Sunny Paradise Tropical Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies dance with tropical pineapple coconut thumbprint cookie flavors that transport you to a sun-drenched paradise.

Delicate shortbread mingles with sweet, tangy fruit preserves in each delightful bite.

The golden edges promise a crisp exterior giving way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.

Coconut flakes add subtle texture and a hint of island warmth to these irresistible treats.

Bakers seeking a vacation on a plate will adore these simple yet sophisticated cookies.

Every morsel promises a mini escape from ordinary desserts.

These thumbprint gems are ready to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

Bake Cookies That Combine Tropical Flavors

• Whip Creamy Base

Grab softened butter and blend with white and brown sugars until they transform into a dreamy, cloud-like mixture. Splash in egg yolk and vanilla, stirring until everything melds beautifully.

• Shape Delightful Dough

Gently fold flour and salt into the buttery blend, creating a tender dough. Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for a quick 30-minute chill.

• Craft Cookie Canvas

Roll small dough balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create gentle indentations in each cookie’s center.

• Fill with Tropical Treasure

Spoon luscious pineapple jam and sprinkle shredded coconut into each cookie’s cozy dimple, ensuring every bite bursts with island-inspired flavor.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into a preheated oven and bake until edges turn a delicate golden brown. The aroma of sweet coconut and caramelized pineapple will dance through your kitchen.

• Cool and Savor

Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool and set. These tropical treats are ready to melt in your mouth, offering a little slice of Hawaiian paradise.

Tips That Balance Tart and Sweet

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create a firmer texture during baking.
• Use the back of a rounded measuring spoon or your thumb to create uniform indentations in the cookies, ensuring even filling and a professional look.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves like mango, passion fruit, or guava for a unique twist on the classic pineapple filling.
• Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, or freeze the unbaked cookies for up to 2 months for convenient baking.

Serve with a Dusting of Sugar or Glaze

• Tropical Tasting Party: Serve these cookies on a festive platter decorated with fresh pineapple slices and toasted coconut shavings for a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired presentation.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Complement the cookies with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a chilled tropical fruit smoothie to enhance the exotic flavor profile.
• Coffee Break Delight: Enjoy these thumbprint cookies alongside a warm cup of macadamia nut coffee or a light chai tea to balance the sweet and rich cookie texture.
• Gifting Gourmet Style: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a bright tropical ribbon, making them a delightful homemade treat for friends and family gatherings.

Store in a Cool Container

• Refrigerate dough for 30-45 minutes to help cookies maintain shape and prevent spreading during baking, ensuring perfect thumbprint indentations.
• Store cooled cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking for fresh, homemade treats anytime.
• Prepare cookie dough and thumbprint indentations 1-2 days before baking, keeping covered in refrigerator. Fill with pineapple coconut filling just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

• How do I prevent the thumbprint from collapsing during baking?

After creating the thumbprint, chill the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before adding the filling. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

• What if I don't have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white granulated sugar, though the cookies might have slightly less depth of flavor and moisture.

• Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to meld. It also makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

Pineapple Thumbprint Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential framework for the cookie's texture and holds everything together.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds deep, rich undertones.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Delivers sweetness with brown sugar offering a subtle caramel-like depth.
• Egg Yolk: Binds ingredients, adds richness, and creates a tender cookie crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic essence that complements tropical flavors.

• Pineapple Preserves: Brings vibrant, tangy sweetness that transports you to Hawaiian beaches.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and authentic island-inspired crunch.

Tools That Help You Shape and Fill Thumbprints

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars to light, fluffy perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and preparing cookie dough.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for arranging and baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Whisk or Spatula: Great for mixing dry ingredients and scraping down bowl sides.
• Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes and thumbprint indentations.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy on the bottom.

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies blend tropical flavors in a sweet, crumbly treat. Coconut-crusted cookies filled with tangy pineapple jam offer you a delicious taste of island paradise.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (55 g) light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup (120 ml) pineapple jam (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 egg white (for coating)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for extra zing)

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a light, fluffy consistency that forms a smooth foundational dough.
2. Enriching: Blend egg yolk and vanilla extract into the mixture, creating a glossy, uniform incorporation that enhances the cookie’s depth of flavor.
3. Forming Dough: Delicately fold sifted flour and salt into the buttery mixture, ensuring minimal handling to preserve a tender texture.
4. Chilling Preparation: Encase the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and fats to solidify for optimal cookie structure.
5. Shaping and Filling: Roll chilled dough into uniform spheres, creating gentle thumb indentations and filling each with a vibrant blend of pineapple preserves and toasted coconut flakes.
6. Baking Transformation: Position cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until edges turn golden brown and surfaces develop a delicate crisp texture.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack, enabling complete cooling and flavor development.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Control: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal cookie texture and creaming consistency.
• Chill Dough Technique: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
• Gentle Thumbprint Method: Create uniform indentations with light, consistent pressure to maintain cookie structural integrity.
• Coconut Toasting Trick: Lightly toast coconut flakes beforehand to intensify nutty flavor and add depth to the cookie’s overall taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg