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Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

3.8 from 63 reviews

These Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies combine buttery, tender cookie dough with sweet pineapple jam and toasted coconut topping for a tropical-inspired treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Filling and Topping

  • 1/2 cup pineapple jam or preserves
  • 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, helping to bind the ingredients together.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
  5. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie for the filling.
  7. Fill Indentations: Spoon a small amount of pineapple jam into each indentation, ensuring the jam doesn’t overflow during baking.
  8. Add Topping: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with toasted shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown signifying they are cooked through.
  10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • If pineapple jam is unavailable, feel free to use any fruit preserves or jam such as apricot, raspberry, or strawberry for a different flavor twist.

Keywords: pineapple cookies, coconut cookies, thumbprint cookies, Hawaiian cookies, tropical cookies, easy cookie recipe