Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans Recipe

If there’s one treat my family and friends never tire of, it’s Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans. These cookies blend rich, buttery dough with crispy coconut and buttery, toasted pecans for a dessert that’s both comforting and a touch tropical. Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter or just want to fill your home with the dreamy aroma of coconut and pecans, this cookie recipe promises chewy, golden-edged perfection every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, staple ingredients that each serve a delicious purpose. When fresh and thoughtfully combined, these humble elements create Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans that are crisp-edged, chewy-centered, and bursting with flavor.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the dough richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create those lightly crisp edges.
• Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings depth and chewiness from the molasses.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add lovely tenderness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The classic cookie structure that holds it all together.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise for that perfect soft middle and golden edge.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (2 cups): Delivers coconutty chew and a hint of toasty sweetness.
• Chopped pecans (1 cup): For crunch, nuttiness, and beautiful rustic flair in every bite.

How to Make Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper – this not only prevents sticking, but also ensures your Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans bake up evenly and slide off the tray in one gorgeous piece!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and looks like it doubled in volume. That’s the secret to a beautifully airy cookie base.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add your eggs, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything one more good mix. This builds up a lovely, silky dough that will bounce back just slightly when touched.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed and every bite of your Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans bakes up just right.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet butter-egg mixture. Stir until the last streaks of flour disappear but don’t overmix; this keeps your cookies tender instead of tough.

Step 6: Add Coconut and Pecans

Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Every spoonful should be thick and full of chunky, nutty goodness — the hallmark of Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans!

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop evenly sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the centers are just set. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause keeps them chewy while they finish settling.

How to Serve Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans

Garnishes

Want to impress? As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or an extra shower of toasted coconut over the top. A dusting of confectioners’ sugar looks pretty, too, and brings a touch of elegance to your batch of Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans.

Side Dishes

While these cookies are delightful on their own, they’re heavenly alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of creamy hot chocolate. For an afternoon snack, pair them with a glass of cold milk, fragrant tea, or bold coffee to balance their sweet, nutty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them tall in a vintage cookie jar for movie night, or line them up in a decorative box to give as a heartfelt homemade gift. For a party platter, arrange Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans alongside fresh berries and a bowl of whipped cream for dipping — simple, stunning, and a true crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop the cookies into an airtight container. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to a week at room temperature. If you like a really soft cookie, add a slice of apple or bread to the container — it’ll keep the cookies perfectly moist.

Freezing

These freeze like a dream! Store Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans in layers, separated by parchment paper, in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

If you’d like to refresh stored or thawed cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes. They’ll regain that just-baked aroma and a hint of outer crispness while remaining chewy at the center.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Absolutely! Unsweetened coconut will make the cookies a bit less sweet and slightly drier, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey to keep everything moist and balanced.

Do I need to toast the coconut and pecans before adding them?

While it’s optional, toasting both the coconut and pecans deeply intensifies their flavor and adds a beautiful golden color to every bite. Just a few minutes in a pan or oven will do the trick!

Can I substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans?

Sure! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts are all fine choices. Each nut brings its own twist, but the sweet coconut pairs especially well with buttery pecans for the classic Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans experience.

How do I ensure the cookies stay chewy after baking?

Don’t overbake! Take them out when the edges are just golden, and let the cookies finish setting on the hot pan before transferring. Also, store them airtight as soon as they’re completely cool.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Definitely. Prepare the dough, cover, and chill for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let it warm slightly so it scoops easily. This advance rest can actually deepen the flavors in your Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans.

Final Thoughts

With just a few pantry ingredients and an easy-breezy method, you’ll be rewarded with a chewy, toasty cookie that’s sure to disappear in a flash. Give Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans a try the next time you want to bake something special — they just might become your all-time favorite treat, too!

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