Tropical Paradise Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Sweet, buttery cookies with a tropical twist of pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies dance on the edge of indulgence.

Soft, crumbly shortbread mingles with vibrant fruity notes that transport you to sunny beach destinations.

These delightful treats combine classic cookie comfort with unexpected flavor combinations.

Toasted coconut adds a delicate crunch that perfectly complements the bright pineapple center.

Each bite promises a burst of sunshine and warmth in a single, delectable morsel.

Rich, golden-brown edges hint at the deliciousness waiting inside these charming little cookies.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary dessert that turns an ordinary afternoon into a tropical escape.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 17-19 minutes

Total Time: 47-49 minutes

Calories: 144 kcal

Servings: 25

What You’ll Need for Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• Pineapple Preserves: Bursting with tropical sweetness, choose a high-quality preserve with chunky fruit pieces for maximum flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that wake up the pineapple's natural tanginess and add complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a zesty punch that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall fruity profile.

• Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds delightful texture and tropical essence, select fresh and moist coconut flakes.
• Unsalted Vegan Butter: Creates a tender, rich cookie base with smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and creates a delicate, crumbly cookie texture.
• Salt: Elevates and balances all the sweet flavors in the cookie.
• Coconut Extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor, making each bite more vibrant and aromatic.

• Egg (or Flaxseed): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture, with a vegan alternative that works perfectly.

Baking Gear for Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

• Electric Stand Mixer: Essential for perfectly mixing dough with paddle attachment.
• Mixing Bowls: Small bowls needed for preserves, egg mixture, and coconut preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portioning.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending egg and water smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Rimmed sheet for even cookie baking.
• Parchment Paper: Optional but helpful for easy cleanup.
• Thumb or Small Spoon: Used for creating cookie indentations.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly after baking.

Step-by-Step Cookie Instructions

• Tropical Vibes

Gather all your baking tools and ingredients for a delightful cookie adventure that brings island flavors right to your kitchen.

• Coconut Coating Prep

Create a beautiful scene of shredded coconut waiting to embrace each cookie ball with its sweet, tropical texture.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend soft butter with sugar, creating a creamy base that will hold the magical combination of pineapple and coconut.

• Cookie Shaping

Gently roll small dough balls, then lovingly cover them in a blanket of coconut, giving each cookie its own unique personality.

• Preserves Magic

Add a dollop of bright pineapple preserves right in the center of each cookie, creating a sunny surprise in every bite.

• Chilling Moment

Pop the cookies in the freezer for a quick chill, allowing the flavors to settle and the texture to become perfectly crisp.

• Golden Transformation

Bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible tropical aroma.

• Cooling Celebration

Let the cookies rest and cool completely, allowing their flavors to develop and their texture to become perfectly crisp and delightful.

Tropical Flavor Tips for Thumbprint Cookies

• Tropical Texture Tweak: Add crushed macadamia nuts to the coconut coating for an extra crunch and authentic Hawaiian flavor profile.
• Flavor Fusion Swap: Replace pineapple preserves with passion fruit or mango jam to create exciting tropical variations that dance on your taste buds.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a delightful gluten-free version that maintains the cookie's delicate texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough up to three days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked treats with minimal prep time.
• Storage Savvy Tip: These tropical treats stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them perfect for weekend baking and snacking throughout the week.

Serving Ideas for Pineapple Coconut Thumbprints

• Tropical Dessert Pairing: Serve these delightful cookies alongside a scoop of mango sorbet or coconut ice cream for a refreshing tropical twist that enhances the pineapple and coconut flavors.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these thumbprint cookies with a light green tea or passion fruit iced tea to complement their sweet and tangy profile, creating a perfect mid-afternoon treat.
• Gifting Elegant Touch: Package these cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a raffia ribbon for a charming homemade gift that showcases their golden coconut exterior and vibrant pineapple center.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful ceramic platter with fresh tropical fruits like sliced kiwi, starfruit, and mandarin oranges for a stunning brunch dessert presentation that celebrates island-inspired flavors.

Planning Ahead with Thumbprint Cookies

• Smart Storage Strategy: Keep cookies in an airtight glass container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cookies carefully in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats will stay fresh for 2-3 months, ready to enjoy anytime.
• Separation Technique: When stacking cookies in storage, insert small parchment paper sheets between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful coconut coating.
• Temperature Wisdom: Always let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which could make the delicate coconut crust soggy and compromise their delicious crunch.

Heavenly Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 47-49 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies blend sweet island flavors with delicate cookie textures. Crisp edges and rich coconut centers make these treats a delightful dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (226g/8 oz) unsalted vegan butter, cold and diced into small cubes
• 2 cups (284g/10 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups (150g/5.3 oz) shredded sweetened coconut
• ⅔ cup (140g/4.9 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (160g/5.6 oz) pineapple preserves
• 1 large egg mixed with 1 ½ tbsps water (for vegan version: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsps water)
• 1 tbsp real coconut extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Flavor Preparation: Create a vibrant pineapple preserve mixture by combining preserves with lemon zest and juice, set aside for later use.
2. Dough Composition: Cream cold vegan butter with granulated sugar and salt using an electric mixer, then infuse with coconut extract. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour to form a cohesive dough, blending until smooth.
3. Cookie Shaping: Portion the dough into uniform balls, then roll each through egg wash (or flaxseed mixture for vegan option) and generously coat with shredded coconut, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
4. Filling and Chilling: Create a gentle thumbprint in each coconut-coated dough ball, carefully filling the center with prepared pineapple preserve mixture. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm the dough.
5. Baking Process: Preheat the oven and transfer cookies to a baking sheet in batches, spacing evenly. Bake until coconut edges turn golden brown, approximately 17-19 minutes, rotating trays as needed for consistent browning.
6. Cooling and Storage: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Store in an airtight container to preserve their delicate texture and flavor.

Notes

• Egg Wash Alternative: Use ground flaxseed mixed with water for a vegan-friendly binding agent that creates a similar consistency to traditional egg wash.
• Butter Temperature Tip: Ensure vegan butter is cold when creaming to achieve the perfect cookie texture and prevent spread during baking.
• Coconut Coating Technique: Press shredded coconut firmly onto dough balls to create a complete, even coverage that adheres during baking.
• Preserve Filling Trick: Create a gentle thumbprint in each cookie before adding pineapple preserves to prevent overflow and ensure a neat presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 17-19 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 144
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg