Tropical Paradise Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Sweet pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies spark joy with their tropical fusion of flavors.

Soft, buttery cookies promise a delightful culinary adventure for dessert lovers.

Bakers adore how these treats blend tangy fruit with rich, nutty undertones.

Each golden-edged cookie becomes a canvas for vibrant, sunny ingredients.

Crumbly textures and unexpected flavor combinations make these thumbprints irresistibly unique.

Crisp edges give way to a luscious, jammy center that melts in your mouth.

These cookies refine ordinary baking into a delectable escape from everyday routines.

Why Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Taste Like Vacation

• Tropical Flavor Burst: Indulge in a delightful combination of sweet pineapple and rich coconut that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach paradise.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a perfect blend of crispy coconut edges, soft cookie center, and gooey pineapple preserve filling that creates an exciting mouthfeel.
• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delicious cookies in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies as a crowd-pleasing dessert for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or a delightful sweet snack that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft wheat flour for classic cookie texture and structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create golden cookie edges.
• Unsalted Vegan Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates tender, soft cookie crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Egg (or Flaxseed): Helps bind ingredients and provides moisture to the dough.
• Coconut Extract: Intensifies tropical coconut flavor throughout the cookies.

• Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds texture, crunch, and classic coconut profile.
• Pineapple Preserves: Creates a bright, tangy filling with tropical fruit flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Provides fresh, citrusy aroma and complements pineapple.
• Lemon Juice: Adds subtle acidity and helps balance the sweet preserves.

Baking Pineapple Coconut Cookies with Jammy Centers

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light butter massage.

Step 2: Create Zesty Preserve Blend

In a small bowl, mix pineapple preserves with lemon zest and juice. Let the flavors mingle and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Moisture Mixture

Whip up an egg mixture by combining egg and water. For plant-based bakers, blend ground flaxseed with water and let it thicken for a few minutes.

Step 4: Toast Coconut Coating

Spread shredded coconut in a separate bowl, ready for cookie rolling action.

Step 5: Craft Cookie Dough

Using an electric mixer, blend cold vegan butter, sugar, and salt until smooth. Splash in coconut extract for tropical vibes. Gradually mix in flour until dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Tropical Treats

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll each ball through egg mixture, then coat generously in coconut.

Step 7: Create Fruity Centers

Gently press your thumb into each coconut-covered ball. Fill the little wells with pineapple preserve mixture.

Step 8: Chill and Prepare

Pop the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer 12 cookies at a time to the baking sheet. Bake for 17-19 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Store

Let cookies rest on the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, store in an airtight container.

Tips for Texture in Thumbprint Cookies

• Chill for Crispness: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies' perfect texture.
• Press Gently: When creating thumbprints, use a gentle touch to avoid cracking the cookie base, ensuring a smooth and beautiful indentation.
• Toast Coconut Carefully: Lightly toast the coconut before coating to enhance its nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cookie's taste.
• Preserve Precision: Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the thumbprints with pineapple preserves, preventing overflow and maintaining a clean appearance.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool entirely on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain the perfect crisp exterior.

Keeping Pineapple Coconut Cookies Crisp and Moist

• Refrigeration: Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness and revive coconut's golden edges. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.

What to Sip with Thumbprint Cookies

• Pair with Tropical Beverage Bliss: Serve these delightful pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies alongside a chilled glass of passion fruit iced tea or a refreshing piña colada mocktail for an instant tropical escape.
• Complement with Creamy Contrast: Balance the sweet and tangy cookies with a smooth vanilla bean ice cream or a light coconut yogurt, creating a delectable dessert experience that highlights the cookie's tropical flavors.
• Match with Morning Coffee Delight: Enjoy these cookies during a leisurely breakfast or afternoon break with a rich Colombian coffee or a smooth Hawaiian Kona blend, which will enhance the cookie's coconut and pineapple notes.
• Create a Tropical Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies with fresh pineapple chunks, toasted macadamia nuts, and a small scoop of mango sorbet for a stunning and flavorful tropical dessert presentation that celebrates island-inspired tastes.

New Flavor Combos for These Island-Inspired Cookies

• Tropical Paradise Cookies: Replace pineapple preserves with mango jam, adding a vibrant yellow color and sweet fruity flavor that transports taste buds to a sunny beach.
• Nutty Coconut Adventure: Incorporate chopped macadamia nuts into the coconut coating for extra crunch and a rich, buttery undertone that complements the tropical profile.
• Rum-Infused Island Style: Mix a small amount of rum extract into the preserves for an adult-friendly version that captures authentic Caribbean culinary spirit without overwhelming sweetness.
• Spiced Coconut Dream: Blend ground cardamom or ginger into the cookie dough, creating a warm, aromatic dimension that enhances the coconut's natural richness and complexity.

Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Tropical pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies bring island paradise to your dessert plate. Buttery shortbread meets sweet-tart pineapple filling, nestled in toasted coconut for a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (284g/10 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups (150g/5.3 ounces) shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup (226g/8 ounces) unsalted vegan butter, cold and diced into small cubes
• ⅔ cup (140g/4.9 ounces) granulated sugar

Binders and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 large egg mixed with 1 ½ teaspoons water (for vegan version: use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
• 1 tablespoon real coconut extract

Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (160g/5.6 ounces) pineapple preserves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft a smooth mixture of pineapple preserves with bright lemon zest and juice, setting it aside for later use.
2. Whisk egg and water together thoroughly, or prepare a vegan alternative by blending ground flaxseed with water until it thickens.
3. Spread shredded coconut in a shallow dish, ready for coating the cookie dough.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream cold vegan butter with granulated sugar and salt until smooth and well incorporated.
5. Infuse the dough with coconut extract, then gradually fold in all-purpose flour until a cohesive mixture forms.
6. Portion the dough into small, uniform balls using a tablespoon measure.
7. Delicately roll each dough ball first through the egg wash, then generously coat with shredded coconut, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
8. Arrange coconut-covered dough balls on clean plates, creating a gentle thumbprint indentation in the center of each.
9. Carefully fill each cookie’s center with a dollop of the prepared pineapple preserves mixture.
10. Chill the formed cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
11. Transfer a dozen cookies at a time to a prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
12. Bake in a preheated oven until the coconut edges turn a golden, appetizing brown, approximately 17-19 minutes.
13. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
14. Continue baking remaining cookies in batches, maintaining consistent temperature and technique.
15. Once fully cooled, preserve the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.

Notes

• Preparing these cookies becomes a delightful journey through texture and taste, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet tropical treat.
• Chilling the dough before baking ensures crisp edges and prevents spreading, locking in the delicate coconut coating and preserving the perfect cookie shape.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg