Name: Coconut Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups chopped pecans; 1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut

Golden, chewy, and packed with flavor, these Coconut Pecan Cookies are the sweet treat you didn’t know you needed. With the toasty richness of pecans and the tropical sweetness of coconut, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and soft center that cookie dreams are made of.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or just craving a cozy kitchen moment, this recipe brings together simplicity and indulgence in the best way. The combination of nutty pecans with flakes of sweet coconut makes these cookies truly unforgettable—and definitely hard to stop at just one.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin baking your Coconut Pecan Cookies, it’s helpful to have your tools prepped and ready:

Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for the wet ingredients and a smaller one for dry. Keeping them separate until blending ensures even mixing.
Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step affects the final cookie texture.
Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps bake the cookies evenly.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: For portioning uniform cookie sizes that bake evenly.
Wire Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

With your gear ready and ingredients measured, you’ll be surprised how easily these cookies come together for a quick baking win.

Ingredients for the Coconut Pecan Cookies

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture. Room temperature butter is key for proper creaming.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with light browning.

Brown Sugar: Provides depth of flavor and a chewy consistency thanks to its molasses content.
Large Eggs: Act as a binder and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with warmth and balance.

All-Purpose Flour: The structure-building base of the cookies.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Chopped Pecans: Bring a nutty crunch and warm, buttery flavor.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds chewy texture and tropical sweetness in every bite.

How To Make the Coconut Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric or stand mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and creates the base for a soft cookie.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that cozy, rich flavor foundation.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 4: Fold in the Pecans and Coconut

Using a spatula or mixer on low speed, gently fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut. The dough will be thick and chunky—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.

How to Serve and Store Coconut Pecan Cookies

These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. Enjoy them warm out of the oven with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. Their rich, nutty flavor also makes them a beautiful addition to dessert platters for holidays or potlucks.

If you want to dress them up, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

To store, allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the cookies extra chewy?

Using more brown sugar than white sugar and slightly underbaking the cookies will result in a chewier texture. Also, don’t overmix the dough.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, but note that the overall sweetness of the cookie will be reduced. You may want to add a tablespoon or two of extra sugar to compensate.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Can I toast the pecans and coconut before adding them?

Absolutely! Toasting enhances their flavor and brings out a deeper nuttiness. Just make sure they cool completely before mixing into the dough.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if your butter was too soft or if the dough was not chilled. If needed, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes! Just make sure to mix in stages so the dough incorporates evenly. You may need to bake in multiple batches depending on oven size.

If these Coconut Pecan Cookies made your day, you’ll love exploring these other irresistible treats from the blog:

Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth buttery classic.
Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe if you’re craving a rich, fudgy bite with ease.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruit-filled cookie-like dessert.

Apple Enchiladas – A Sweet and Comforting Treat for those cozy dessert vibes.
Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake to keep the tropical flavor train going.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Let me know in the comments how your batch turned out! Did you go classic or try something fun like chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel?

I always enjoy hearing how others make these cookies their own. Feel free to ask questions too—we’re all learning and baking together!

Coconut Pecan Cookies

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies

Print Recipe

Description

These Coconut Pecan Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with nutty richness and tropical sweetness. Perfect for holiday baking or everyday indulgence, they’re quick to make and even easier to love.