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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