Mountain Cookies
These Mountain Cookies bring a twist on classic treats with their rich coconut-cream cheese filling and sweet chocolate drizzle. With a buttery base and a nutty texture, they’re a perfect mix of sweet and savory in every bite.
Perfect for any gathering, these cookies stand out with layers of flavor and texture. The creamy, coconut-filled center is a delight for both young and old, making them an ideal addition to any dessert spread.
Every time these cookies are shared, they gather compliments and recipe requests. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these irresistible cookies will surely become a beloved staple.
Mountain Cookies Ingredients
- Butter – This softened base brings richness, binding each layer while adding a melt-in-your-mouth quality to every bite.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – A soft, powdery sweetener that balances the cookie’s texture, creating a velvety smoothness in both dough and filling.
- Vanilla Extract – Subtly fragrant and sweet, vanilla enhances the warm, comforting taste profile of these cookies.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy depth to the filling, harmonizing with the sweetness of the sugar and coconut.
- Pecans – These finely chopped nuts provide a crunchy contrast, bringing a hint of earthy, nutty flavor that complements the coconut.
- Shredded Coconut – Sweet and chewy, it gives the filling a tropical, creamy touch that defines each bite.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Melted into a smooth drizzle, chocolate adds a layer of indulgence that completes these decadent cookies.
Recipe Tips for Mountain Cookies
- Perfecting the Cookie Shape
To achieve that classic mountain shape with a deep indentation, roll the dough into smooth, even balls. Place them on the baking sheet with enough space to expand slightly without touching. Use the back of a rounded teaspoon or your thumb to press a deep, even well in the center of each dough ball before baking. This will ensure each cookie has a defined space for the filling without cracking or losing shape during baking. - Cream Cheese Filling Consistency
For a creamy, smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can create lumps, making it challenging to achieve the desired creamy consistency. Blend the cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a small amount of flour until the filling is light and fluffy. Fold in the chopped pecans and coconut to ensure even distribution throughout, providing a perfect balance of crunch and flavor in each bite. - Chocolate Drizzle Tips
The chocolate topping should be velvety and thin enough to drizzle easily but thick enough to set beautifully on each cookie. Melt the chocolate chips with butter and a bit of water in short intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Once melted, stir in confectioners’ sugar to thicken slightly for a smooth, glossy drizzle. A piping bag or spoon can help control the drizzle for a clean, decorative finish on each cookie.
What to Serve with Mountain Cookies
- Hot Coffee or Espresso
The nutty, chocolate-filled sweetness of Mountain Cookies pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The slight bitterness of the coffee balances the cookie’s sweetness, while the warm beverage enhances the flavors of coconut, pecans, and chocolate. - Fresh Mixed Berries
A side of fresh mixed berries adds a light, fruity contrast to the rich flavors of these cookies. The slight tartness of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offsets the sweetness and brings a refreshing bite that complements the creamy filling and chocolate drizzle. - Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent treat. The smooth, cold ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookie and the rich coconut filling, making it an ideal pairing for special occasions or dessert spreads.
FAQ for Mountain Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare and bake the cookies up to a day or two in advance, storing them in an airtight container. For best results, add the filling and chocolate drizzle shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
2. Can I freeze Mountain Cookies?
Absolutely. You can freeze the baked cookies without the filling and topping for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature, then add the filling and drizzle before serving for the best texture and taste.
3. What can I use instead of pecans?
If you prefer a nut-free option, try finely chopped sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or simply omit the pecans and increase the shredded coconut for added texture.
4. How can I make the filling less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, use less confectioners’ sugar in the filling or add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the flavors without overpowering the coconut and cream cheese.
Mountain Cookies
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Butter softened
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Filling
- Cream cheese softened
- Confectioners’ sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Pecans finely chopped
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Topping
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Butter
- Water
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and blend. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and position them approximately 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Create a deep indentation in the center of each dough ball with your thumb or a spoon. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until the edges start to lightly brown. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the filling, beat together the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, flour, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the filling into each cookie’s indentation.
- For the topping, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter with water, stirring until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and stir until the mixture reaches a drizzle-like consistency. Drizzle over the filled cookies to finish.
