Joy Cookies are an easy, crowd-pleasing cookie packed with milk chocolate, sweetened flaked coconut and warm vanilla. They bake quickly and disappear even faster, so plan to make a double batch if you want extras for sharing over the holidays.
This version of the recipe was generously shared by Cathy Kopp, a Lovefoodies supporter who enjoys creating homemade dishes for family and friends. The cookies combine classic flavors—butter, vanilla, coconut and chocolate chips—into a soft, slightly chewy cookie that’s ideal for festive tins, gift jars, or a simple treat at home.
These cookies are especially nice at Christmas: they store well and make attractive edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane or placed in decorated jars. The texture is forgiving, so you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it if you need to spread the work across two days.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 – 10 minutes
Yield
5 dozen (about 60 cookies)
Ingredients you will need
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups milk chocolate chips
- 3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set the dry ingredients aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter with the white and brown sugars until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in the milk chocolate chips and sweetened flaked coconut until evenly distributed through the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for the cookies to spread. An ice cream scoop works well for consistent portions.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers will remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
TIPS: For chewier cookies, remove them from the oven at the shorter end of the baking window and let them finish setting on the hot tray. To keep dough fresh, cover and chill for up to 48 hours before baking. If you want crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer and allow them to cool completely on the sheet.
Cathy also packaged Joy Cookies as holiday gifts, combining them with other homemade treats for a festive box. These cookies pair well with tea, coffee or a cold glass of milk and are a welcome addition to any cookie tray.
We’d love to hear from you— did you try this recipe, or make any changes like swapping dark chocolate or adding nuts? Share your experience in the comments on the original post or with friends who enjoy baking.
Recipe Card
Joy Cookies
Soft, chocolatey cookies with coconut and a hint of vanilla. A quick and festive recipe that works well for parties, gifts, or a cozy baking afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups milk chocolate chips
- 3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare baking sheets.
- Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars together in a large bowl.
- Beat in eggs one at a time; add vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and coconut.
- Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared sheets.
- Bake 8–10 minutes and cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 60 servings · Serving Size: 1 cookie
Amount per serving (approx.): Calories: 198 · Total Fat: 9g · Saturated Fat: 6g · Cholesterol: 24mg · Sodium: 131mg · Carbohydrates: 27g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 18g · Protein: 3g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate; use as an estimate.
More Chocolate Cookie Recipes
A selection of chocolate cookie ideas and related recipes that pair well with Joy Cookies for baking inspiration or holiday cookie exchanges.
Chewy White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, loaded with white chocolate and oats for comforting texture.
Crispy Chocolate M & M Cookies
Thin, crispy cookies studded with colorful M&Ms—fun for parties and easy to bake in large batches.
Easy Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
A small-batch favorite that uses cream cheese for extra tenderness and a slightly tangy flavor.
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Classic peanut butter cookies dipped in chocolate for a festive finish—great with sprinkles or chopped nuts.