Name: The Best Coconut Pecan Cookies (Nutty And Chewy) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup organic coconut sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons coconut milk; 1.5 cups chopped pecans (additional for garnish); 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 65 reviews

If you’re craving a cookie that’s bursting with texture, flavor, and a hint of tropical charm, look no further than The Best Coconut Pecan Cookies (Nutty And Chewy) Recipe. These cookies perfectly balance the richness of toasted pecans with the sweet, chewy bite of coconut flakes, creating a delightful treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a show-stopping addition to your holiday cookie platter, this recipe delivers a wonderful combination of nutty crunch and chewy softness that’s truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds nine small bowls and a white plate arranged in a loose circle, each with different baking ingredients. On the white plate near the bottom right, two thick sticks of pale yellow butter are lined up side by side. To the left of the butter, a small white bowl contains fine white powder, and nearby there's a tiny bowl with a small quantity of white granulated salt. Above the butter, a large white bowl is filled with white flour with a smooth, slightly uneven top. Near the center, a bowl with a blue and white striped rim holds light brown packed brown sugar, clumped slightly. To the left of this, a fish-shaped bowl contains two brown eggs with smooth shells. Above the eggs, a dark blue bowl shows a pile of medium brown pecan halves with a wrinkled texture. To the right of the pecans, a gray bowl is filled with soft, finely shredded white coconut. At the bottom in front of the brown sugar bowl, a small clear bowl contains a small amount of white liquid cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the foundation of this recipe’s success. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s adding moisture, contributing natural sweetness, or delivering that chewy, nutty texture you’ll love.

1 cup unsalted butter: Provides rich creaminess and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving structure and tenderness.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
1 cup organic coconut sugar: Adds a subtle caramel undertone and deep sweetness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and spread perfectly.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
2 teaspoons coconut milk: Adds moisture and intensifies coconut flavor.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Keeps the cookies tender and soft.
1.5 cups chopped pecans: Gives that signature nutty crunch essential to this recipe.
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes: For chewy texture and tropical sweetness in every bite.

How to Make The Best Coconut Pecan Cookies (Nutty And Chewy) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by ensuring your butter is softened to room temperature—this is key to a smooth, well-incorporated dough and even baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Creating this warm setup ensures each cookie has the perfect texture and golden edges.

Step 2: Mix Together the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, coconut sugar, and baking soda. This combination of dry ingredients not only sets the stage for your cookie dough but balances the sweetness and adds just the right amount of lift. Set aside so you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Eggs, and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat your softened unsalted butter with the eggs and coconut sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming step is where the magic begins, creating a tender base that melts in your mouth. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl to keep everything evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Carefully

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed. This gentle folding prevents the flour from overworking, which keeps your cookies tender instead of dry. The dough will start coming together, thickening just right for shaping.

Step 5: Fold in Coconut Flakes and Pecans

Now comes the star pairing—fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until every bite will be loaded with chewy, nutty goodness. This step makes these cookies truly special and delivers the signature flavor and texture fans adore in The Best Coconut Pecan Cookies (Nutty And Chewy) Recipe.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, form dough balls and place them at least two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Around 10 minutes in, press a few pecan pieces on top of each cookie for a beautiful, rustic garnish. To maintain a chewy center, watch closely and avoid overbaking—the edges should be golden and the centers slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your cookies rest on the baking sheets for about five minutes. This allows them to solidify gently before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma alone will have you eager to taste one (or two!). Enjoy the warm, nutty, chewy delight that makes The Best Coconut Pecan Cookies (Nutty And Chewy) Recipe so special.

How to Serve The Best Coconut Pecan Cookies (Nutty And Chewy) Recipe

A single round cookie with a soft, slightly crumbly texture sits on a white marbled surface. The cookie is light golden brown in color with small white bits mixed inside, showing a chewy texture. On the top, three whole pecan halves with rich brown color are pressed into the cookie evenly, giving a contrasting texture and a nutty look. The edges of the cookie are gently rounded and slightly darker, suggesting it is freshly baked. The overall look is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar on top elevates the presentation and adds subtle texture contrast. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or caramel also pairs beautifully, giving a little extra indulgence without overpowering the natural nutty sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch or dessert spread, pair them with fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream to balance the rich and chewy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a rustic wooden tray or stack them with parchment paper between layers for gifting. For parties, consider sandwiching a dollop of cream cheese frosting or coconut cream between two cookies for a delightful twist on a classic treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their chewy texture and nutty flavor for up to a week, perfect for sharing or nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored frozen for up to three months without losing their rich, nutty goodness.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, gently reheat your cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their soft, chewy texture and aromatic coconut and pecan flavors like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute the coconut sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown sugar makes a great substitute, providing a similar rich sweetness. Keep in mind that coconut sugar adds a unique caramel note that complements the nuts and coconut beautifully, so the flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make sure my cookies stay chewy?

The key is not to overbake. Remove the cookies as soon as the edges turn golden but the centers are still a bit soft. Also, ingredients like cornstarch and coconut milk help keep that chewy, tender texture.

Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes if you prefer less sweetness or want to control the sugar content. You might want to slightly increase the coconut sugar or add a touch of honey to balance the flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, swapping in a gluten-free flour blend can work well; just make sure it’s suitable for baking to maintain the texture and structure.

Can I toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch, which many people love in this recipe. Just be sure to let them cool before folding into the dough to avoid melting the butter prematurely.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving The Best Coconut Pecan Cookies (Nutty And Chewy) Recipe a try if you love cookies that combine irresistible textures and warm, nutty flavors. These cookies are a true crowd-pleaser that feel both nostalgic and a little exotic thanks to the coconut. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, I promise once you taste these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking rotation.