Heavenly Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe

Dreamy Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe: Sweet Tropical Bliss

Soft, buttery cookies with a delightful coconut pecan recipe burst with irresistible Southern charm.

Nutty pecans and sweet coconut create a magical combination that melts in your mouth.

These delectable treats offer a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.

Each bite delivers a rich, comforting flavor that whispers of home-baked goodness.

The aroma alone will draw you into the kitchen, promising a delightful baking experience.

Warm, golden-brown edges and a sprinkle of toasted pecans make these cookies a true crowd-pleaser.

You won’t be able to resist grabbing another—these cookies are simply impossible to stop at just one.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 9-11 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 158 kcal

Servings: 22

Ingredients Checklist for Coconut Pecan Cookies

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that ensures soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor control.
  • Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create caramelized edges; look for fresh, clump-free sugars with deep golden color.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cookie's structure; select fresh, room-temperature egg for smooth mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity; opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions for deeper taste.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie's basic structure and texture; sift to remove any lumps and ensure smooth dough.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly; check freshness by testing with vinegar for active reaction.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and nutty sweetness; choose unsweetened for more controlled sugar content.
  • Toasted Pecans: Provides crunchy contrast and deep, roasted undertones; select fresh, crisp pecans for maximum flavor impact.

Tools You’ll Want for Coconut Pecan Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for melting and cooling butter.
  • Whisk: Great for blending ingredients thoroughly and creating smooth mixtures.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Medium cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes easily.
  • Baking sheet: Provides even surface for baking cookies.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
  • Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and transferring cookies.
  • Biscuit or cookie cutter (optional): Helps reshape cookies if needed.

Baking Instructions for Coconut Pecan Cookies

  • Butter Preparation

Soften butter at room temperature and let it cool slightly to create a smooth base for the cookie dough.

  • Dry Ingredient Blend

Gently mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, ensuring an even distribution of dry components.

  • Sweet Mixture

Whisk together softened butter with brown and white sugars until creamy. Add egg and vanilla for extra richness.

  • Dough Creation

Carefully fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Gently incorporate shredded coconut and toasted pecans for texture and flavor.

  • Chilling Time

Wrap dough and refrigerate for half an hour to enhance cookie flavor and texture.

  • Oven Setup

Heat oven to a warm 375°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper for perfect cookie baking.

  • Cookie Shaping

Scoop rounded portions of dough onto baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.

  • Baking Magic

Bake until edges turn golden and cookies look perfectly set, about 9-11 minutes.

  • Cooling Process

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet briefly, then transfer to cooling rack for complete cooling and crisp texture.

Tips & Flavor Ideas for Coconut Pecan Cookies

  • Adjust the chilling time for softer or crispier cookies – longer chilling creates a thicker, chewier cookie, while shorter chilling results in a thinner, crunchier treat.
  • Replace pecans with toasted almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts to create unique flavor profiles and add exciting crunch to your cookies.
  • Enhance the cookies by melting dark or white chocolate and drizzling it over the cooled cookies for an elegant and indulgent finish.
  • Toast the shredded coconut before adding to the dough to intensify its nutty, caramelized flavor and provide an extra layer of depth to the cookie's taste.

How to Serve Coconut Pecan Cookies

  • Cozy Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these coconut pecan cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or smooth chai for a delightful sweet moment.
  • Decadent Dessert Plate: Create an elegant cookie platter with these treats alongside dark chocolate truffles and fresh berries for a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean or coconut ice cream between two cooled cookies for an indulgent summer treat that combines crunchy and creamy textures.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic twine ribbon, perfect as a homemade gift for friends or family who appreciate artisan baked goods.

Keep Coconut Pecan Cookies Fresh

  • Cookie Longevity Strategy: Store these delightful coconut pecan treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to extend enjoyment for 2-3 months without compromising taste or quality.
  • Dough Preparation Hack: Make cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze raw dough balls for spontaneous baking adventures whenever cookie cravings strike.
  • Smart Serving Suggestion: Separate cookie layers with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful shape, keeping each cookie looking as delicious as the moment they were baked.
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Heavenly Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Coconut Pecan Cookies


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 22 1x

Description

Homemade coconut pecan cookies blend Caribbean sweetness with Southern nutty richness. Crisp edges and chewy centers promise delightful indulgence you’ll savor with each memorable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (46 g) toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (60 g) shredded coconut
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Butter Preparation: Melt butter and chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes until slightly solidified and cooled.
  2. Dry Ingredient Integration: Thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution.
  3. Sugar and Butter Fusion: Vigorously blend cooled melted butter with light brown and granulated sugars until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
  4. Moisture Incorporation: Whisk egg and vanilla extract into sugar mixture until silky and completely homogeneous.
  5. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, minimizing stirring to maintain tender texture, then delicately integrate shredded coconut and toasted pecans for even flavor distribution.
  6. Flavor Development: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes to enhance taste and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  7. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release and easy removal.
  8. Portioning and Baking: Use medium cookie scoop to create uniform dough balls, spacing them 3 inches apart on prepared sheet, then bake for 9-11 minutes until edges turn lightly golden and centers set.
  9. Cooling and Serving: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, transfer to cooling rack, and serve at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Chill Strategically: Refrigerate butter and dough to control cookie spread and intensify flavor complexity.
  • Minimize Mixing: Stir dry ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense cookies with overmixed gluten development.
  • Toast Nuts Carefully: Enhance pecan flavor by lightly toasting before adding to dough, releasing deeper nutty undertones.
  • Shape with Precision: Use a cookie scoop for consistent size and consider reshaping immediately after baking for perfect circular edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 22
  • Calories: 158
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 92 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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