Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies
Discover the tropical taste of Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies—quick, chewy, and perfect for a sweet island-inspired treat that brings sunshine straight to your kitchen. This delightful cookie blends the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the rich texture of coconut, creating a sensation that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly indulgent. If you’re craving a dessert that captures the essence of summer with every bite, these cookies are calling your name.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: These cookies come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Chewy, not crunchy: The texture strikes that perfect balance between soft and chewy, making each bite irresistible.
- Tropical flavor explosion: The combination of pineapple and coconut offers a bright, refreshing taste that’s like a mini vacation.
- Versatile dessert: Ideal for parties, snacks, or gifting, these cookies suit any occasion with ease.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Almost everyone loves this sweet island twist, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that bring vibrant flavor and texture together. Each element plays an important role, from the juicy pineapple bits to the rich, toasted coconut flakes that add warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and softness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay tender without being dense.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to each cookie.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while aiding in browning during baking.
- Brown sugar: Brings a hint of caramel flavor and moisture for chewy texture.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and gives the cookies a sturdy yet tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a natural sweetness and richness.
- Crushed pineapple: The star ingredient that injects tropical sweetness and natural juiciness.
- Shredded coconut: Provides a satisfying chew and authentic island vibe.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Variations for Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is—feel free to tweak and personalize based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Whether you want to tone down sweetness or add a little crunch, these variations bring new life to the base recipe.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture.
- Nutty twist: Add toasted macadamia nuts or chopped pecans for a crunchy contrast that complements the tropical flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Mix in white or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent, sweet burst with each bite.
- Vegan-friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter, a flax egg in place of the egg, and adjust sugar type to keep it plant-based.
- Extra tropical add-ins: Incorporate dried mango or papaya pieces for a more intense island flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, and have the butter softened but not melted for perfect mixing.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and to help the cookies rise uniformly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for texture and sweetness.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract until fully combined, providing the dough with moisture and binding power.
Step 5: Fold in Pineapple and Coconut
Gently stir in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, folding carefully to evenly distribute them without breaking up the dough.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix to maintain chewy cookies.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for the perfect chewy texture.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies
- Drain the pineapple well: Excess juice can make cookies soggy, so use paper towels to press out moisture before mixing.
- Butter temperature matters: Softened butter creates a creamy base, but too warm can cause greasy cookies.
- Don’t overmix dough: Stir until ingredients are just combined to keep the cookies chewy and tender.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and keeps your baking sheets clean.
- Watch baking time closely: Slightly underbaking keeps the cookies soft and chewy instead of dry and crunchy.
How to Serve Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies
Garnishes
Top these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small drizzle of melted white chocolate to add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these flavorful cookies with a cup of hot herbal tea or cold coconut milk for a complementary refreshment that enhances the tropical vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a cookie platter inspired by Hawaii by arranging Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies alongside fresh fruit slices like mango, pineapple chunks, and kiwi for a stunning, colorful dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet; once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container to maintain freshness for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at low temperature to revive their soft, chewy texture and bring out the pineapple aroma.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works beautifully as long as you crush it finely and drain thoroughly to prevent additional moisture from making the cookies too wet.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not in the original recipe, but you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make them safe for gluten sensitivities.
How long do Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay delightful for up to five days, or longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, a flax egg substitute, and ensure sugars used are vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious vegan treat.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and achieve the ideal chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie that effortlessly transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise, Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies are your new best friend. With their zingy pineapple, chewy coconut, and soft, sweet base, these treats are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give the recipe a try and enjoy a little slice of island sunshine today!
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Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies
Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut cookies are a quick and chewy tropical treat blending tangy pineapple and rich coconut flavors. Perfect for a sweet island-inspired dessert that brings summer vibes to your kitchen with effortless preparation and a soft, chewy texture.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Flavorings
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained thoroughly
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients accurately. Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, and soften the butter without melting it for ideal mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and to help the cookies rise evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the perfect texture and sweetness for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract until fully combined, providing moisture and binding the dough.
- Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Gently stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, folding carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the chewy texture.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple well using paper towels to avoid soggy cookies.
- Use softened butter—not melted—to create a creamy base without greasy cookies.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and chewy.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Watch baking time closely; slightly underbaking keeps cookies soft rather than dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pineapple cookies, coconut cookies, tropical cookies, chewy cookies, Hawaiian dessert, easy cookies, gluten-free cookies