Tropical Macadamia Coconut Cookies

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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If you're craving a taste of the tropics, these Tropical Macadamia Coconut Cookies are your passport to paradise. Packed with the crunchy richness of macadamia nuts, the sweet allure of coconut, and a hint of tangy pineapple, each bite is like a mini vacation. Perfect for a summer picnic or a winter daydream!

Ingredients for Tropical Macadamia Coconut Cookies

Butter is the backbone of any good cookie, providing richness and flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies.
Granulated sugar gives the cookies their structure, while light brown sugar adds a hint of molasses-like depth and softness.
Eggs help bind everything together and add moisture, ensuring your cookies are tender.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, giving a warm undertone that complements the tropical ingredients.
All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, while baking soda ensures the cookies rise just enough.
Salt is crucial for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
Macadamia nuts add a rich, buttery crunch, perfectly pairing with the tropical theme.
Sweetened shredded coconut brings a chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor to the mix.
Dried pineapple introduces a bit of tangy sweetness, amplifying that vacation vibe.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
  • Toast the macadamia nuts beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
  • If the dough seems too soft, add a tablespoon or two of flour to help firm it up.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a tropical fruit salad for a refreshing dessert. They also make a great addition to a summer brunch spread, paired with a tangy citrus punch or iced tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Yes, but you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Tropical Macadamia Coconut Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don't stick.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a light texture.

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. This gradual incorporation helps maintain the emulsion and prevents the mixture from splitting. Stir in the vanilla extract to round off the wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing as it can lead to tough cookies.

Gently fold in the macadamia nuts, coconut, and dried pineapple. You want these delicious bits to be well-distributed without crushing them.

Using a spoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a lovely golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Unique blend of tropical flavors that transport your taste buds.
  • Rich texture with a balance of crunchy and chewy elements.
  • Easy-to-follow recipe, even for novice bakers.
  • Perfect for impressing guests with something a little different.
  • Great way to use up pantry staples like nuts and coconut.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup dried pineapple, diced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the macadamia nuts, coconut, and pineapple.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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