Tropical Paradise Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Sweet meets tropical in these delectable pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies that capture the essence of island flavor.

Soft, buttery cookie dough provides the perfect canvas for a burst of fruity goodness.

Crumbly edges and a golden center make these treats irresistibly tempting.

Shredded coconut adds a delightful texture that complements the rich, sweet filling.

Each bite transports you to a sun-drenched paradise with its vibrant blend of tropical ingredients.

Simple to prepare and even easier to devour, these cookies promise to become a standout dessert at any gathering.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 25

Needed Items For Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with reliable baking performance.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve crisp cookie edges.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like flavor complexity.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy foundation with smooth blending capability.
• Egg Yolk: Enriches dough with luxurious richness and binding properties.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance and brings out sweet nuances.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the cookie profile.

• Shredded Coconut: Offers tropical crunch and delightful textural contrast.
• Egg White: Creates sticky surface for coconut adherence and golden browning.

• Pineapple Jam: Delivers vibrant tropical sweetness with tangy brightness.

Gear You’ll Want For Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining butter, sugars, and other ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugars to light, fluffy consistency.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheet: Needed for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
• Whisk: Used for lightly beating egg white.
• Spoon or thumb: Creates indentations in cookie dough.

How To Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• Whip Up the Dough

Grab your mixing bowl and blend butter with sugars until they’re cloud-like and dreamy. Toss in egg yolk and vanilla, stirring until everything hugs together nicely. Slowly fold in flour and salt, creating a soft, tender dough. Pop the mixture in the fridge for a quick 30-minute chill.

• Craft Cookie Spheres

Heat your oven to a toasty 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into adorable little balls. Dunk each ball in whisked egg white, then roll generously in shredded coconut for a tropical jacket. Place these coconut-kissed spheres on the sheet, leaving room to breathe.

• Create Cozy Centers

Gently press a thumb or spoon into each cookie’s heart, making a sweet little pocket. Bake for 10 minutes, then re-press the centers to deepen those lovely divots. Dollop pineapple jam into each indentation. Return to the oven for another 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and coconut looks perfectly toasted.

• Serve with Sunshine

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, these tropical treats are ready to transport you to Hawaiian paradise with every delightful bite.

Tips And Variations For Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• Baking Brilliance: Tricks to Perfect Your Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
• Dough Chill Technique: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Coconut Coating Pro Tip: Press shredded coconut gently onto the dough balls to ensure a complete and even coverage for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Jam Selection Magic: Use high-quality pineapple jam or homemade preserves for an authentic Hawaiian flavor burst that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Vegan Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose plant-based coconut shreds to create a completely dairy-free and vegan version of these delightful cookies.

How To Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• Tropical Party Platter: Arrange these golden-edged cookies on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes for a stunning Hawaiian-inspired dessert presentation.
• Summer Gathering Treat: Serve these cookies alongside fruity cocktails or mocktails during backyard barbecues, creating a delightful tropical dessert experience that matches the festive mood.
• Tea Time Delight: Pair these sweet coconut cookies with light green tea or passion fruit iced tea, offering a complementary flavor profile that highlights the pineapple and coconut notes.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with raffia or tropical-themed ribbons, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends who love unique, flavorful treats.

How To Store Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• Chilled Protection: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate coconut coating.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual cookies or entire batches in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen cookies remain delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking, storing it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. This technique allows flexible baking schedules and enhances flavor development.
• Quick Refresh Technique: Revive slightly hardened cookies by warming them in the oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes, restoring their soft texture and releasing the delightful coconut aroma.

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful Hawaiian pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies blend tropical flavors in a sweet treat. Buttery shortbread nestles tangy pineapple jam, inviting bakers to savor island-inspired comfort with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (55 g) light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup pineapple jam (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for extra zing)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Incorporate egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until uniformly combined.
2. Dough Development: Fold in flour and salt, creating a cohesive dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and stabilize texture.
3. Preheating and Shaping: Warm oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheet with parchment. Form dough into uniform tablespoon-sized spheres.
4. Coating Process: Dip each dough ball into egg white, then roll generously in shredded coconut to create a crisp, textured exterior.
5. Initial Baking: Arrange coconut-coated spheres on baking sheet with ample spacing. Create a central indentation using thumb or utensil.
6. Jam Filling: Bake for 10 minutes, briefly remove to reinforce indentations, then carefully place a dollop of pineapple jam in each cookie’s center.
7. Final Baking and Cooling: Return to oven for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and coconut reaches a toasted perfection. Transfer to cooling rack, allowing cookies to set and develop full flavor profile.

Notes

• Manage Coconut Coating: Ensure coconut is evenly distributed and gently pressed into cookie dough for consistent texture and complete coverage.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating dough prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain perfect shape during baking, creating more structured results.
• Control Jam Application: Add pineapple jam sparingly to prevent overflow and maintain clean, attractive cookie appearance during final baking stage.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and consistent cookie texture, particularly with butter and egg components.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg