If there’s one thing Dolly Parton knows—besides music, movies, and lifting spirits—it’s how to sweeten up a kitchen. Her line of Southern-inspired baking mixes has become a pantry staple for many, and this Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on her beloved coconut cake mix.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with tropical coconut flavor. The bright lemon glaze on top adds a tart finish that complements the sweetness perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert you’d imagine enjoying on a front porch with a cold glass of sweet tea.
Table of Contents
📝 Why You’ll Love These Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies
- Quick & Easy: Made with a convenient boxed cake mix.
- Perfectly Chewy: Moist centers with crispy edges.
- Bright & Zesty: Thanks to the fresh lemon glaze.
- Southern-Inspired: Comforting and full of charm.
- Great for Gifting: A hit at parties, bake sales, and holidays.
🛒 Ingredients (Yields 18–20 cookies)
For the Cookies:
- 1 box Dolly Parton Coconut Cake Mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
🕒 Prep & Bake Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Cool & Glaze Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, coconut, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Step 4: Cool
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add lemon zest if using.
Step 6: Glaze and Set
Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to set.
🍋 Flavor Twists
- Coconut Lime: Use lime juice and zest instead of lemon.
- Tropical Touch: Mix in ¼ cup chopped dried pineapple or mango.
- White Chocolate Magic: Stir in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Toasted Coconut Topping: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the glaze before it sets.
🧁 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing afternoon snack.
- Add to cookie platters or Southern-themed dessert spreads.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
🥡 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to a week, but bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Add glaze after thawing.
🧬 Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Based on 20 cookies; actual values may vary.
🌐 External Resources
- How to Use Cake Mix for Cookies – Betty Crocker
- Dolly Parton Baking Mixes – Duncan Hines
- Tips for the Perfect Lemon Glaze – King Arthur Baking
- Southern Baking Traditions – Southern Living
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies
Can I use a different cake mix if I can’t find Dolly’s brand?
Yes, any boxed coconut or white cake mix will work. Just add ½ tsp coconut extract for extra flavor.
How do I make the cookies softer?
Reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes and store them in a sealed container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The cookies are still delicious without it, but the lemon glaze adds a lovely tangy contrast.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix and verify all additional ingredients are gluten-free.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s simple to make and sweet enough for kids to love. Just let them help drizzle the glaze.
5 Irresistible Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies You’ll Love
- Total Time: ~35 minutes (Cool & Glaze Time: 15 minutes)
Description
If there’s one thing Dolly Parton knows—besides music, movies, and lifting spirits—it’s how to sweeten up a kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box Dolly Parton Coconut Cake Mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, coconut, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add lemon zest if using.
Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to set.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to a week, but bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Add glaze after thawing.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18–20 cookies
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze
