The Ultimate Easy & Chewy Coconut Pecan Cookies: A Recipe You’ll Adore!
Get ready for an easy coconut pecan cookies recipe that you’ll want to bake again and again! These delightful treats boast an incredibly soft and chewy texture, perfectly balanced with a warm touch of cinnamon and aromatic vanilla. This combination truly makes them the best coconut pecan cookies you’ll ever taste. Whether you enjoy them as is or explore a delightful variation like oatmeal coconut pecan cookies, these homemade delights are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Prepare to fill your home with an irresistible aroma that promises pure cookie bliss!
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If you’re a fan of these delightful cookies, you’ll surely love exploring other sweet treats from my collection, such as my Pie Crust Cookie Twists, decadent S’mores Brownies, and the unique Biscoff Blondies with White Chocolate!
Easy Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe: Your New Go-To Dessert
There’s an undeniable magic in the flavor combination of perfectly toasted coconut and crunchy pecans, all nestled within a wonderfully chewy cookie. Each bite of these easy coconut pecan cookies offers a symphony of tastes and textures that will captivate your senses. You’ll first experience the earthy, nutty richness of pecans, followed by the sweet, tropical notes of coconut, all complemented by the buttery foundation of the cookie dough. A delicate hint of spice, like cinnamon, is woven into the batter, adding an extra layer of warmth and complexity that truly elevates the overall flavor profile.
This delightful contrast between the soft chewiness and the satisfying crunch keeps you reaching for more. Beyond the taste, the aroma that wafts through your kitchen as these cookies bake is simply heavenly, promising comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re a devoted fan of classic cookie flavors or eager to discover something new and exciting, this simple coconut pecan cookie recipe is an absolute must-make for anyone with a sweet tooth. They pair perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. And for those who adore comforting seasonal delights, don’t forget to check out my comprehensive list of the 36 Best Fall Desserts to sweeten up your season even further!
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Are Coconut Pecan Cookies a Healthy Treat?
While these delightful coconut pecan cookies are an indulgent treat, it’s natural to wonder about their nutritional aspects. As someone focused on sharing delicious recipes, I’m not a registered nutrition expert, so it’s always best to evaluate how these cookies fit into your individual dietary needs, possibly with advice from a medical professional or nutritionist. However, I do appreciate that these cookies incorporate pecans, which are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and healthy monounsaturated fats. These components offer some nutritional value, contributing to satiety and providing essential nutrients.
Beyond the goodness of pecans, these cookies are primarily a sweet indulgence designed to be enjoyed for their incredible taste and comforting qualities rather than significant health benefits. Like all delicious desserts, they are best enjoyed in moderation. The joy of a homemade treat, shared with loved ones or savored personally, often brings its own kind of wellness. So, go ahead and enjoy these scrumptious pecan coconut cookies as part of a balanced approach to eating!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Batch
Crafting these irresistibly chewy coconut pecan cookies requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients. For precise measurements and quantities, always refer to the detailed recipe card provided below. But to give you a head start, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather:
- All-Purpose Flour – To achieve that signature soft and chewy texture in your cookies, accurate flour measurement is key. It’s highly recommended to measure your all-purpose flour by weight using a kitchen scale. Alternatively, if you’re using measuring cups, employ the spoon-and-level method to avoid over-packing, which can lead to dense, dry cookies.
- Ground Cinnamon – This aromatic spice is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of coconut and pecan in these cookies. It adds a warm, inviting note that makes these treats even more comforting. If you adore the hint of spice in this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out my Chai Spice Bundt Cake or my comforting Cinnamon Rolls Peach Cobbler!
- Cornstarch – My secret ingredient for ensuring these coconut pecan cookies remain wonderfully soft and tender! Adding a little cornstarch helps to create that desired melt-in-your-mouth texture, preventing them from becoming too crisp.
- Baking Soda – Essential for a slight lift, a touch of baking soda gives these cookies just the right amount of rise, contributing to their perfect chewiness without making them cakey.
- Butter – I typically use salted butter in my baking for a subtle flavor boost that balances the sweetness. However, if you prefer using unsalted butter, simply add ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt to your dry ingredients to achieve a similar balance. Ensure your butter is melted as specified in the recipe for the best dough consistency.
- Brown Sugar – I lean towards light brown sugar for these cookies, as it imparts a lovely caramel note and contributes to their chewy texture. For an even deeper, richer molasses flavor, you can certainly substitute dark brown sugar. Just ensure it’s packed firmly when measuring.
- Large Egg – A crucial binder, your egg should always be at room temperature before incorporating it into the dough. This helps it emulsify more effectively with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform cookie dough and better overall texture in your baked goods.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Always opt for the good stuff! Pure vanilla extract is vital for its rich, complex flavor that enhances all the other ingredients. For an extra special touch, I even like to make my own vanilla extract at home!
- Shredded Coconut – For the most delightful sweetness and chew, I highly recommend using sweetened shredded coconut. If you choose to use unsweetened shredded coconut, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the dough to boost the sweetness slightly and maintain that perfect flavor balance.
- Chopped Pecans – You’ll need generously chopped pecans for this pecan coconut cookies recipe. Their buttery crunch adds an incredible textural contrast and rich flavor that is simply divine. For an even deeper, more intensified nutty flavor, you can toast both the pecan pieces and the shredded coconut ahead of time. Detailed toasting instructions are provided in the recipe card below!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Coconut Pecan Cookies
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving bakery-quality results for this easy coconut pecan cookies recipe. While not all are strictly necessary, these items will certainly streamline your baking process and enhance the outcome:
- A kitchen scale is invaluable for precisely measuring your flour by weight. This is the gold standard for baking accuracy and is key to achieving that perfectly chewy, gooey texture we all love in a cookie.
- An electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer) can make the creaming and mixing steps significantly easier and quicker, ensuring your ingredients are thoroughly combined and your dough is light and airy.
- An oven thermometer is a secret weapon for consistent baking. Ovens can often vary significantly from their set temperature, and an accurate thermometer will help you correct any disparities, ensuring your cookies bake perfectly every time without burning or being undercooked.
- Using a #40 cookie scoop is fantastic for portioning your cookie dough. It ensures that each cookie is the exact same size, leading to uniform baking and a professional look.
- You’ll need a large baking sheet. I personally recommend the Nordicware Baker’s Big Sheet Pan for ample space, ensuring proper air circulation around your cookies.
- To prevent sticking and promote even baking, line your baking sheet with either parchment paper or a Silpat ¾ sheet liner. These create a non-stick surface and make cleanup a breeze.
- Finally, a wire rack is essential for cooling your baked cookies. Transferring them off the hot baking sheet allows air to circulate around them, preventing them from becoming soggy and ensuring they cool evenly to their perfect texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chewy Coconut Pecan Cookies
Ready to bake the most delicious chewy coconut pecan cookies? This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. While the recipe card below contains full detailed instructions, here’s a simplified overview of the basic steps to guide you through the process:
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together your melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This forms the rich, foundational base of your cookies. Next, whisk in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. This ensures an even texture and flavor throughout the dough.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps to aerate the flour, leading to a lighter cookie. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they are *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies.
Step 3: Mix in Inclusions and Chill. Gently fold in your chopped pecans and shredded coconut flakes until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing. Once everything is combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling is a critical step that helps the flavors meld, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and contributes to the perfect chewy texture.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake! Once your dough is sufficiently chilled and firm, preheat your oven. Using your cookie scoop, portion out even balls of cookie dough and place them about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging. Bake them in your preheated oven until their edges are beautifully golden brown, and the centers still look slightly soft. This indicates a perfectly chewy interior!
Hint: For perfectly round cookies that look like they came from a professional bakery, use a round cookie cutter or even a mug to gently scoot and shape the edges of your baked cookies immediately after you remove the batch from the oven. This quick trick smooths out any irregular shapes while the cookies are still warm and pliable.
What are Cowboy Cookies? A Delicious Variation!
If you’re wondering about cowboy cookies, they are a beloved classic that takes the traditional chocolate chip cookie to an exciting new level with a bounty of additional textures and flavors! Typically, cowboy cookies feature rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, along with the standard chocolate chips, resulting in a heartier, more complex, and utterly satisfying treat. They’re known for their robust flavor and incredible chewiness, often being a favorite for those who love a cookie with ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ in it.
You can easily transform these already fantastic coconut pecan cookies into a batch of delicious cowboy cookies with a few simple additions. To adapt this recipe, simply incorporate about ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark work wonderfully!) and replace ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with rolled oats. The oats add another layer of chewy texture and a wholesome flavor that complements the coconut and pecans beautifully. Or, for another fun twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, you might enjoy my Chocolate Filled Cookies!
Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations
This easy coconut pecan cookies recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or personal taste preferences. Here are some popular substitutions and exciting variations:
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking to make these cookies dairy-free, it’s quite simple! You can substitute the traditional butter with a high-quality vegan or dairy-free butter alternative. Additionally, if you decide to incorporate chocolate (perhaps for a “cowboy cookie” variation), ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks. For more guidance on dairy-free baking, check out my Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe!
- Egg-Free Option: For those avoiding eggs, this recipe can still be enjoyed! I often recommend using Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer, which is a convenient and effective substitute for eggs in many baking applications. Another excellent option is to make a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens, then adding it in place of the egg.
- Cowboy Cookies: As mentioned above, transforming these into hearty cowboy cookies is a fantastic idea! Simply add about ½ cup of chocolate chips and swap out ½ cup of the all-purpose flour for rolled oats. This addition creates an even richer texture and flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying. And if you’re a big fan of M&Ms, you absolutely must try my Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies for another colorful and fun cookie experience!
- Nut-Free Version: If you or someone you’re baking for has a nut allergy, you can easily omit the pecans and increase the amount of shredded coconut, or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds (ensure they’re certified nut-free if severe allergy is a concern) for a similar crunch.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices! A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice could add another layer of autumnal warmth to these delicious treats, especially during the fall or holiday season.
Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness
Ensuring your delicious coconut pecan cookies remain fresh and enjoyable is easy with these simple storage guidelines. This recipe is designed to keep well, allowing you to savor your homemade treats for days to come:
At room temperature, these coconut pecan cookies will maintain their soft and chewy texture and delightful flavor for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out. Place them on your counter or in a pantry, away from direct sunlight or heat.
For longer-term storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. When properly wrapped, they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, freshly baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Pecan Cookies
Each of these delightful coconut pecan cookies contains approximately 156 calories. You can find the full nutritional information, including detailed macros, in the recipe card provided below.
Flat cookies are a common baking frustration! This can happen for a couple of reasons. You might have inadvertently under-measured your flour, or perhaps you didn’t allow your cookie dough to chill in the refrigerator for the full recommended hour. Chilling is crucial as it solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too quickly in the oven.
If your cookies turn out too thick or fail to spread during baking, the most common culprit is over-measuring your flour. As always, for the best results, be sure to measure your flour correctly, preferably by weight with a kitchen scale instead of volume (a measuring cup). Too much flour results in a dry, dense dough that won’t spread properly. If your dough feels dry and crumbly, or your cookies are consistently too thick, this is likely the reason! For more detailed troubleshooting, see my guide on How to Fix Dry Crumbly Cookie Dough.
If you’re a true cookie connoisseur and loved these coconut pecan treats, you’ll definitely want to explore more of my favorites! I highly recommend my Samoas Cookie Pie for a delightful twist on a classic, my unique Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies for an adventurous flavor, and for a crowd-pleasing favorite, try my Crumbl Sugar Cookies Recipe! And for all the Biscoff lovers out there, you will absolutely adore my rich and fudgy Biscoff Brownies!
Top Baking Tip for Enhanced Flavor!
For an absolutely unforgettable depth of flavor in these incredible cookies, take the extra step to toast your shredded coconut and chopped pecans before adding them to the dough! Toasting brings out their natural sweetness and nuttiness, adding a rich, caramelized dimension that simply can’t be achieved otherwise. It’s a small step that yields significant flavor rewards. You’ll find detailed instructions for how to perfectly toast both the coconut and pecans conveniently included below in the recipe card!
More Irresistible Recipes to Explore
If you’re looking for other delightful recipes that share similar comforting flavors or textures, be sure to try these fantastic options:
- Coconut Oatmeal Cookies with Macadamias and White Chocolate Chunks
- Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies
- Confetti Cheesecake Bar Recipe
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
If you try this incredible recipe, I would absolutely love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! Your feedback is so wonderful to hear and truly helps our community of bakers. And don’t forget to share your delicious creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram! Happy baking!
📖 Recipe
Best Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe – Soft and Chewy!
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Equipment you may need
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¾ sheet baking pan
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silicone baking mat
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parchment paper
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measuring cups and spoons
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mixing bowls
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whisk
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rubber spatula
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hand mixer
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food scale
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cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar – packed
- ½ cup salted butter – melted
- 1 large egg – room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour – measured by weight or fluffed using the spoon-and-level method
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut – toasted, preferably (see note)
- ¾ cup chopped pecans – toasted, preferably (see note)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.1 cup light brown sugar, ½ cup salted butter
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Add in egg and vanilla and whisk until smooth.1 large egg, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Sift in flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in until just combined.1 ¼ cup all purpose flour, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon baking soda
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Fold in coconut and pecans until just combined. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least one hour.1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, ¾ cup chopped pecans
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When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375℉ and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking liner.
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Using a small cookie scoop, scoop dough balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or golden brown around the edges.
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Let cookies cool 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
