Labor Day weekend is almost upon us. If you're firing up the grill for one last summer hurrah, why not add dessert to your list of grilled items? I'm going to show you how to make perfect grilled cookies for your cookout. This recipe is a dressed up chocolate chip with toasted coconut and orange zest - perfect for the end of summer.

Here's what you'll need: grill brush, pie tin, temperature gauge or oven thermometer, cookie sheet, cookie dough, timer

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1. You must start with a clean grill. Turn the grill on high and allow it to heat for a few minutes. Use a grill brush with brass bristles to slough off any excess dregs.
2. Turn off all the flames, except for one on the far side of the grill. We're going to use indirect heat to bake the cookies. Use the temperature gauge or an oven thermometer to preheat the grill to 350 degrees.
3. Place a pie tin upside down on the side of the grill without the flame. Place the cookie sheet with prepared cookie dough on top of the pie tin. This will help all the hot air circulate around the cookies and bake them evenly.
4. Bake your cookies for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep a close watch on the temperature gauge and adjust the flame as needed to maintain 350 degrees.

Zesty Coconut Chocolate Chippers

1. cup (2 sticks) butter, melted 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2. 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
3. 1/2 cups flour
4. teaspoon salt
5. teaspoon baking soda
6. eggs
7. teaspoons vanilla
8. tablespoons milk or heavy cream
9. cup toasted coconut zest of one orange
10. 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven (or grill) to 350 degrees. Melt butter over low heat, then add to sugars and mix until thick and pasty. In a medium bowl, sift flour, salt, and baking soda together and set aside. Whisk eggs, vanilla, and milk together and add to sugar mixture, stirring until well combined. Slowly add in flour mixture, followed by orange zest, toasted coconut, and chocolate chips. Prepare rounded tablespoons on a lined cookie sheet and grill for 20 minutes, or bake in an oven for 10 minutes.

Bake perfect grilled cookies with texture cues, timing notes, make-ahead options, and storage tips for consistent results.

How to Tell When Perfect Grilled Cookies Is Done The best visual cue is usually at the edges. Look for a light golden color, a set outer ring, and a center that still looks slightly soft rather than dry. Most cookies and dessert bars continue to set as they cool, so pulling them at the right moment matters just as much as the bake time itself.

Make-Ahead Tips

For many dessert recipes, the easiest make-ahead move is to prepare the dough or batter in advance, cover it well, and chill it until you are ready to bake. Chilling can also improve texture and help flavor develop, especially when the recipe includes butter, brown sugar, or spices.

Storage Notes

Once fully cool, transfer the finished bake to an airtight container so it holds its texture and flavor longer. Soft cookies and bars usually keep best at room temperature for a few days, while longer storage is often easiest in the freezer with layers separated so nothing sticks together.

Related ideas to explore next If you want to keep building on this topic, good next reads include Recipe Black and White Cookies, Recipe Candy Cane Crunch Cookies, and Recipe Candy Corn Cookies. They are useful for comparing techniques, finding adjacent inspiration, or choosing a Mrs. Fields option that fits a different craving or occasion.