Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

If you are craving a delightful treat that combines tropical coconut flavors with a zesty lemon twist, you are in for a treat with the Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe. These cookies have a wonderfully soft texture courtesy of the coconut cake mix and sweetened coconut flakes, while the bright lemon glaze adds a refreshing pop of citrus that balances the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because you love cookies with a unique flair, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for these cookies are simple pantry staples that work together to deliver outstanding flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a special role — the cake mix provides a tender crumb, the butter enriches the dough, and the sweetened coconut flakes give the cookies their signature tropical hint.

• Dolly Parton coconut cake mix: The base of these cookies, it adds a moist, coconut-infused foundation.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give structure to your cookies.
• Butter (room temperature or slightly melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sweetened coconut flakes: Bring texture and extra bursts of coconut flavor.
• Large lemon: Zest and juice brighten the glaze with fresh citrus notes.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly for dipping.

How to Make Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color without drying out.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cookie Sheets

Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This simple step keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the Dolly Parton coconut cake mix, butter, and two eggs. Mix these together thoroughly until you have a smooth dough. This helps the flavors meld and the texture become perfectly soft and chewy.

Step 4: Add the Coconut Flakes

Now fold in 3/4 cup of sweetened coconut flakes. This infuses the dough with pockets of chewy, coconut goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Scoop the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared sheets. Depending on your scoop size, you’ll get around 18 to 20 cookies, each one evenly sized for consistent baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookie sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want to avoid overbaking so the cookies stay soft and tender right to the edges.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze

While your cookies are baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and zest the lemon directly over it for that vibrant citrus fragrance. Then squeeze in the lemon juice and stir until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if the glaze is too thin.

Step 8: Toast the Remaining Coconut Flakes

For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, toast the remaining coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes. Be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn. Set aside once golden.

Step 9: Cool Then Dip and Decorate

Remove your cookies from the oven and let them cool until you can handle them. Dip the tops into your lemon glaze, allowing excess to drip off. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle on the toasted coconut flakes so they stick beautifully to each cookie.

Step 10: Let the Glaze Set

Set the cookies aside to let the glaze firm up. This step is essential for getting that perfect glossy, citrusy coating.

Step 11: Enjoy and Store

Once cooled, your Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe is ready to be shared and enjoyed! Store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage.

How to Serve Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For extra flair, try garnishing your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or adding a few fresh lemon zest strands on top along with the toasted coconut. It adds a beautiful visual pop as well as a hint of refreshing citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a sparkling lemonade. They’re also a charming complement to a fruit platter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a bright serving tray lined with tropical leaves or vibrant napkins for a festive look. You could even stack and tie them with a little ribbon as a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh for around 3 to 4 days without losing their softness or flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cookies and the raw dough. For baked cookies, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze spoonfuls of cookie dough on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag to bake fresh batch anytime you want.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This softens the glaze slightly and makes the cookie taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

While the Dolly Parton coconut cake mix is key to nailing the flavor, you could experiment with vanilla or yellow cake mixes for a different twist. Just keep in mind the coconut flavor is central to this recipe’s charm.

How thick should the lemon glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies well without being runny. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, dippable consistency.

Can I substitute fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for vibrant flavor and aroma. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it might lack the brightness that fresh juice provides.

What if I don’t have sweetened coconut flakes?

Unsweetened coconut flakes can be used, but consider adding a little extra sugar to balance the sweetness. The sweetened flakes add both sweetness and moisture that enhance the cookies.

How do I prevent the coconut from burning when toasting?

Toast coconut flakes over medium heat in a dry skillet and stir constantly. Remove from heat as soon as they are golden and fragrant to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about sharing a batch of warm, tender Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe with your loved ones. Their sweet coconut character paired with a bright, tangy glaze creates a cookie experience that’s truly unforgettable. Give this recipe a try and watch these little delights become an instant classic in your kitchen!

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