Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful tropical treat combining a buttery crust rolled in sweet shredded coconut and filled with luscious pineapple jam. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they come together in just 30 minutes and bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coating and Filling:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup pineapple jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures a tender, airy cookie base.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing gently until the dough forms and holds together without being crumbly.
- Form Dough Balls and Coat: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the sweetened shredded coconut, coating the exterior evenly for a tropical texture and flavor.
- Shape and Fill Cookies: Place the coconut-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball, creating a well for the jam.
- Add Pineapple Jam: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of pineapple jam or preserves, distributing the jam evenly among the cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating the cookies are perfectly cooked.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks. This step helps them set and makes them easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- You can substitute pineapple jam with other tropical jams like mango or passion fruit for variation.
- For a gluten-free option, use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies can also be frozen before baking for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
Keywords: Hawaiian cookies, pineapple jam cookies, coconut thumbprint cookies, tropical cookies, easy cookie recipe, quick dessert
