Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies Recipe

Sweet & Nutty Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies Recipe

Baking a batch of chocolate pecan coconut cookies will transport you to a world of sweet, nutty bliss.

Crisp edges meet soft centers in this delightful treat that promises pure comfort.

Pecans add a delicate crunch while shredded coconut weaves tropical whispers through each morsel.

Dark chocolate chips melt into golden dough, creating pockets of rich indulgence.

Nostalgic yet sophisticated, these cookies strike a perfect balance between classic and creative.

A simple mixing bowl and minimal ingredients stand between you and dessert magic.

One bite promises to become your new favorite afternoon companion.

Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies: Crunchy Joy

  • Quicken Prep: Super simple recipe with minimal ingredients and basic mixing steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Texture Triumph: Delivers an irresistible combination of chewy coconut, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate in every single bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile treat suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, school events, or casual weekend baking with kids.
  • No-Fuss Technique: Requires only one bowl, basic kitchen tools, and straightforward instructions that even beginner bakers can master with confidence.

What’s Needed for Pecan Coconut Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Coconut Flakes: Sweetened shredded coconut that provides texture and tropical flavor to the cookies.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melty chocolate morsels that create delicious pockets of richness throughout the cookie.
  • Pecans: Chopped nuts that add a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the cookie.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy binding agent that holds the cookie ingredients together and adds sweetness.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that prevents cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
Optional Extras:
  • Water: Used to dampen fingers and prevent dough from sticking during cookie formation.

Bake Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set up your oven by preheating to 350F (175C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your delicious cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Coconut flakes
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped pecans

Gently mix these ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bind Mixture

Pour sweetened condensed milk over the dry ingredients.

Stir thoroughly, ensuring every morsel gets coated with the creamy liquid.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Cookies

Grab a cookie scoop or spoon to create uniform cookie shapes.

Softly flatten the tops of each cookie.

Keep a small bowl of water nearby to dampen your fingers, preventing sticky dough from clinging to your hands.

Step 5: Chill for Perfect Texture

Slide the cookie sheet into the refrigerator.

Let the dough rest and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

This step helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the chilled cookie sheet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for those gorgeous golden-brown edges on the coconut.

Step 7: Cool and Savor

Remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheet.

The result?

A chewy, chocolatey treat that’s irresistibly delicious.

  • Wet your fingers with water when forming cookie dough to avoid sticky hands and create smooth, even cookies.
  • Refrigerate the dough before baking to intensify the chocolate and pecan flavors and control cookie spread.
  • Look for golden brown edges on the coconut as the perfect indicator that your cookies are ready to remove from the oven.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and delicious taste.
  • Swap regular chocolate chips for gluten-free chocolate chips to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Gluten-Free Nutty Delight: Replace regular chocolate chips with gluten-free chocolate and swap wheat-based ingredients with almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Coconut Bliss: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Cookies: Use sugar-free chocolate chips, replace condensed milk with a sugar-free version, and add stevia for natural sweetness.
  • Tropical Nut Fusion: Incorporate macadamia nuts instead of pecans and add dried pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired cookie experience.

Serve Pecan Coconut Cookies Fresh

  • Tropical Dessert Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that enhances the rich, nutty flavors.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chai tea to complement the chocolate and pecan notes, creating a perfect mid-day indulgence.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic twine, making them an ideal homemade gift for friends and family who love sweet, nutty treats.
  • Coffee Break Delight: Place these cookies on a small plate next to an espresso or cappuccino for a sophisticated and satisfying snack that balances sweet and bold flavors.

Store Cookies for Crunchiness

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies on microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain chewy texture.
  • Preheat oven to 300F, place cookies on baking sheet, warm for 3-5 minutes. Restore crispy edges and soft center without drying out cookies.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe doesn’t include flour, making them naturally gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to ensure complete gluten-free status.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can swap chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a rich flavor.

  • What if I don't have pecans?

No problem! You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even skip nuts entirely. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges on the coconut. The cookies should look set but still slightly soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Print
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Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate pecan coconut cookies bring tropical island vibes to classic baking. Nutty, rich layers combine into a delectable treat you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 14 ounces (396 grams) sweetened coconut flakes
  • 2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup (40 grams) chopped pecans

Binding Ingredient:

  • 14 ounces (396 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Recommended Ingredients:

(None additional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution.
  2. Combine coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans in a large mixing bowl, creating a rich textural base.
  3. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly until the mixture becomes a cohesive, sticky dough.
  4. Dampen your fingers with water to prevent sticking, then use a scooper to shape the dough into uniform disc-like cookies, gently pressing the tops to flatten.
  5. Refrigerate the prepared cookie dough for 30-60 minutes, allowing the ingredients to set and minimize excessive spreading during baking.
  6. Transfer the chilled cookie discs to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure proper heat circulation.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges on the coconut that indicate perfect caramelization and doneness.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet, allowing them to firm up and develop a delightful chewy texture before serving.

Notes

  • Dampen hands with water when forming dough to prevent sticky residue and ensure smooth, even cookie shapes.
  • Refrigerate dough before baking to minimize spreading and create a denser, chewier cookie texture.
  • Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, maintaining rich flavor and consistent moisture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to preserve crispness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 22 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 6 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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