Preheat oven to 350℉. Line half sheet trays with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and both sugars. Cream until light and fluffy. Add the egg and coconut extract. Mix well and scrape bowl.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low until just combined.
Add 1 cup of the sweetened coconut flakes to the cookie dough and mix on low until just combined.
Place 1/4 cup of sweetened coconut flakes in a small bowl. Use a #30 cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls (about 2 Tbsp each). Gently press the top of each dough ball into the bowl of sweetened coconut flakes and then place the cookies about 3-inches apart (8 cookies per tray) on the prepared pan(s).
Bake at 350℉ for 11-13 minutes until the cookies are spread out, puffed up, matte (not shiny in the middle), and starting to brown on the edges. Cookies should look slightly under-baked still.
Allow cookies to cool on tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. TIP:Use a mug or large glass to swirl around the edges of the cookies, just after removing them from the oven, to round any rough edges. This creates perfectly round cookies.
Notes
To Store: Place coconut cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
To Freeze Cookie Dough: Scoop cookie dough balls onto a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet. Set in the freezer for 1-2 hours until firm. Then transfer frozen dough balls into a freezer safe zip-top bag and freeze up to 3 months. NOTE: You will need to bake cookies roughly 3-5 minutes longer, if baking from frozen.
To Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze cookies in single layers divided by parchment paper, wrapped well or in a freezer bag, up to 3-4 weeks.
For thicker cookies: Refrigerate dough 30-60 minutes before baking in addition to pressing edges inward while still warm.
For crispier cookies: Bake 2-3 minutes longer, until golden brown all over.