Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies

### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling**
Start by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined. Set the filling aside in the fridge while you prepare the cookie dough.

#### **Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and shredded coconut.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but firm enough to handle.

#### **Step 3: Assemble the Cookies**
Now comes the fun part! Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Take a small spoonful of the cookie dough and flatten it slightly with your hands. Place a small dollop (about a teaspoon) of the cheesecake filling in the center of each dough round. Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling, sealing it in, and roll the dough into a ball. The cheesecake filling should be completely enclosed within the cookie dough.

Roll each cookie ball in the shredded coconut to coat the outside. This adds texture and a delicious coconut flavor to the cookies.

#### **Step 4: Bake**
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are golden and the cookies have spread slightly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as you want them to remain soft and chewy.

#### **Step 5: Cool and Serve**
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cheesecake filling will be soft and creamy on the inside, so let the cookies firm up a bit before serving.

### **Why These Cookies Are So Special**

– **Creamy Cheesecake Filling:** The cheesecake filling is the star of these cookies, offering a rich and velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp outer dough.
– **Lemon Zest:** Fresh lemon zest adds a burst of brightness and a touch of tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the coconut and sugar.
– **Coconut Flavor:** The shredded coconut adds both flavor and texture, giving the cookies a delightful chewiness and a tropical vibe.
– **Unique Twist:** These cookies offer a fun twist on traditional cookies by combining the beloved flavors of cheesecake and citrus with the familiar taste of coconut.

### **Tips for Perfect Cookies**

– **Chill the Dough:** If you find the dough too soft to handle, you can chill it for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps prevent the dough from spreading too much during baking.
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and a creamy filling and dough.
– **Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest:** For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. This gives the cookies a vibrant, natural lemon flavor that can’t be beaten by bottled juice.
– **Don’t Overbake:** For soft, chewy cookies, be sure to watch them closely while baking. The cookies should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them out of the oven.

### **Serving Suggestions**

Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies are a treat on their own, but they can be paired with a few other items to make your dessert spread even more special:

– **Tea or Coffee:** These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The refreshing citrus flavor complements both beverages beautifully.
– **Fruit Salad:** A fresh fruit salad made with citrus fruits or berries will add a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.
– **Ice Cream:** For a truly indulgent dessert, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

### **Conclusion**

These Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. With the creamy, tangy cheesecake center, the refreshing lemon, and the chewy coconut, every bite is a little taste of paradise. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy these zesty, tropical treats and savor the sweet moments they bring!