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!
★★★★★
Yeah ya do!! Thanks Toni!
These cookies look amazing — and I can’t believe how healthy these actually are!
★★★★★
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!!
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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 🙂
★★★★★
The edges are the best part! . Wish I could send you some through the computer Danielle!