Pineapple Coconut Cookies Recipe
If you are craving a tropical twist in your cookie jar, this Pineapple Coconut Cookies Recipe is the perfect treat to brighten any day. These cookies marry the warm, buttery texture of classic cookies with the sweet, tangy burst of crushed pineapple and the chewy delight of shredded coconut. Each bite invites a sunny escape, making them irresistible for snack time, parties, or when you just want a little island vibe in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Pineapple Coconut Cookies Recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites for that unique yet comforting homemade cookie experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in providing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and structure to your cookies.
- Butter: Use softened butter to create that rich, tender cookie base essential for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for a soft, chewy consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic hint.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that holds the cookies together while keeping them tender.
- Baking Soda: Gives the cookies just the right amount of lift and a gentle crumb.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor complexity.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a delightful chew and a tropical flair, perfectly complementing the pineapple.
- Crushed Pineapple (drained): Brings juicy sweetness and a subtle tang that keeps these cookies exciting and fresh.
How to Make Pineapple Coconut Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily without sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial because it incorporates air, contributing to your cookie’s tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined, creating a smooth and fragrant base for your dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, which leads to uniform texture and flavor in your cookies.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Incorporate Coconut and Pineapple
Fold in the shredded coconut and drained crushed pineapple gently so they’re evenly distributed without crushing the pineapple pieces, giving you bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread and develop a beautiful golden edge.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies have golden brown edges and a slightly firm center—this signals that they’re perfectly baked while maintaining a soft chewiness.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this helps them set up so they won’t break apart when you move them. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for optimal texture and flavor.
How to Serve Pineapple Coconut Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top of freshly baked cookies for an added texture and a pretty visual touch that enhances the tropical vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee to balance their sweetness. For a more tropical theme, fresh pineapple slices or a chilled coconut water complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a festive look at parties, or stack them tied with a bright ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them a convenient and delightful snack anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough or fully baked cookies. For the dough, shape into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag—this lets you bake fresh cookies whenever you want. Baked cookies freeze well in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness. Avoid overheating to keep their texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the dough from becoming too wet, which can affect the cookie’s texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This should keep the texture similar, but results may vary slightly based on the blend.
Why do my cookies come out flat?
Flat cookies often result from using melted butter or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and mix just until combined to help your cookies hold their shape.
Can I substitute shredded coconut for coconut flakes?
You can, but shredded coconut blends more easily into the dough, creating a consistent texture. Coconut flakes will provide bigger bursts of coconut flavor and a chewier bite, which some may prefer!
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies last about 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to preserve their freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Coconut Cookies Recipe is more than just a delightful baked treat: it’s a little celebration of tropical sunshine packed into each cookie. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the happy blend of flavors that transport you to a beachy paradise without leaving your kitchen. Once you taste these, I bet they’ll become a beloved classic in your cookie lineup!
Print
Pineapple Coconut Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pineapple Coconut Cookies are a tropical twist on a classic treat, combining sweet shredded coconut and juicy crushed pineapple for a moist, flavorful bite. Soft and chewy with a hint of vanilla, they’re the perfect cookie for sharing any time of the year.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, giving moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing to form a cohesive cookie dough without over-mixing.
- Fold in coconut and pineapple: Gently stir the shredded coconut and drained crushed pineapple into the dough until evenly incorporated to distribute flavor and texture.
- Scoop dough: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid soggy cookies.
- You can substitute sweetened shredded coconut with unsweetened if you want to reduce sugar content.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
