Tropical Island Bliss: Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories of tropical breezes dance through my kitchen whenever I bake these hawaiian pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies.

Sunshine practically radiates from each golden morsel packed with island-inspired flavors.

Crisp coconut edges peek out around a glistening jewel of fruity preserve nestled in the center.

Delicate and buttery, these cookies whisper stories of relaxed afternoons and gentle ocean waves.

Crumbly texture melts deliciously on your tongue, transporting you to a serene beach landscape.

Unexpected bursts of tangy pineapple surprise and delight with each delectable bite.

Bake these little gems and watch smiles bloom across hungry faces.

What Makes Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cookies Shine

• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Pineapple and coconut combine to transport your taste buds to a sunny Hawaiian paradise, offering a delightful twist on traditional thumbprint cookies.
• Minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients mean you can whip up these delicious treats in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings or family dessert nights.
• These cookies shine at summer parties, potlucks, beach-themed events, or as a sweet afternoon snack that brings a touch of tropical warmth to any moment.

What You’ll Need for Pineapple Coconut Cookies

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides tender texture and deep flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and add depth to cookie structure.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the cookie, creates soft and delicate texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens overall flavor profile.

• Pineapple Jam: Tropical, tangy fruit filling that provides sweet-tart center for thumbprint cookies.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture, nutty flavor, and complements pineapple's sweetness.

Making Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cookies at Home

Step 1: Whip Creamy Butter Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whirl together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, airy mixture. Introduce egg yolk and vanilla extract, blending until everything harmonizes smoothly.

Step 2: Develop Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Stir until the ingredients create a tender, soft dough. Wrap the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for a cool 30-minute relaxation period.

Step 3: Prepare Cookie Landscape

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 4: Shape Tropical Delights

Roll the chilled dough into small, even spheres. Place them on prepared baking sheets with gentle spacing.

Step 5: Create Tropical Indentations

Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a cozy center dimple in each cookie ball.

Step 6: Fill with Sunshine

Spoon pineapple preserves and sprinkle shredded coconut into each cookie’s center pocket.

Step 7: Bake Golden Treasures

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a lovely golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Celebrate

Remove cookies from the oven. Let them rest on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.

Cookie Tips for a Tropical Touch

• Chill Dough Smartly: Refrigerate the cookie dough for exactly 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect texture during baking.
• Create Perfect Indentations: Use the back of a small measuring spoon or your thumb to gently press centers, making uniform wells for pineapple filling.
• Prevent Filling Overflow: Let cookies cool slightly before adding pineapple jam to maintain clean, structured cookie shapes and prevent runny centers.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Swap pineapple jam with other tropical preserves like mango or passion fruit for unique twist on the classic Hawaiian-inspired cookie.
• Store with Care: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Storage Tips for Pineapple Coconut Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, keeping them flat. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, ensuring they regain their soft, crumbly consistency.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their fresh-baked warmth and crisp edges.

Pair Pineapple Coconut Cookies with These Sips

• Pair these sweet cookies with a refreshing piña colada, echoing the pineapple and coconut flavors in the dessert while adding a creamy, rum-infused kick.
• Serve alongside a light, fragrant green tea or jasmine tea to complement the cookies' sweetness and provide a delicate palate cleanser.
• Match with a scoop of coconut or vanilla bean ice cream, creating a luxurious dessert experience that enhances the tropical notes of the thumbprint cookies.
• Select a chilled moscato or sweet riesling wine to bring out the subtle fruit undertones and provide a harmonious flavor balance with the cookie's richness.

Flavor Variations for Tropical Thumbprint Cookies

• Gluten-Free Paradise: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the tropical essence of the original recipe.
• Vegan Tropical Treat: Replace butter with coconut oil and egg yolk with a flax egg, ensuring plant-based eaters can enjoy these sweet, island-inspired cookies.
• Low-Sugar Coconut Dream: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugars, reducing calories while keeping the rich, tropical flavor profile intact.
• Nutty Island Crunch: Incorporate chopped macadamia nuts into the dough for an extra layer of Hawaiian-inspired texture and nutty complexity.

Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Hawaiian pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies blend tropical paradise with classic cookie comfort. Buttery shortbread meets tangy pineapple preserves, creating a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Sugars and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• ½ cup pineapple jam (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for extra zing)
• 1 egg white (for coating)

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Instructions

1. Whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a cloud-like, airy texture, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
2. Introduce egg yolk and vanilla extract, gently blending until the mixture becomes uniformly incorporated and glossy.
3. Sift flour and salt into the buttery mixture, folding carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a delicate, tender cookie consistency.
4. Wrap the nascent dough in plastic film, allowing it to rest and chill in the refrigerator, which helps solidify the fats and intensify the flavor profile.
5. Preheat the oven, creating an ideal baking environment with consistent warmth for perfect cookie transformation.
6. Shape chilled dough into compact spheres, arranging them methodically on a parchment-lined baking sheet with precise spacing.
7. Using a thumb or rounded utensil, craft gentle indentations in each cookie’s center, forming perfect receptacles for the tropical filling.
8. Spoon vibrant pineapple preserves and toasted coconut flakes into the cookie’s carefully crafted wells, ensuring even distribution.
9. Transfer the adorned cookies into the preheated oven, allowing them to bake until edges turn a delicate golden brown and surfaces become lightly crisp.
10. Remove from oven and permit cookies to cool on the baking sheet momentarily before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling and flavor melding.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator for a more stable and structured cookie texture.
• Create consistent cookie sizes by using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform thumbprint indentations.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising the cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg