Coconut-Frosted Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Hearts Recipe

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that blends the cozy sweetness of sugar cookies with a tropical twist, you’re going to adore this Coconut-Frosted Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Hearts Recipe. These cookies are soft, tender, and just the right balance of buttery with a luscious, creamy coconut frosting. Topped with juicy, vibrant strawberry hearts, they’re perfect for brightening any day, sharing with friends, or simply indulging in a moment of pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential. From the rich butter that provides tenderness to the fragrant vanilla that enhances flavor, each element plays its role perfectly to deliver those melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies topped with creamy coconut frosting and sweet strawberry hearts.

• Salted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
• Vegetable oil (6 tablespoons): Keeps the cookies moist and soft.
• White sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and a hint of crunch.
• Powdered sugar (6 tablespoons + 2 cups): Ensures smooth, fluffy frosting and balances textures.
• Good quality vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Delivers warm, inviting flavor depth.
• Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds lift for perfect cookies.
• All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups, spooned and leveled): The foundation for the cookie’s structure.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right.
• Cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon): Stabilizes the dough and adds a slight tang.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon for dough, plus a pinch for sugar coating and 1/4 teaspoon for frosting): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Additional sugar for coating (1/4 cup): Creates a delicate crunch on cookie tops.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, softened) for frosting: Makes the frosting creamy and smooth.
• Cold cream cheese (1 8-oz package, cut into chunks): Adds tangy creaminess to the coconut frosting.
• Coconut extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the frosting with irresistible tropical flavor.
• Fresh strawberries (for topping): Hand-shaped into hearts for a charming finishing touch.

How to Make Coconut-Frosted Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Hearts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right to bake the cookies evenly so they remain soft and tender without over-browning.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter until it turns smooth and creamy. This step is essential to build a light, fluffy base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Oil, Sugars, Vanilla, and Egg

Next, add the vegetable oil, white sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg to your creamed butter. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy, which usually takes about two minutes. This is where your cookies start to develop the perfect texture and sweetness.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Pour the flour into the bowl but don’t mix it in just yet. Make a well in the flour and add the baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Stir these in with a small spoon, then gradually beat the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. The dough will be on the drier side, which is exactly what we want for these cookies.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Form the dough into balls roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons each—using your hands or a cookie scoop works great. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, spaced evenly apart so they have room to spread just the right amount.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar with a pinch of salt. Wet your fingers and rub the bottom of a glass to coat it lightly with moisture, then dip the glass in the sugar mixture. Press down gently on each cookie ball with the sugared glass bottom to flatten slightly without crushing the dough completely—this helps achieve that perfect tender bite with a subtle sugary crunch on top.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Pop the cookies into the preheated oven for 6 to 7 minutes. You want to remove them once the edges start to gain just a touch of color and the tops still appear shiny—not fully matte. This ensures that the cookies remain soft once cooled.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes after baking. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from becoming soggy underneath.

Step 9: Make the Coconut Frosting

In your stand mixer or with electric beaters, combine the softened butter and cold cream cheese. Beat these ingredients on medium speed until smooth and creamy, which should take about a minute.

Step 10: Add Coconut Extract and Salt

Mix in the coconut extract and salt to give your frosting that luscious tropical twist and well-rounded flavor.

Step 11: Sweeten the Frosting

Gradually add the 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat until your frosting becomes fluffy and smooth. This is what gives the cookies their irresistible soft sweetness and creamy texture.

Step 12: Frost and Top with Strawberry Hearts

Spread a generous dollop of frosting on each cooled cookie and press a fresh strawberry heart on top. The strawberry hearts add a burst of color, freshness, and a fun, loving touch that makes these cookies so special.

How to Serve Coconut-Frosted Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Hearts Recipe

Garnishes

To bring your cookies to life, you can sprinkle a few toasted coconut flakes or finely chopped pistachios on the frosting before adding the strawberry hearts. These add texture and a lovely pop of color that complements the coconut flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of rich coffee, a refreshing glass of iced tea, or even a creamy vanilla milkshake. The tropical notes in the frosting pair particularly well with fruity beverages or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Coconut-Frosted Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Hearts Recipe on a decorative platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant presentation. You could also stack them in a pretty tiered cookie stand for parties or gift them in a clear box tied with a delicate ribbon—either way, they’ll be a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting. They will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy these sweet treats.

Freezing

If you’d like to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookies without frosting. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw completely and add frosting and strawberry hearts fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Because these cookies are soft and frosted, reheating is best avoided. If you want a bit of warmth, let them come to room temperature naturally so the frosting softens slightly. For cookie dough, baking fresh is always the best way to enjoy the Coconut-Frosted Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Hearts Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries to make the strawberry hearts?

While fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture for shaping hearts, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be gentle when cutting, as they may be softer and release more juice.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the frosting?

The cream cheese adds tanginess and richness that balances the sweetness of the frosting. You could substitute with all-butter frosting, but the unique flavor and creaminess of the coconut frosting are what make this recipe truly special.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency, as it might need slight adjustments in liquid or flour amounts.

How do I shape the strawberry hearts?

Simply slice fresh strawberries vertically and cut a small ‘V’ shape into the top center of each slice, then place them pointed side down on the frosting. It’s an easy way to create cute heart-shaped toppings that look professional but are effortless to make.

Can I add more coconut flavor?

Absolutely! For an extra boost, sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the frosting or gently fold a tablespoon of shredded coconut into the frosting itself for added texture and aroma.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut-Frosted Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Hearts Recipe is one of those joyful desserts that bring smiles with every bite. Soft, tender cookies combined with creamy coconut frosting and the fresh brightness of strawberry hearts create a treat that feels both special and comforting. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new cookie favorite to share with everyone you love.

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