There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. If you’ve been on the lookout for a cookie recipe that’s not only soft and chewy but also infused with the delightful flavor of coconut, you’re in for a treat! These The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become your go-to recipe for cookie cravings. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of coconut, these cookies are a must-try for both coconut lovers and chocolate chip cookie aficionados alike.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

What makes these cookies a hit among friends and family? First off, the unique use of melted coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The addition of instant vanilla pudding mix ensures that the cookies stay soft and chewy for days, making them perfect for sharing or savoring yourself. Plus, they come together in no time, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in a sweet moment at home.
Ingredient List
To make The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup melted coconut oil, in liquid state, measured like you measure canola, olive, etc. oil
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.5-ounce) packet instant vanilla pudding mix, not sugar-free and not cook & serve, no substitutions
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt, optional and to taste
- 1 bag (12 ounces, 2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use Trader Joe’s)
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Baking sheet: For baking your cookies.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure your ingredients are accurate.
- Electric mixer or whisk: For mixing the dough until smooth.
- Cookie scoop: To portion out the dough evenly.
The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies Cooking Guide

Ready to bake? Here’s how to create these delicious cookies step-by-step:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix again until fully incorporated. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and a pinch of salt (if using). This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each scoop, as the cookies will spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a little underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and enjoy!
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Variations for Dietary Needs

If you’re looking to adapt this recipe for specific dietary requirements, consider the following options:
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Lower sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar by half and use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Nut-free: Ensure the chocolate chips are nut-free and free of cross-contamination.
Avoid These Traps
While making The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Don’t skip the instant pudding mix; it’s essential for achieving that soft, chewy texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Make sure your oven is properly preheated to ensure even baking.
- Be cautious not to bake the cookies too long; they should be slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Want to enjoy these cookies later? Here’s how to store them:
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop the dough into balls and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and add a minute or two to the baking time.
Once baked, The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reader Questions
Can I use a different type of oil instead of coconut oil?
While coconut oil adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with canola or vegetable oil. However, you may lose that lovely coconut taste.
What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?
For this recipe, instant vanilla pudding mix is crucial. It helps with the texture of the cookies. Unfortunately, there are no direct substitutes. You might want to try one of the other cookie recipes on our site, like Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in your favorite nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries along with the chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your dough is chilled before baking. If it’s too warm, the cookies may spread too much in the oven. Chilling for at least 30 minutes can help maintain their shape.
Next Up in Your Queue
If you enjoyed these cookies, you might want to try these delicious recipes:
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have the recipe in hand, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started on making The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies. It’s a delightful adventure in your kitchen that promises to end with a delicious reward. Happy baking!
Share on Pinterest


The Best Soft and Chewy Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup melted coconut oil in liquid state, measured like you measure canola, olive, etc. oil
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant vanilla pudding mix 3.5-ounce, not sugar-free and not cook & serve, no substitutions
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt optional and to taste
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips 12 ounces, 2 cups (I use Trader Joe's)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it's smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix again until fully incorporated. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and a pinch of salt (if using).
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each scoop.
- Step 8: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Cookie Scoop
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months.
